Celebrating 30 Years of De Luca Corporation: A Legacy of Sustainable Growth and Strong Partnerships
In 1994, Nic De Luca set out to create a family-owned business that operated within an ideal market niche—neither too big nor too small. Thirty years on, De Luca Corporation has an annual group turnover of around $250 million and has completed billions of dollars’ worth of projects across industrial, commercial, Large Format Retail, fast food, fuel, childcare, and residential sectors. Today, it stands as one of Southeast Queensland’s most active builder/developers.
Focused on projects under $100 million, De Luca Corporation employs about 60 staff. This deliberate choice ensures sustainability and a close-knit operation. The company prides itself on its resilience through economic cycles while maintaining a family-oriented culture where every employee is known and valued.
Nic De Luca’s journey began in Brisbane, where he worked in his father’s concrete business. He spent a decade gaining experience with other companies while earning a part-time Construction Management degree from Queensland University of Technology. This diverse background fuelled his ambition to establish a business that prioritised personal connections and sustainable growth over sheer size and profit.
The company’s first project was a seniors’ apartment complex in Kangaroo Point, developed for the state government. Since then, De Luca Corporation has diversified and expanded, rebranding in 2015 with headquarters in Milton. The company now operates in four main areas: construction, development, investment, and childcare centres under the Kidz Magic and Evolving Minds brands.
Recent noteworthy projects include a $12 million Evolving Minds Early Learning Centre in Wooloowin and the $25 million Plainland Home & Life Development. Additionally, Deluca Corporation has advanced the final stages of the $50 million mixed-use Berrinba Central development, the $20 million Biz185 in Northgate and established a partnership with Dexus to redevelop the Glass House Mountain Service Centres on the Sunshine Coast.
Central to Deluca Corporation’s success are its long-standing relationships in both the private and corporate sectors. These partnerships include prominent names like Van Asperen, Fife, Wright, the Zupp family, Bunnings, and Goodman Group. Built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence, these enduring relationships have been instrumental in the company’s growth.
As De Luca Corporation celebrates its 30th anniversary, it looks forward to the next generation entering the family business. Nic De Luca’s sons are currently building their careers in Melbourne, ensuring they create their own identities before potentially joining the family enterprise. This focus on legacy and sustainable growth ensures that the corporation’s values and vision will continue to guide its future.
De Luca’s journey offers valuable insights into achieving sustainable growth, fostering strong partnerships, and navigating the complexities of the retail property market. Their ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive industry while staying true to their core values is a testament to their enduring success and sets a standard for others in the large-format retail sector. As they move forward, their unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community impact continues to propel them as a significant force in Southeast Queensland’s property development landscape.
