Always Connecting

Diane Turton’s first lessons in business came at age nine, when her father, a successful commercial real estate broker, enlisted her to help at his office and included her at the table in his contract negotiations. The experience was transformative. Ms. Turton went on to build one of the top independent luxury real estate firms on the East Coast, with 16 regional offices, 425 associates, and nearly $1 billion in sales in 2018.

But it wasn’t a smooth journey. Painfully shy and relentlessly bullied, Ms. Turton was the eldest of seven children, and her childhood was marked by upheaval. Her parents’ divorce disrupted her sense of stability and her father’s sudden, tragic death forced Diane to grow up quickly. The legacy he left her—self-reliance, persistence, and a love for people—became touchstones throughout her life and career.

By the time she graduated college, Diane had negotiated with car dealers, store owners, police officers, and real estate clients alike. She earned her real estate license at age nineteen, was the only woman in her college real estate classes, and launched her career with no capital, no safety net, and a willingness to learn by doing. From standing-room-only Tupperware parties to becoming one of New Jersey’s top real estate professionals, Diane blended discipline, creativity, and tenacity with a genuine enjoyment of the ride.

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Diane encountered resistance and occasional sabotage. She responded with ingenuity, developing innovative approaches to branding, service, and team culture that set her apart and laid the foundation for growth. Along the way, she appeared on NBC’s Today Show, shared stages with Zig Ziglar and Tom Hopkins, and became a nationally recognized speaker on entrepreneurship, sales, and values-based leadership. This is the story of a leader who built success by earning trust, developing people, and sustaining momentum over decades—and who was finally inspired to tell it after the largest Atlantic hurricane in history delivered a miraculous sign.

REVIEWS

This book is an easy read, part autobiography and part how to succeed in business. Diane’s story is inspirational, uplifting, and heartfelt. Diane’s philosophy of honesty, integrity, hard work and humor can be felt in every page. Read more…

Getting to know Diane through her story has been quite amazing! This book is a must read. Entrepreneurship is not an easy feat and Diane shares what has kept her going through all these years, connecting with people. Even while facing challenges, her candid and heartfelt sense of humor is felt in every page. Read more…

This book is a great read! It’s part auto biographical and part business book, which I loved. It’s a great story about Diane growing up at the Jersey Shore and becoming a business icon. Had me laughing off and on the whole way thru. Read more…

I can’t say enough good things about this story of a motivated and self-made woman through her journey to success! Read more…