🎙️ On This Episode of the DanCan Show
Host Dan Cantillana welcomes his first-ever guest, Ethan—a driven leader, devoted husband, and one of Spokane’s top real estate agents. In this candid, inspiring episode, Ethan opens up about his life journey: from being adopted from South Korea, growing up in a faith-based family, and chasing athletic dreams, to eventually building a thriving career in real estate.

Ethan shares the pivotal moment he realized his identity was too wrapped up in sports—and how losing that passion led him to redefine his purpose. What follows is a story of hustle, humility, and taking intentional action.

Listeners get a front-row seat to Ethan’s evolution: from mowing greens and waiting tables to working at Dan’s insurance agency, and ultimately launching a successful real estate business. Dan and Ethan unpack the power of mentorship, the importance of honesty in sales, and why relationships are the most valuable asset in life and business.

Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring investor, or just trying to figure out your next move, this episode offers real-life wisdom, a few laughs, and a strong dose of encouragement to take action.

🔑 Highlights
DanCan Mission & Audience
Dan’s vision: lead biblically, take action, get results.
For husbands, fathers, business leaders—and anyone ready to grow.
Keep a journal close for insights you’ll want to remember.

Ethan’s Story

Adopted from South Korea at 7 months
Raised in Spokane in a strong Christian household
Built early identity on sports—football, wrestling, track
Dreamed of going pro but faced physical limits
Lost direction after quitting college football
Battled identity loss and worked multiple jobs

The Dan & Ethan Connection

Met while Ethan was working at a country club
Dan gave career advice and mentorship
Ethan followed up, read How to Win Friends and Influence People, and landed a job with Dan
Learned sales, faced rejection, and grew professionally

Jump to Real Estate

Pandemic shifted the business landscape
Inspired by personal real estate experience
Encouraged by a mentor to read The Millionaire Real Estate Agent
Joined Keller Williams for its collaborative, mentorship-driven culture

Keys to Ethan’s Success

Deep knowledge of Spokane’s market
Blunt but caring honesty with clients
Frugal mindset: treats client money like his own
Built business through networking and referrals
Focuses on both traditional clients and investors

Investor Insight & Partnerships

Enjoys the numbers-driven, no-fluff nature of working with investors
Active investor himself through Wave Capital
Partnership with Dan combines communication and negotiation strengths

Why People Hesitate to Invest

Time: Not doing the work to learn
Capital: Misunderstanding financial needs
Fear: Uncertainty and inaction

Advice for Beginners

Talk to multiple experts
Research thoroughly
Build a reliable network

📞 Want to connect with Ethan?
Call or text: 509-828-2783

💬 Drop your questions in the comments!
🌐 investwithdancan.com
🌐 wavecapitallending.com
🌐 dancanspokane.com
📺 Watch on YouTube

“Love well and do good.” – Dan

On today’s episode of The DanCan Show, host Dan Cantillana dives into what it really means to protect—not just as a business leader, but as a husband, father, and community member. Dan offers insights on building a healthy office culture, shaped by his multicultural background, professional journey, and biblical principles. He outlines nine steps for leaders to build consistency, foster communication, and support their teams. You'll hear stories about hiring for cultural fit, solving chronic lateness, and how simple acts like team lunches make a lasting impact. Whether you're leading a business or a family, Dan’s relatable advice—along with the “Law of 72” challenge—will inspire immediate action to protect those who rely on you. If you’re ready to lead with consistency, heart, and purpose, this episode is a must-listen.

1. Introduction to the Show
Overview of the DanCan Show mission: provide, protect, and promote
Audience: Husbands, fathers, business owners, leaders
Focus on living and leading biblically

2. Main Theme: Protecting Those You Lead
Why protection is a key leadership trait
The pastor and wolves story
Linking protection to culture-building

3. Personal Cultural Background
Dan’s upbringing: British mom, Chilean dad
Cultural contrasts: food, bedtimes, tea
Anthropology’s impact on leadership

4. Building a Healthy Office and Family Culture
Importance of being “consistently consistent”
Core steps for strong culture:

• Define values (“The DanCan Way”)
• Lead by example
• Hire for fit (“airport method”)
• Onboard intentionally
• Encourage communication
• Give recognition (e.g., Google reviews)
• Address toxicity
• Adapt to change
• Invest in team bonding (lunches, Founders Day)

5. Real-Life Implementation Stories
Insights from Dan’s insurance agency
Hiring for culture led to standout performers
Creating a place people want to work
Solving lateness with “pre day meetings” at 8:50am
Positive peer pressure strengthens culture

6. Translating Business Culture to Family Life
Lead at home with faith, worship, and presence
Build family culture with consistency
Weekly 1-on-1s and shared values

7. The Law of 72: Turning Insight into Action
Take 1–2 steps from the episode in 72 hours
Tips:

• Define values
• Create margin
• Plan small team/family investments
• Weekly discipleship or connection time

8. Conclusion and Call to Action
Encouragement to apply your Law of 72
Final words: “DanCan listeners love well and do good”

Timestamps:
00:00 — "Consistency is Key in Leadership"
05:02 — Tea Culture Clash: British vs. Chilean
06:35 — "Essential Leadership Steps"
11:11 — The Airport Method for Hiring
13:50 — Adapting and Team Building Tips
17:46 — Ambitious Job Seeker's Determination
21:01 — Punctuality and Team Accountability
25:38 — Weekly Engagement with Your Kids
26:25 — "Creating Private Office Culture"

Discussion Questions:

1. What does “consistently consistent” mean to you as a leader?
2. How did Dan’s multicultural upbringing shape his perspective?
3. Which of the nine steps stands out to you, and why?
4. What does “hunting wolves” look like in your life?
5. Have you seen cultural fit matter more than skills?
6. How can leaders foster value in teams of any size?
7. How would you use a “pre day meeting” in your context?
8. Share a time communication or toxicity was handled well/poorly.
9. What are creative, cost-effective ways to celebrate wins?
10. What’s one takeaway you’ll act on in 72 hours—and your first step?

Welcome to the DanCan Show, where host Dan Cantiana shares his passion for leading and living with purpose, grounded in Biblical Christian principles. In this episode, Dan asks: Can a book and a relationship change your life?

Dan explores the power of reading—beginning with the Bible as the ultimate guide for wisdom and leadership—and shares books that have shaped him: The Richest Man in Babylon, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, E Myth Revisited, and Atomic Habits. But at the center is his story of discovering The Power of Who by Bob Beaudine and how that book, along with a key relationship, transformed his life during the Great Recession.

This episode offers insight for husbands, fathers, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders, showing how reading and meaningful connections can help you provide, protect, and promote every area of life. Dan challenges listeners to act on what they’ve learned within 72 hours for lasting change.

Highlights:

✅ Show Purpose: Provide, protect, promote—rooted in Biblical faith.

✅ Why Leaders Read: “Leaders read and readers lead.” Dan points to the Bible as the foundation of wisdom, discipline, and prudent living (Proverbs, Colossians, John).

✅ Recommended Books:

• The Richest Man in Babylon: Timeless lessons on saving and investing.
• Rich Dad, Poor Dad: Encourages financial independence.
• E Myth Revisited: Importance of systems in business.
• Atomic Habits: Small changes lead to growth; helped Dan improve fitness.

✅ From Reading to Action: Wisdom only works if applied. Be a leader who acts, not just consumes.

✅ The Book & Relationship That Changed His Life:
During the Great Recession, Dan read The Power of Who, which taught him that you already know people who can help—you need clarity and connection. Acting on this, he reached out to his network and formed a key relationship with Kevin, a Geico agency owner, leading to a career pivot. Later, through another connection, he met Bob Beaudine himself.

✅ The Law of 72: Act on what you learn within 72 hours or lose momentum. Dan challenges listeners to write down one action step and do it today.

✅ Closing: Subscribe, share, and remember: “Love well and do good.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Have a book or relationship ever changed your life?
2. Which principle—provide, protect, promote—speaks most to you?
3. How has reading shaped your leadership?
4. What financial lesson do you wish you’d learned earlier?
5. What small habit made a big difference in your life?
6. How has your network helped you?
7. How do you turn knowledge into action?

Hey everyone, welcome back! In this inspiring episode of the Raising Private Money Podcast, episode 784, we dive into an incredible journey with Dan Cantillana. From being a fourth-grade teacher to becoming a successful real estate entrepreneur,

Dan shares how he raised $7.4 million in private money. Learn how he finds off-market deals and secures high returns for private lenders. With insightful stories and proven strategies, Dan shows that with the right mentorship and approach, anyone can succeed in the real estate game. Don't miss this chance to hear from a true expert!

During our conversation, Dan opened up about his incredible success in raising over $7.4 million in private money and completing 500 real estate transactions. Here are some key takeaways I'd love to share with you:

• Winning with Private Money: Dan exemplifies how building lasting relationships and offering double-digit returns can attract significant investments for real estate deals. He’s a testament to how creating value for others paves the way for mutual success. It's rewarding to see how he's applied the strategies from my book and our podcast to enhance his journey. 💼🤝
• Expert in Off-Market Property Acquisition: Dan has honed his skills in finding off-market deals through effective techniques like direct mail, networking with wholesalers, and leveraging search engine optimization. These strategies enable him to secure valuable properties at substantial discounts, proving that there's always a way to find deals outside the traditional listings. 🏡🔎
• Embracing Learning & Mentorship: Dan’s story highlights the impact of continuous learning and the importance of mentorship. His dedication to education—bolstered by my guidance and resources—drives his real estate success. It's fulfilling to see him not only absorb knowledge but also shape his journey with it. 📚🌟

Dan’s journey is a shining example of how passion, dedication, and the right strategi

00:00 "Raising Private Money Success Story"
06:22 From Teaching to Sales Success
07:23 Real Estate Investment Passion
12:13 Inspiration for Wealth and Community
14:20 "Investing Success Through Communication"
18:10 Real Estate Success with Off-Market Properties
23:18 Real Estate Acquisition Strategies
24:12 High Referral Marketing Strategy
29:11 Investing Experience with Double Digit Returns
31:07 "Download Jay Conner's Free Guide"