Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Carl J. Montante’s accomplishments in business and philanthropy have earned him a reputation as one of Buffalo’s most notable citizens. A passionate community leader, Mr. Montante is active in countless organizations and manages the majority of his and his family’s philanthropic contributions with little fanfare. Although the recipient of many noteworthy achievements, one of his proudest professional accomplishments has been the completion of Avant, a sixteen-level, mixed-use hotel, office, and condominium building which has quickly become one of the City of Buffalo’s crown jewels.
After earning a law degree and practicing as a member of the New York State Bar, he joined his family’s business and led its growth into automotive aftermarket distribution. As the business grew, a need for a larger warehouse arose, and it was then that Mr. Montante discovered a passion for real estate development. After managing the design and construction of several commercial buildings, he decided to pursue it full-time and founded Uniland Development Company in 1974. Since that time, Mr. Montante has managed the development of over 16 million square feet of commercial, institutional, and residential properties, making Uniland one of the largest developers and property owners in Western New York. As Executive Chairman of Uniland, he is responsible for the company’s overall commercial development and portfolio operations.
As strong as Mr. Montante’s belief in the pursuit of excellence is his steadfast responsibility for strengthening community. He dedicates much of his time and energy to nonprofit organizations in the Buffalo Niagara region, including D’Youville University, The Bishop’s Council of the Laity, Invest Buffalo Niagara, and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. He has served on the board of more than two dozen organizations, including KeyBank, The Buffalo Club, the Kissing Bridge Corporation, and the Western New York Graduate Medical Education consortium. He has served as chairman for the Catholic Health System, Canisius University, Canisius High School, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
For his efforts, Mr. Montante has received recognition from a variety of community organizations, including the Seymour H. Knox Humanitarian of the Year Award, Buffalo Business First’s Brick By Brick Lifetime Achievement Award, Canisius High School’s Distinguished Service Award, and the President’s Award from CREDA – The Commercial Real Estate Development Association (formerly NAIOP). He has also received the Bishop’s Medal from the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, WNY Philanthropist of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, an honorary degree and Distinguished Alumni award from Canisius University, and the City of Buffalo’s Buffalonian of the Year citation.
Mr. Montante is a graduate of Canisius High School and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Canisius University, and LLB and JD Degrees from the University at Buffalo School of Law.
