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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MAY 5, 2025 31 SMALL BUSINESS WE E K INDUSTRY: Medical supplies distributor, manufacturer TOP EXECUTIVE: Rafey Zaheer, CEO HEADQUARTERS: Glastonbury ANNUAL REVENUE: $34 million EMPLOYEES: 80 WEBSITE: www.medzah.com Q&A talks with Rafey Zaheer, CEO of Medzah Industries. Medzah is a manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, including exam gloves, mobility aids, orthopedic soft goods and custom lab kits. The company focuses on producing and procuring high- quality products and has swiftly become a leader in the medical supplies industry, recognized for its commitment to innovative sourcing solutions, sustainability and community impact. Its customers include Hartford HealthCare, Boston Children's Hospital and Labcorp. The company has provided opportunities to underserved communities as a minority-owned business. Medzah also birthed a first-to- market biodegradable exam glove, used presently by Hartford Hospital. Category Winner MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR rrlawpc.com info@rrlawpc.com rrlawpc (860) 278-1150 We extend our deepest gratitude to all our esteemed clients. Whether it's your first year or your 75th year with us, we are truly honored that you continue to choose Reid & Riege for all your general business and transactional legal needs. We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our Reid & Riege friends, family, and dedicated staff for their unwavering support and tireless efforts. Our commitment to prioritizing our clients and providing exceptional service will always remain at the core of who we are and what we do. Thank you for being an integral part of our success. Business Services team pictured left to right: Colin T. Wrinn, Louis J. Donofrio, Amy B. de Lannoy, Meredith G. Remigino, Thomas R. Kasper, Natalie G. Carpenter, Cathryn A. Reynolds, Mark X. Ryan, Adam C. Rose How did you get into this business? What motivated you? I've always had a drive to help people in my community, and health care has always been my calling. Providing solutions, products and services to hospitals, doctors' offices and the general industry has a direct impact on helping better peoples' lives. I started my first company, DME Living Well, in 2010. It provides durable medical equipment services to 26 hospitals, including those owned by Trinity Health Of New England, Nuvance Health, Middlesex Health and Berkshire Health Systems. How has your business grown in the past year? Medzah has experienced rapid growth in the last year and has created dozens of well-paying jobs for Connecticut residents. This growth has been recognized by industry, including the Small Business Administration (2025 Manufacturer of the Year for Connecticut) and Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (2023 Supplier of the Year). What's a major challenge your business has overcome in the past year? Medzah's robust supply chain has been able to help partners navigate the impact of recent international tariffs by having a diverse supplier network, especially for exam gloves. What major strategic plans do you have in the next few years? Medzah has ambitious plans to continue developing additional product lines and expanding its footprint, including operations at our Dallas facility. Medzah is also closely monitoring the dynamic tariff environment and shifting supply chain sources. Community impact is very dear to Medzah, and later this year the Medzah Foundation will be launched to support community needs, especially children education. Medzah Industries Medzah Industries CEO Rafey Zaheer holding medical gloves in his Glastonbury headquarters. HBJ PHOTO | STEVE LASCHEVER