Merchant has zeal to help through jobs, education

This man certainly deserves this award, he employs 540 people in his many locations. Immigrants are known for being entrepreneurial and this proves the theory. - - Donna Poisl

He is receiving a Passport to Prosperity Award for his contributions to society.

Written by JOANNE BOECKMAN

When Shahbaz Ahmed Merchant opens his 22nd Jimmy John’s franchise in Iowa next month, he’ll have about 540 Iowans working for him.

Creating jobs is a mission of Merchant, a Pakistan-born immigrant who is chairman and CEO for Merchant Investment Trust, a Des Moines-based corporation that owns and operates the restaurants in Iowa and five other states.

“The reason I grow the business is not for my own personal growth, or personal gain or personal richness,” Merchant said. “I don’t have to take all this pressure and stress, but I continue to do it because it gives me pleasure to do it for people.
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