Frank L. Ciminelli

Throughout Western New York, the Ciminelli name has become synonymous with quality, integrity and outstanding service, thanks to the hard work of Frank L. Ciminelli.

After graduating in 1954 from the Erie County Technical Institute, Ciminelli started his own residential construction business, and in 1960 expanded into general contracting work, taking on commercial and industrial projects. The Frank L. Ciminelli Construction Company was a reality.

Over the next two decades, Ciminelli diversified his growing business and entered into construction management, project consulting and full-service real estate development. Ciminelli Development Company Inc. was created as a means to implement comprehensive management of the development process, from site selection through tenant occupancy.

In June 1990, after a three-year commitment, Ciminelli graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration's Owner/President Management Program. He then formed the current iteration of his company, Ciminelli Properties LLC, of which he is CEO, which was created to oversee the company's vast holdings in New York, Florida and Canada.

Two Ciminelli sons, Louis and Paul, are carrying on the tradition and the family reputation. The construction company, now known as LP Ciminelli, is run by Louis, and the development company, Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation, is led by Paul.

The Ciminelli Companies Inc. generously assist numerous organizations, including the UB Foundation, Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Junior Achievement, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, American Cancer Society and Boys' Town of Italy. Ciminelli is also personally active as a member of the UB Foundation Board of Trustees, UB's Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and the School of Management's Dean's Advisory Council.

He has been recognized numerous times for his achievements, with awards that include the School of Management's Niagara Frontier Executive of the Year Award, the Bishop's Medal in Support of Catholic Education, Medaille College's Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America's Service to Mankind Award.