My name is Dean Cantave (last name pronounced kahn-taav) and I am a blogger, author, speaker, father, and a U.S. Navy veteran from Chicago. I’m also a gentleman with a very hefty opinion on life, career, and business and I have a message of uplift and empowerment that I want to share with the world. I don’t have a boatload of money but I’ve been blessed with a series of successes, both personally and professionally, a handsome son, good friends, and a supportive family that always pushes me to reach my goals.

MY STORY

First and foremost, I am a dedicated and fanatical father to my amazing son. Secondly, I am a man with traditional family values who also holds some contemporary thoughts on life in the world we live in today.

In May 2000, I started my tech career while serving in the U.S. Navy. My final deployment was in the Arabian Gulf in support of the ongoing war against terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was honorably discharged after six years of service and, among many accolades, was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal for exemplary performance.

The transition to the private sector was a huge adjustment for me. Being so young, I really didn’t know what to expect as I transitioned out of the military and back into the civilian sector. So in 2007, I found myself back in Chicago in my mother’s basement.

I have worked for some of the largest IT organizations including IBM, Aon Hewitt, Perot Systems, as well as several U.S. Government agencies such as the EPA, FBI, and Veterans Affairs. Over the years I have managed a wide range of projects for both private sector clients and government entities.

Between 2006 and 2010, I took a stab a network marketing. I met a guy that was a former U.S. Navy officer and he asked if I was keeping my options open to making more money. Of course at the age of 19 who would say no to that!? He was part of a company called Amway and I was completey sold! From that point forward I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur but I struggled throughout the years to see any success in that industry.

In a constant quest for improvement, I worked on a certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) as well as a D.B.A. (Doctor of Business Administration) candidate at Walden University. My doctoral studies focused on technology entrepreneurship and internet security but was soon cut short due to some personal losses as well as the passing of my mother in early 2015.

SO, WHY DID I START THIS BLOG?

Between all of the secular pursuits I’ve always been someone to motivate other people to be their best. I started a series of small quotes on social media called #CantaveTalk. These quotes were thoughts on life, success, happiness, and living on purpose. Most people took to my thoughts so much that I decided I would write 3 books, two of which are completed and in the process of being published. One of those books is a memoir about my successful transition from military to civilian life and my journey into the IT space. I also show people how they can use their story to help them start or grow their own business.

Like most entrepreneurs, experts, authors, bloggers, and career professionals I’ve found that the best way to serve the greater good in business is quite simple: Start with what you know! I started this blog and authored my books as a way to build a platform for leveraging everything I’ve learned in business and life and show you how using your expertise and your story can help you grow a business while at the same time aiding you along your path to finding your purpose.

Please download my free eBook to get a piece of my story and subscribe to my blog as I will be experimenting with blogging, online marketing, and publishing as well as sharing my epic failures as well as my successes!

I’m here to inspire and educate you and thank you for taking time to learn more about me!

To your success,

Dean