Ongweoweh’s story began over 45 years ago with a profound vision: Create a business that delivers exceptional value to customers while giving back to the community and honoring its Native American roots. Frank Bonamie, a member of the Cayuga Nation, founded the company in 1978, guided by a deep respect for people, the environment, and the principles of sustainability.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Respect
Frank’s vision for Ongweoweh was never just about business success. It was about building a company that respected all individuals, prioritized the well-being of employees and partners, and operated with integrity and accountability. From the outset, Frank sought to provide opportunities to underrepresented groups, support local communities, and encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
This commitment to community support continues today through initiatives like the Frank Bonamie Enrichment Scholarship, awarded annually to Indigenous students who pursue activities investing in Indigenous leadership and nation-building. Frank’s legacy of giving back serves as the foundation for Ongweoweh’s longstanding reputation as a company that does more than deliver quality products — it creates meaningful impact.
Innovation That Drives Excellence
Ongweoweh’s journey has been marked by forward-thinking innovations that set us apart in the supply chain and pallet management industry. Early on, we recognized the need for transparency and efficiency in supply chain operations. To address this, we developed NativeTrax, our proprietary software that provides clients with real-time data analytics and visibility into their pallet supply and recovery programs. By harnessing the power of data, NativeTrax revolutionized how companies manage costs, optimize logistics, and make informed decisions.
As customer needs evolved, so did our solutions. Ongweoweh expanded beyond pallets to offer a complete range of single-source procurement services, streamlining processes and serving as a one-stop solution for companies looking to simplify their supply chain operations. This ability to manage sourcing, logistics, and vendor relationships under one roof helped us become a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies across various industries.
Staying True to Our Values
Ongweoweh’s success is measured not only by the innovations we’ve developed but also by our adherence to core values: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Stewardship, and Accountability. We approach every decision with respect for people, communities, and the environment, holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of integrity. Our commitment to innovation drives us to continually seek new ways to support our clients and lessen our environmental footprint.
Sustainability, in particular, is at the heart of our operations. Ongweoweh has implemented a wide range of sustainable practices, from pallet recovery and recycling programs that minimize waste to partnering with companies that share our vision for a greener future. This dedication to sustainability has helped our clients achieve their own environmental goals while ensuring our business model is both profitable and responsible.
Looking Forward
Ongweoweh’s history is a testament to the power of vision, values, and innovation. As we look to the future, we remain committed to honoring Frank Bonamie’s legacy by finding new ways to drive value, empower communities, and contribute to a sustainable future. Because at Ongweoweh, we believe that doing good for people and the planet is the best path to lasting success.
Reach out to us to learn more about our history, our values, and how we can support your business with innovative, sustainable supply chain solutions.