Diane Turton, president and broker/owner of Diane Turton, Realtors was recently named a finalist by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP for its Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 Awards in New Jersey.
"I am honored to be named a finalist for this incredibly prestigious award," said Turton. "From the time I was a teenager, I knew I would run my own real estate company. My business strategy, which remains unchanged after 20 years, is based on a handful of key components: providing extraordinary customer service, giving back to the community, innovative marketing, team motivation and individual recognition. Being recognized as a successful entrepreneur who followed her heart and pursued her dreams is so gratifying."
Turton's career in residential real estate began in 1966 when she was an undergraduate student at Rider University. She achieved remarkable success as a real estate agent in the 1970s and was recognized as one of the top five sales associates on the Jersey Shore. In 1986, Turton decided to become an entrepreneur by launching her own company, and in 1986 she opened her first Diane Turton, Realtors office in Bay Head, New Jersey.
The 37 finalists, representing 30 New Jersey companies, were selected by a panel of independent judges comprised of area leaders from business, academic and civic organizations. Winners will be announced at an awards banquet on June 23 at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, New Jersey. The state’s winners will be eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 National Program. Winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California in November 2005.
"Entrepreneurs are naturally innovative and motivated risk takers," added Keith Brownlie, partner and Entrepreneur of the Year New Jersey Program co-director with Ernst & Young LLP. "For nearly 20 years, Ernst & Young has held a special regard for these individuals who demonstrate an unparalleled ability to originate, grow and sustain a business--a regard that is demonstrated in the annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards. Diane certainly has these qualities, and we are pleased to acknowledge the entrepreneurial achievements of this business leader."