Page 31 - Classically Carolina 2018

DOWNTOWN

personally and professionally, then I would have to become As far as Cantey’s decision to be in Camden, it’s not all
the kind of person I would want to have leading me.” nostalgia, although the lower cost of living, plentiful
community amenities and a high quality of life make
Such an endeavor is always going to be a work in being in Camden something of a no-brainer. About half
progress. Nonetheless, for his part, not only is Cantey of his team lives here.
an avid reader and self-improvement enthusiast, he has
also incorporated that part of his personal journey into But for the business, the whole downtown Camden
the business. vibe is very good, too, he says. Downtown Camden is
obviously unique, charming and pleasant. His out-of-
“We are about building our people at Cantey,” he says. area employees look forward to coming to Camden every
“That’s the most important thing.” Monday. And not only do he and his employees enjoy
being in the center of things in town, within walking
Everyone undergoes regular training sessions, both distance to restaurants and shopping, but his customers
job- and life-related. Periodic gatherings also include seem to like it, too.
employee appreciation events and team-building
exercises. At least two days a month are devoted to “I can’t tell you how many people who come here
training sessions, and everyone has required books to comment on how much they like what we’ve done (with
read. the buildings) and how they wish they could do the same
wherever they are.”
“We’re very big on training here,” Cantey says. “We
work hard and we play hard. But at the end of the day, The city of Camden has also been very accommodating
we’re about promoting growth and setting our people up and willing to work with Cantey as he established and
for success. As a result, they are motivated, they take continues to grow his business.
ownership, and most of our people stay with us … we
have a very low turnover rate.” “The city has worked to help us in any way they could.
They seem to genuinely want to see businesses come
The CanteyCares Initiative serves as the umbrella name here and succeed.”
for the volunteer opportunities and community projects
in which the Cantey team is involved. CanteyCares Ultimately, he says, he would recommend setting up
focuses on Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Marine shop in Camden to anyone.
Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and Harvest Hope
Food Bank. “It’s a great place. The opportunities here are amazing.”

48 / CAMDEN~CLASSICALLY CAROLINA