UB MBA grad’s company tops inaugural Fast 46 list

UB named Buffalo Construction Consultants Inc. as the fastest-growing business owned or led by an alumnus or former student during the inaugural Fast 46 celebration on Sept. 30.

More than 300 organizations were nominated for the award; of the finalists, 20 were from Western New York, 25 were U.S. companies outside Western New York and four are located outside the U.S.

The mission of the Fast 46 competition, named in honor of UB’s founding in 1846, is to recognize successful businesses led or owned by UB alumni or former students. In addition to the 46 fastest-growing businesses, three new startup companies were selected as “3 Under 3” recipients — firms operating for 36 months or less.

“This competition was inspired by Buffalo’s economic resurgence, the strength of the business community and the entrepreneurs who have come out of UB,” said Cynthia Khoo-Robinson, associate vice president for alumni engagement and annual giving. “Fast 46 is a unique way for our successful business leaders to compete for a ranking among their peers.”

The Fast 46 verification firm, The Bonadio Group, analyzed three years of financial data provided by each company and determined the ranking. Based on that analysis, Buffalo Construction Consultants Inc., led by UB alumnus and former UB engineering faculty member Joseph Mannarino, was named the fastest-growing business as confirmed by revenue growth rates. The full-service construction management firm serves clients across Western New York and has earned new project awards in excess of $900 million over the past four years.

“It is very fulfilling for me to have our team recognized,” said Mannarino, PhD ’01, MBA ’90, BS ’88. “I’m a UB guy through and through, and the education I received helped pave the way for our company’s success. We’re honored to have been ranked No. 1 in the Fast 46 competition, and I congratulate the rest of the finalists for their tremendous success as well.”

Denise Neamon, partner in The Bonadio Group, called it “a pleasure” to partner with UB on this initiative. “We are honored to have served as the official verification firm of the competition,” she said. “On behalf of everyone at our firm, we congratulate the recipients on their success and wish them continued growth in the years to come.”

In addition to support from The Bonadio Group, Fast 46 was sponsored by Bank on Buffalo, KeyBank, HoganWillig and Lippes, Mathias.

More information about the Fast 46 competition, including a full list of finalists, may be found online.