Third Generation in Family,
First Class in Leadership
Getting to Know Michael Cardone, III
WorldServe Board of Directors
With a name like Michael Cardone, III, you might be able to tell a few things about this man before you meet him. First, he’s third generation of a leader in his family. Specifically, he is part of the Cardone family, as in CARDONE Industries, Inc. of Philadelphia. If you know anything about remanufactured auto parts, you will know the name. CARDONE Industries is at the top of its class when it comes to remanufacturing. The company has 4600 employees operating 13 plants in the U.S., Europe, and Mexico, making CARDONE Industries a leading global supplier of automotive products for over 35 years.
For Michael Cardone, III – often abbreviated to MC3 – growing up around the family company was as much a lesson in ministry as it was in business. “I’ve grown up in an environment where from day one, it was clear that our business is our ministry,” Cardone said. “In the marketplace, we like to minister to people through our performance, our integrity, and the way we do business.”
Cardone has held several corporate positions, including director of world trade, marketing manager for the pumps division, and manager of marketing development and project leader for a Mexico plant startup, among others. He now oversees financial matters as Corporate Controller.
In his role, Cardone makes Christian ministry a personal matter by adopting a servant-leadership approach. It is the same leadership model which guides the entire Cardone company. He said, “I feel that if you really want to show people Jesus, you lead the way he did. Jesus was the perfect example of a servant-leader. That’s how he managed in the Bible – leading through serving. This model is especially good for us in the workplace where laws affect what can and cannot be said. The example of a servant-leader speaks much louder than words.”
Cardone’s example continues beyond the Cardone Industries workplace. In 1998, he began to get involved with WorldServe International on a trip to Ethiopia. Along with John Bongiorno of WorldServe and Bob Pagett of Assist International, Cardone helped install a cardiac care monitoring unit in a hospital in Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa. The project profoundly impacted Cardone, prompting him to return on a second trip to Africa. At this time, WorldServe began to focus on clean water initiatives and Cardone joined the board to help carry the vision forward.
In addition to his role with WorldServe, Cardone also serves on the board of The Cardone Foundation. The foundation supports ministries throughout the Philadelphia area such as churches and battered women’s shelters. The family hopes these ministries are a great help in neighborhoods such as those where their factory families may live.
For businesspersons and others wanting to contribute toward economic development in poor communities, Cardone suggests giving both time and resources. “At WorldServe, we can use the wisdom of Christian business leaders,” Cardone said. “We need to make sure we have a large bank of business experience to draw upon and have people who offer their time by serving on the board. It’s a critical way to give the team insights and make things happen.”
“Also, as business-owners and successful business people, we have the means to help out with resources as well.”
His personal excitement with the process is evident. “To me, it’s been a real positive that WorldServe’s board and our management team can really get a handle on where God has given us opportunities, and then go for them. The ability of our leadership, especially John Bongiorno, to build networks and get to know the people God puts in our path at the right time is just amazing.”
Cardone resides in the Philadelphia area with his wife, Alexandra, and their two young sons, Max, 3 years, and Cortez, 10 months.
Questions or comments? Email info@worldserveintl.org.