Dave’s career in the automotive industry spans over 20 years and he is the founder of the Dave Cantin Group family of brands.
Dave consults on specific acquisitions for large public and private automobile groups. He is considered by many as one of the foremost experts in dealership valuations and exit strategies. Dave’s specialty is representing platform acquisitions, overseeing multiple dealerships within an individual deal.
In 2017, Dave closed the second-largest auto buy/sell in U.S. history; Prime Motor Group, consisting of over 30 dealerships. The largest deal of its kind ever done by a broker, it is the second-largest automotive acquisition behind Warren Buffett’s 2015 acquisition of the Van Tuyl Group which eventually became Berkshire Hathaway Automotive.
NJ BIZ recognized Dave in their 2014 edition of “40 under 40” him for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and his dedication to the community. Also in 2014, a founding member of KISS and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Peter Criss presented Dave with the Man of Courage Award for Philanthropy sponsored by the Beauty Foundation. He was recognized because of his courage to stand tall in the face of insurmountable adversity.
Beyond his business achievements, Dave also beat the odds to champion over his diagnosis of Leukemia in 2011. After 5 years of chemotherapy, Dave Cantin is now cancer-free.
Motivated by inspiring others and giving back. Dave has pledged extensive time and effort in the pursuit of finding a cure for childhood cancer. Through programs with his former dealership and external fundraising events he is unwavering in his commitment to funding pediatric cancer research. Dave has been a board member for several foundations including Hope & Heroes Columbia University Medical Center, Project Ladybug, and Hyundai Hope on Wheels, where he served as the Vice-Chairman. He has been instrumental in raising over 100 million dollars towards curing pediatric cancer.
Dave spends a great deal of time as a motivational speaker, appearing both in-person and virtual motivation presentations within and out of the automotive industry. In true Dave Cantin fashion, he donates all of his speaker fees to charity.
Cantin maintains homes in California and New York.