John J. Carona, Sr.
John Carona’s modest upbringing in East Dallas taught him the value of a dollar and an appreciation for the hard work it takes to earn it. A product of Dallas public schools, Carona attended The University of Texas, where he earned his bachelors degree in business, with dual majors in real estate and insurance. In 1979 Carona founded a small property management boutique in Dallas, providing limited services to apartments and condominiums.
Today, his company is known as Associa, the largest manager of community associations in North America. Associa currently employs more than 9,000 people in 175+ branch offices across the U.S., in Canada and Mexico, and now in Dubai and South Africa. Carona remains a hands-on CEO. In recognition of his innovation and success, Carona was honored with the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2014 for the Southwest Region. (For more information about Associa and Carona’s role in the company, please visit www.associaonline.com.)
As one of the founders of his industry, he is widely respected as an authority, innovator, and example of excellence. In 2013 Carona added “author” to his resume with the publication of his first book – In the Common Interest: Embracing the New American Community. He is currently working on his second industry book, which will explore the keys to excellence in customer service.
In addition to his real estate business, Carona has been involved in the banking industry. Most recently, as a shareholder and board member of First Associations Bank, Carona helped lead the successful sale of that bank to Pacific Premier Bank of Irvine, California, where he currently serves as a member of the board. In June 2015, Carona acquired First National Bank of Kemp, a family-owned bank since 1901.
Beyond business and entrepreneurship, Carona has long been passionate about service to others. He has held numerous advisory and board positions with a variety of civic organizations within the state, most recently being named to the board of Children’s Health System of Texas.
Also an accomplished legislator, Carona served five terms in the Texas Senate and three in the Texas House of Representatives. His statewide legislative leadership roles included serving as Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee and Chairman of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee. He is the author or chief sponsor of more than 700 bills that became law, and the recipient of over 200 public service awards. (For more information about Carona’s role as a legislator, please visit www.johncarona.com.)
While running his thriving international business and serving his community and state, Carona has remained family-focused. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Helen, and is the father of five children and the grandfather of seven. An avid art collector, he enjoys traveling with his family, ranching, and hunting.