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Self-Made in America

Vision of Success Begins at an Early Age for Real Estate Icon

Diane Turton
Diane Turton, Realtors
Point Pleasant Beach - NJ

My father and grandfather introduced me to the real estate business. With big ambitions, a knack for self-promotion and confidence in my ability, I started selling homes on the Jersey Shore at 19. I was attending college and my sales commissions helped me support my mother and sisters.

Today, Diane Turton, Realtors has 23 sales offices in New Jersey, three in southeast Florida and operates a variety of divisions including commercial real estate and mortgage financing. In 2005, the firm's 500 sales people sold 3,000 homes and produced a total sales volume of 1.362 billion dollars, which is a seven percent increase in sales volume recorded in 2004.

From my first days as a rookie sales associate, I used my creativity, exuberance, chutzpah, non-stop energy and natural showmanship to develop innovative, yet shoestring, marketing campaigns. I became a local real estate icon.

In 1986, I walked away from the real estate agency I worked with since 1968. My partner and I opened Diane Turton, Realtors. The firm quickly prospered and expanded to four offices by 1988.

Behind the scenes the firm had serious internal flaws and the partnership fell apart. I bought out my partner in 1994.

When the dust settled, I realized that the company had piled up seven figures worth of debt. By working with bankers and using some creative financing, the company paid off its debt in 15 months.

With the firm back on track, I once again focused on the business strategy that contributed to my success--provide extraordinary customer service, give back to the community, use innovative marketing and provide training and recognition to motivate agents, managers and staff.

2006 is a milestone year. It marks my 40th year in the real estate business and my company is celebrating 20 years of success.

Comments that readers have made about this submission:

Congratulations. Success and obstacles seem to be intermingled. The beauty is in pushing through the obstacles to see/appreciate success. You have definitely accomplished this.
Camille Young - Jersey City, NJ
You are a very impressive person, but clearly a success, this is for people who just need a "nudge" to the next level
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