Learn More - Build to Success

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Our Story

The “Interstate Companies”, founded in 1984 by Frank & Peter DiTommaso, have worked as a prime specialty contractor on some of the most high-profile projects in the tri-state area. Many of these projects, by contract, required significant MWBE participation. As such, with the limited availability of qualified MWBE specialty subcontractors to partner with, Interstate supplemented those requirements by participating in various mentor protégé programs.

Unfortunately, over the past 40 years, we have experienced limited progress produced by the existing mentor protégé programs. Something was missing. It was time to find a new approach. For the past several years, Interstate and the DiTommaso’s, have developed and implemented an internal mentor protégé program on its own accord. This comprehensive program proved to be a true success with the development of several MBE companies.

Now is the time to bring our proven, comprehensive mentor protégé program to the general public.

BUILD TO SUCCESS, a not-for-profit company.

Become a Mentor Become a Protégé

Frank DiTommaso
Board Chair & Founder

As Board Chair, Frank DiTommaso brings his vast network of potential mentors, donors, and sponsors to the organization in addition to his over three decades of experience in the construction industry. In 1986, he co-founded Interstate Drywall Corp, one of the largest specialty drywall contractors in the Northeast. Throughout the years, Frank has been instrumental in launching successful careers and businesses through ad hoc mentor-protégé relationships. This combination of work and mentor experience naturally led him to founding Build to Success.

Alan Lefkowitz
Board

Alan Lefkowitz is a CPA with over 40 years of financial reporting and audit experience, including many years with international public accounting firms and global banks, and over 20 years as the chief financial officer (CFO) of construction and real estate property management companies. Alan is the Managing Director of CFO Strategies LLC, a firm providing CFO’s, controllers, and accountants for hire on a permanent, but as-needed basis. He is currently providing CFO services to a number of industries but concentrates on the construction and non-profit industries.

Rohan Defreitas
Boardmember

An outstanding business professional with over 30 years of specialized construction management experience, Rohan Defreitas co-founded The Crescent Companies, comprised of Crescent Consulting, Crescent Energy and Crescent Building Services. This 100% minority-owned firm boasts expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the construction industry, dedicating efforts to bridging the divide between underrepresented firms and developers, construction managers, contractors, and city and state agencies. Rohan’s operations management of the companies insures new business development and the implementation and success of initiatives and programs, opening doors and positioning MWBE firms to participate on projects throughout the Tri-State area.