For Jose Feliciano, the transition from apprentice to entrepreneur was driven by a simple realization: he wanted the opportunity to lead the million-dollar projects that he was already building, but as a construction foreman. After years of working as a head foreman with Ironworkers Local 46 Metallic Lathers of New York City, Feliciano became his own boss with the launch of JNJ Rebar LLC in 2015. The Suffolk County-based company, also bearing the initials of Feliciano’s wife, daughter and son, specializes in the reinforcing concrete (“rebar” for short) that is critical to strengthening concrete structures. JNJ Rebar has since become a cornerstone of New York’s infrastructure projects.
From the Field to the Front Office
Before starting his business, Feliciano had quickly risen through the ranks of the union, becoming head foreman after only five years. Despite his success in the field, he saw a gap between his technical contributions and his professional growth opportunities. Encouraged by other entrepreneurs, he began researching how to start his own firm, including attending construction management classes. A major milestone for JNJ Rebar came in 2018 with a project at LaGuardia Airport, which solidified the business. Feliciano knew, however, that a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification would be important to long-term sustainability.
Navigating the Certification Path
Feliciano describes himself as a "success story" of the certification program, though the road required hard work and persistence. His initial New York City certification in 2016 was followed by state certification in 2019. He credits the team at Empire State Development’s MWBE Division for walking him through the application process and the documents needed for MWBE certification. Today, Feliciano pays that help forward by assisting other foremen in starting their own companies and encouraging them to keep their paperwork in order, emphasizing that business owners shouldn't have to pay high fees to navigate a process designed to help them.
Building New York’s Future
New York State MWBE Certification has been transformative for JNJ Rebar. "Expertise and connections would mean nothing without the certifications," Feliciano says. "I would not be able to get in the business without them."
Today, JNJ Rebar is a vital player in some of New York’s largest public works projects, including:
- JFK Airport: Performing bridgework for the ongoing modernization project.
- Van Wyck Expressway: Installing 6000 tons of rebar on critical highway infrastructure.
- MTA & PATH: Working on 26 stations for the MTA and substations for the PATH system in New Jersey.
Feliciano’s advice to others is the same that he received before he started his own business: work harder, work smarter, and take initiative. While the path wasn't easy, the support he received from mentors and the doors opened by MWBE certification have allowed JNJ Rebar to grow from a small startup into a thriving union enterprise that is strengthening the foundation of New York State.