In the competitive world of New York City construction, success stories like Bonanza Contracting don't happen overnight. This minority-owned business, founded by brothers Lateef and Cyril Belfor, represents the perfect blend of early hands-on experience, determination, and strategic partnership.
Humble Beginnings
The Bonanza story begins not with venture capital or elaborate business plans, but with two young boys following their architect father to job sites across New York City. These early experiences laid the foundation for what would eventually become a 100% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) capable of delivering projects across aviation, healthcare, museums, educational institutions, and high-end residential spaces.
Beyond Certification
While achieving MBE certification was a crucial milestone, Bonanza's leadership quickly learned an important lesson: certification gets you in the room, but your work keeps you there.
As Lateef Belfor puts it: "Certification opens the door, but it doesn't guarantee success. You have to consistently deliver results, exceed expectations, and prove your value time and time again."
The First Big Break
A modest project with the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) proved to be the turning point. That first successful job established credibility and opened numerous doors within the agency, eventually making DASNY one of Bonanza's most valued clients.
This journey from small initial opportunity to major client illustrates a critical industry reality that many construction firms must face: sometimes you need to start small to go big.
The Tough Leaf Advantage
One of Bonanza's most significant opportunities came through their partnership with Tough Leaf, which led to securing the Bronx Museum Project with Consigli Construction. This partnership provided more than just an introduction – Tough Leaf offered concrete support throughout the bidding and qualification process.
The timing couldn't have been better. Shortly after project kickoff, Consigli acquired Lendlease Construction, effectively doubling their size and positioning Bonanza with one of NYC's largest general contractors.
Want to discover the full Bonanza Contracting success story?
Our complete case study reveals:
- Detailed insights into navigating the MBE certification process
- How Bonanza adapted to the demanding standards of major projects
- The key partnerships that accelerated their growth
- Five practical takeaways for certified firms looking to grow
- Why relationships and consistent quality performance drive sustainable growth
Download the complete PDF to learn how certification, relationships, and consistent quality performance can drive sustainable growth for your construction business.