Bowa Celebrates 15 Years

Dear BOWA Family,

Fifteen years ago, I founded BOWA Construction at 28, driven by passion, determination, and an unrelenting work ethic. At the time, I was working full-time building a luxury retail store in D.C. While I loved the work, I was discouraged by the absence of diversity in the industry and the lack of mission and vision. I often daydreamed about the impact we could have in neighborhoods and communities starved of resources and development.

As the son of two immigrants, ambition, drive and wanting more is baked into my DNA, and I wanted more – not just for myself, but for people who look like me and for the communities that have been left behind for decades. I knew I had the skill set to make a difference.

So, with a newborn baby girl and the unwavering support of my wife, I left my corporate job, cashed in all my savings, and took a huge leap of faith. I knew the journey wouldn’t be easy and the barriers that existed (and still exist) in our industry would be difficult to overcome. But I also knew it would be worth it. And boy oh boy, has it been a journey.

Over these fifteen years, we have been busy! We have taken on hundreds of projects aimed at positively impacting residents' lives, provided employment for hundreds of hard-working, dedicated, talented individuals, and launched BOWA Gives, the nonprofit arm of our company dedicated to expanding our impact throughout communities. In the midst of all of that, we’ve also championed several “firsts.”

We were the first African American firm to serve as a prime contractor for a concessions AND major project at O’Hare International Airport, the first black-owned contractor to co-lead a high-rise project, and the first African American-owned firm in the nation to build a U.S. cargo facility. I’m most proud of these “firsts” because of what they symbolize – not just for BOWA, but for other African American-owned companies and the next generation of leaders who should experience fewer barriers, setting the stage for their success.

While I celebrate these “firsts” and their significance for the legacy of BOWA and other black-owned firms, I am very clear eyed that we didn’t achieve them on our own. The past fifteen years have taught me invaluable lessons. I’ve learned how to be a better leader and manager, how to run a growing and thriving business, and how to be resilient in the most challenging of times (including a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic). But most importantly, I’ve learned that there is nothing more powerful or important than your TEAM.

Our TEAM includes those in the ranks of BOWA leadership, our employees, partners, clients, community and civic leaders, mentors, advisors, family, and friends. These are the people who not only have helped us achieve these “firsts” but who have kept us grounded and focused on our mission and vision - the same mission that inspired me to start BOWA in the first place.

Together, we have achieved transformational change for our communities. We’ve developed neighborhoods, created jobs, and fostered opportunities for residents. We’ve proven that minority-owned firms not only deserve seats at the table but play a pivotal role in shaping the fabric of our city. When you are mission-focused, there is no limit to what can be achieved.

There is still so much more to be done. So while today I reflect on this milestone, celebrate our successes thus far, and most importantly, give thanks to the TEAM, tomorrow we pick back up and get to work.

Thank you for all you’ve done to support BOWA, to support me and to support our communities.

Here’s to The Encore!??

Nosa