Family enterprise Bon Tool Co. has been manufacturing professional construction tools for concrete applications since 1958. Over the past 65 years, the company has evolved into a global industry leader, thanks to strategic decision making and valuable relationships.
The Bongiovanni family sought to expand Bon Tool’s business operations into Mexico, Central America and South America. To find representation in Mexico, then President Carl Bongiovanni sought assistance from the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center International Trade Consultant Brent Rondon.
Brent had someone in mind—Hugo Lastra Martinez—whom he had met by chance during a Spanish mass service. Hugo and his family had traveled from Mexico to Pittsburgh, PA to seek critical medical care for their son’s rare heart condition. Recognizing Hugo’s background in construction and the tool industry, Brent believed Hugo would be an ideal fit for employment with Bon Tool, benefiting both the company and the Martinez family.
Consultant Brent acted as a translator, connecting Hugo to Carl and his son John Bongiovanni. The Bongiovannis brought Hugo on board to oversee Latin American marketing and sales. Beyond a professional collaboration, this decision provided crucial support for Hugo and his family during a challenging time.
Reflecting on his journey with the family business, John Bongiovanni, now third-generation owner, shares, “My father often included me on his business trips, both domestically and abroad, as we explored new opportunities for our company. These experiences set the stage for my eventual transition into a leadership role as VP of Sales. Tragically, my father’s unexpected passing thrust me into the position of President in 2017, where I assumed full control of steering the company into the future.”
Under John’s leadership, the relationship continued—despite visa constraints leading to Hugo’s initial return to Mexico—with Hugo working as an independent contractor. Bon Tool took steps to sponsor Hugo for a permanent work visa, setting plans to bring Hugo and his family back to Pittsburgh and solidifying Hugo’s role in the company’s Latin American expansion. Bon Tool also launched a website in Spanish to better serve Hispanic markets in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America. Additionally, Bon Tool was introduced to the GAP grant and met the Pennsylvania office official of Mexico City through the Bringing the World to PA program.
Bon Tool’s success lies in strategic decisions, dedication to fostering relationships and embracing a global perspective. The story of the Bongiovanni family and Hugo Martinez Lastra reflects the values of the company—navigating the complexities of international business with a pragmatic and compassionate approach.
(From Left) Edward Schick, U.S Small Business Administration; Hugo Martinez Lastra, Bon Tool Co.; John Bongiovanni, Bon Tool Co; Brent Rondon, University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center
Bon Tool’s exporting prowess recently culminated in prestigious recognition as the 2024 Pennsylvania Exporter of the Year and the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Region Exporter of the Year from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). “We are deeply honored to receive this esteemed recognition from the Small Business Administration,” said C. John Bongiovanni, President of Bon Tool Company. “This award underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering top-quality products and services to customers worldwide. It is a result of the hard work and dedication of our entire team. A special thanks to Brent Rondon and his team at the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence for nominating us.”