At the early age of 16, Nathan Benderson formed his first company, Bison Bottle Co., buying and reselling brewery bottles throughout
Buffalo, NY. The challenges that he and his family faced during the Depression left a lifelong impression of how tough things can be, and how important family is.
This not only provided a base for his business success, but instilled in him a lasting sensitivity for the less fortunate. In the fall of 1949, Nate purchased a bankrupt
brewery in order to take advantage of the excess inventory. The property was eventually redeveloped, marking his first real estate venture.
He later formed Benderson Development and through creativity, perseverance and hard work, he drove the growth of the business, creating one of the nation’s largest property
development enterprises. The company had a profound impact on the economic and social growth of Western New York, transforming entire areas of Buffalo and its suburbs with
new developments, thousands of new jobs, and many millions in new dollars of revenues to both business and government. A tireless and caring optimist, Nate took a prominent
role in community leadership, spearheading charitable activity that has affected, and continues to affect, the lives of the disadvantaged. His passion and energy remains legendary,
as he organized, persuaded, funded, led and drove forward many charitable causes, organizations and foundations, where he leaves his footprint for those in need in the future.
He later moved to Sarasota, Florida where he continued his charitable and community wide efforts, as well as property development. Out of the public eye, he took great personal interest
in the problems and challenges faced by many individuals with whom he came into contact with, providing help and counsel that changed many lives for the better. Continuing his charitable
efforts, one of his favorites, given his great love for animals was Nate’s Animal Honor Rescue, a unique and innovative approach to saving the lives of abandoned dogs and cats.
(http://www.nateshonoranimalrescue.org/) If he wasn’t working or riding his bike, he loved to be with his family. Nate worked alongside his children and grandchildren. Whether as a husband,
father, grandfather, businessman, partner, leader, advisor, or mentor, Nate Benderson had one of the world’s most engaging personalities. He was one of a kind.
Nathan Benderson passed away in 2012 at the age of 94.
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