Dave Cantin

Early life

Cantin was born David Scott Cantin on October 26, 1979 in Freehold Township, New Jersey. He is the youngest of three children.

Cantin attended Freehold Township High School, Class of 1997. As an impressionable youth, Cantin read the description of entrepreneur from the dictionary while working on a school project, which inspired him to challenge himself and make his dreams come true. His humble beginnings and journey through life represent the heart and soul of what true entrepreneurism is. He played high school sports and a major hobby growing up was boxing. At an early age, Cantin understood that with success comes sacrifice. He always dreamed of owning and operating his own business. Dave always said "act as if" He says from a young boy he always acted as if he was the boss.

Career

Fresh out of high school, Cantin went to work to work to give himself the financial security he never had as a child. By 19, he was earning $200,000 as a car salesman. The next year he was raking in $300,000 as one of the youngest finance managers in the industry. At 21, he was a General Manager leading 80 employees.

In 2006, Cantin went to the owner of the car dealership with a proposal to boost the monthly advertising budget from $20,000 to $150,000/month. If the plan failed, the dealership would fold and the 80 employees would be out of a job.

Instead, it turned Cantin into the joint owner of one of the largest car dealerships in the world. One that prospered even in the economic downturn and that built one of the largest indoor showrooms in 2013. Cantin lead the dealership with a monthly advertising budget of over $350,000/month and 180 employees. On any average month they would stock over 3,000 cars and sell 600/month. Cantin and co-owner sold the dealership in July 2015 and Cantin is now focusing on helping others - both in business and as an advocate fighting for a cure for pediatric cancers.

Cantin was recognized for having "more impact on the industry than any single individual or company in recent memory as an agent of change and retail consolidation" when automotive News Magazine named him their 2012 Newsmaker of the Year. In addition, NJ BIZ featured him in their 2014 edition of "40 under 40", and later that year, founding member of KISS and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Peter Criss presented him with the Man of Courage Award for Philanthropy.

Philanthropy

Diagnosed with Leukemia in 2011, his first reaction to the doctors was "90% of the cure is going to be my attitude and the other 10% will be your medicine, I have my 90% so you better have your 10%." After 5 years of chemotherapy, Cantin is now cancer free. Inspiring others and giving back is a huge part of his life. Cantin is a board member for several foundations including Hope & Heroes Columbia University Medical Center, Hyundai Hope on Wheels and Project Ladybug. Cantin has been instrumental in raising over 100 million dollars and counting towards curing pediatric cancer. Cantin says, He will fight the battle until one day no child ever has to hear "You have cancer."

Celebrity status

In 2015 Cantin began to spread the story of his success, speaking to universities and businesses across the country. He is also utilizing his ability on his daily radio show--"The Car Department" (http://www.hometownstation.com/tag/dave-cantin).

Personal life

Today Cantin enjoys living a bicoastal life, residing in both Manhattan, NYC and Malibu, California. His proudest accomplishment by far is being father to two amazing children. Olivia Rae and David James. With the tools and experience Cantin has established over the years, his vision is to continue to inspire others to overcome any obstacle and live their best life.