At 81 years young, Diane Correia has no plans of slowing down. In fact, ask her why she is still working and her answer is simple:
“I’m having too much fun.”
Diane has spent decades building an extraordinary career in commercial real estate at a time when very few women were working in the industry. She began in residential real estate before making the move to commercial, where she found her passion. She went on to develop shopping centers, work on projects throughout the country, represent major retailers, own a commercial real estate company, and mentor others who have built successful careers of their own.
Today, Diane continues to put that experience to work helping shape the Town Center at River Islands in Lathrop. She is still negotiating deals, pursuing tenants, solving problems, learning new things and thinking about what communities will need ten years from now.
And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I don’t feel like this is a job, quite frankly,” Diane says. “Every day is something new and exciting. Why would I quit?”
That same passion for people and community brought Diane to the Success Capital Board of Directors in 2019. When asked what keeps her involved, her answer comes back to something at the heart of our mission: “I love helping people, and I love the stories.”
Her advice to entrepreneurs is equally straightforward: “Do your due diligence. Know what you’re doing. And then stay with it.” Persistence has been one of the defining characteristics of Diane’s career, and she jokingly describes it as one of her “flaws.”
But work is only one part of Diane’s very full life. She considers herself blessed with a wonderful family and many friends. She has two sons and five grandchildren, loves to travel, enjoys concerts and remains actively involved in her community, including more than 35 years with Rotary. Whether she is working on a new development, spending time with family and friends, traveling or heading out to a concert, Diane continues to embrace new experiences and live life to the fullest.
As a longtime Rotarian, Diane says she also tries to live by Rotary’s Four-Way Test:
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Those simple questions say a great deal about the way Diane approaches business, relationships and life – with integrity, fairness and a genuine interest in the people around her.
Perhaps the greatest lesson from Diane’s story has nothing to do with age or even commercial real estate. It is about finding work that keeps you curious, surrounding yourself with people you enjoy, continuing to learn, and making a difference along the way.
Maybe that’s what happens when you truly do what you love and love what you do.
We are proud to have Diane Correia as part of the Success Capital family and grateful for the experience, perspective and enthusiasm she continues to bring to our Board and the communities she serves.
