Javier Cordero built his career the same way he built his life – through faith, discipline and a willingness to start over when the path demanded it.

Those qualities serve him as well as owner of Mount Dora Auto and Mount Dora Auto Sales, the thriving business he built through hard work, honesty and steady growth in a competitive field.

Javier, who was born in Puerto Rico, says one of the biggest turning points in his life was moving to a new state where he didn’t know the language or a single soul. Instead of being overcome by fear, he focused on what he could control and worked until he found his footing.

“Moving to a new region of the county where I didn’t know anything or anyone and making it happen was my biggest challenge,” he recalls.

He says he couldn’t have achieved his success without the help and support of the Matthews family, who own Prestige Ford in Mount Dora.

“They took a chance on me when I first arrived, even while I was improving my English and learning about the business,” he says. “I started in an entry-level position and now I own a company thanks to them.”

Jonathan Matthews is the godfather of Javier’s daughter Paula.

That experience shaped both his leadership and his daily mindset. Javier learned to stay focused on the goal, no matter how long the road might be.

Faith also played an equally important role. Javier points to accepting Jesus Christ as his savior as the moment that grounded him and set the direction for the rest of his life. Being saved strengthened his sense of purpose and influenced the way he leads at home and at work.

When people look back on his career, Javier hopes they remember his commitment.

“I hope they say he knew what the goal was from the beginning and he never stopped working,” he says.

Beyond business growth and long days at the shop, his motivation remains his children.

“I do it all for them,” he says. “They are my legacy and the future of the company, so I need to set the example.”