Joe Bonanno, and by proxy, the Bonanno family controlled a bunch of labor unions; more than a few Teamsters Locals, a Garment Union Local, and Barber & Beauty Culturist Union, etc. I'm sure there were others too. Granted the Bonanno clan never had much sway in labor unions as some of the other borgatas did, but thats ok. "Accommodations" are always made from one crew to another as desired or asked, especially back then.

But they were a power, maybe the top power, in the importation and wholesale distribution of heroin from France and Italy to North America (down through Canada) for many, many decades. A "multi-billion" dollar racket. That alone breaded his butter, and that of his top men!

They were also pervasive in Lower Manhattan, many parts of Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island, northern New Jersey, Florida, Upstate NY, Canada, in the Midwest, and out on the west coast. Not to mention back in Western Sicily, France, and South America.

Were they as "sophisticated" as some of the other NY families (Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese)? Definitely not IMO. But don't forget that they owned and controlled Grande Cheese Corp., the largest and most respected producer of mozzarella and ricotta cheese in the United States (to this very day). The Canadian based Saputo Ltd., another highly respected major cheese manufacturer was thought to be partly owned by Bonanno also.

And they're borgata were very feared and respected nonetheless as well.

And by virtue of his seat on the Commission, he was both "technically" and "officially" as powerful as any other boss. Each member only has 1 vote. (add in his compare Joe Profaci, Joe Zerilli, and Bonanno's cousin Steve Magaddino) and in many ways Bonanno was more powerful than other Commission members.