Our Team
Michael Cantor, Co-owner
In 1987, with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 4 years working in process and product development for a small manufacturing company, I joined one of the largest private real estate development companies in the country. I hit the ground running (and more specifically the mud!) in the field with a pair of work boots and a clipboard, and fell in love almost instantaneously with the construction business. I was fortunate to experience an 11 year stretch of intense exposure to all aspects of real estate development, including acquisition and approvals, financing, land development, building construction, and sales. During this period, I oversaw the construction of nearly 400 townhomes and 170 luxury homes at four northern New Jersey projects where homes currently sell from between $700,000 to $1.5 million each.
In 1999, along with two partners, I joined the newly established Pinnacle Companies. Focusing on unique opportunities and smaller, more custom oriented projects, we grew to be a highly respected, diversified real estate development firm. Within two years after joining Pinnacle, I founded and became president of a new division named Pinnacle Custom. Here I led a team of like-minded professionals in the design and development of one-of-a-kind residences located in some of the most affluent suburban areas of New Jersey. We catered to clients with high expectations for their homes who did not want to simply pull a plan from the shelf or be molded into a builder’s existing program. Through this work, I enhanced my skills in managing the construction of extremely complex, highly detailed residences that incorporated advanced materials, processes and systems. Several highlights of my career leading Pinnacle Custom include:
Four years ago, as the real-estate market experienced a drastic change, it was obvious to me that it was time to lay the foundation for utilizing my talents in yet an even more finely focused, entrepreneurial model. Though new construction and renovation projects were being shelved or scaled back substantially, I saw a continuing need that would only grow over time for a trusted, professional, client-focused builder. I shifted my focus to include renovation and expansion work with the same attention to detail and customer service that I had already provided to my custom home clients. Thus, CantorBuild was the next logical evolution of my business plan. In joining with Jim, we established a business that leverages our collective experience, skills and talents for the next stage of what I expect will be an ever growing demand for our brand of high value, high service construction services. When I am not building the home of my clients’ dreams, one of my three great passions in life, I am almost inevitably found enjoying some type of physical exercise with my wife and three children. Bike riding, hiking, skiing, and basketball are amongst my favorites, and all four make it possible for me to enjoy my third great passion in life, food! Never cooking, but always eating. Pizza and anything chocolate top the menu! |
Jim Judd, Co-owner
CantorBuild fulfills a life-long dream where my depth of business experience and love of construction are put to good use. I bring to our company an extensive background in business that includes aircraft sales in Alaska, corporate/technology lawyer, financial services industry executive and international business development leader. That translates into a keen focus on the numbers, moving forward with urgency and making sure I understand what is important to the client. From a practical standpoint, during this period I managed two major renovations, including a historic 1903 farm house.
Much of my work at CantorBuild is spent behind the scenes developing project budgets and proposals, mapping out project plans, and working with tradesmen and suppliers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods and services. In the field, I monitor the progression of work, stay in close touch with clients to help make sure expectations are met and can share my opinion (when asked, of course) on design choices and selections. I help us stay up-to-date with emerging materials and techniques, and also take care of our financial, legal and technology needs. I am an avid motorcyclist with a passion for long distance riding, know my way around the kitchen and am pretty handy with a digital camera.   |
Awards & Recognition
During his tenure as President of Pinnacle Custom, Michael’s work received outstanding industry recognition as the recipient for four consecutive years of the BEST CUSTOM HOME award by the New Jersey Builders Association.
If you are a fan of ABC Television’s, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, you may recognize Michael from a 2006 episode featuring a makeover of the Llanes family home in Bergenfield, New Jersey. Michael organized a team of over 1,000 tradesmen, suppliers and volunteers that in just 4.5 days completely demolished and rebuilt their home making it accessible for family members suffering vision and hearing impairments.
If you are a fan of ABC Television’s, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, you may recognize Michael from a 2006 episode featuring a makeover of the Llanes family home in Bergenfield, New Jersey. Michael organized a team of over 1,000 tradesmen, suppliers and volunteers that in just 4.5 days completely demolished and rebuilt their home making it accessible for family members suffering vision and hearing impairments.
Credentials and Memberships
- New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor Registration – NJHIC#: 13VH06789900
- New Jersey New Home Builder Registration – #045223
- Member - National Builders Association, NJ Builders Association, Builders & Remodelers Association of Northern New Jersey