The first thing you notice when you meet Manu Shah is the ever-present twinkle in his eyes — a spark of curiosity and joy that reflects his zest for life. At 80, his tech savvy rivals that of someone half his age. Rika Shah, his partner in life and business, instantly disarms with her warm smile. Together, they built a wildly successful global enterprise, all while upholding their ethos of fairness in business and prioritizing employee well-being.

A partnership of equals The journey began in the late 1960s when Manu, a young engineering student from India, arrived in the U.S. with $210 and a dream. He earned his master’s degree from Purdue University in less than a year, navigating language and cultural barriers with determination. After marrying Rika, a math and science teacher from Mumbai, the couple settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Manu and Rika started MSI in the basement of their home. Initially importing memory chips and integrated circuits, MSI’s future shifted dramatically in 1981 when the company secured the contract to supply black granite for the Vietnam War Memorial. Manu left his day job to pursue the business full time. Rika, balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, was MSI’s steady hand and visionary heart.

Today, MSI boasts nearly 3,000 employees in North America and close to 800 more in India. Still family owned and run by sons Rajesh and Rupesh Shah,  MSI sources materials from 37 countries, contributes to over 400,000 jobs globally and touches lives in homes and communities across the world.

Profit with purpose Manu and Rika’s story reads like a modern-day fairy tale — one that begins with grit, grows through grace and culminates in generosity. Their philanthropy spans education, health care, women’s empowerment and job creation.

 “We believe giving is a privilege, not an obligation,” shares Manu. “Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that true wealth lies in the positive change we create in the world. Philanthropy, for us, is about enabling hope, opportunity and dignity, especially for those who need it most.”

 After receiving care at Providence St. Jude Medical Center, Manu was deeply moved by what he called the “empathy, respect and personal attention” of the entire team. “We’ve experienced health care in many places over the years, but St. Jude was different,”  he says. “We felt safe, seen and genuinely cared for.”

The Shahs’ transformative gift to establish the Shah Happiness Center for Cardiovascular Health at Providence St. Jude Medical Center is a lasting testament to their commitment to ensuring everyone in the community has access to outstanding care. “This gift is an expression of gratitude,” says Rika. “After experiencing the care at St. Jude, we felt a deep urge to give back in a meaningful way. We wanted to help ensure that every family, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the same level of care that we experienced. There’s no better time than now to support those who care for others.” For the Shahs, philanthropy is not just about making a donation; it’s about making a difference. They hope their story encourages others to give in whatever way they can.