SampleFilter.php

// Build out the query based on the form filter request
$contractQuery = Contract::where('id', '>', '1'); // get all contracts

if($request->get('company') != '') {
  $contractQuery->where('mpb_company', $request->get('company'));
}

if($request->get('status') != '') {
  $contractQuery->where('status', $request->get('status'));
}

$results = $contractQuery->get();