Meet Sam Mercanti

Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. Leader.
A legacy built on resilience and compassion.
Born in Italy and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Sam Mercanti’s journey is one of grit, perseverance, and vision. Arriving in Canada at a young age, he faced the challenges of assimilation, language barriers, and racism. A high school dropout who struggled to find his footing, Sam defied the odds to become a pioneering force in the Canadian automotive industry. As the founder of CARSTAR Canada, he transformed a single repair shop into a national franchise, revolutionizing collision repair standards across the country. But his success wasn’t just measured in profits—it was rooted in purpose. Sam’s life is a testament to hard work, unwavering values, and giving back to the community. From supporting children in Haiti to raising millions for Cystic Fibrosis and launching Charity of Hope, his legacy is as generous as it is inspiring.