NEW HAVEN, CT - When New Haven real estate mogul Herbert H. Pearce learned that a talented jazz musician was having trouble getting gigs last year, he had to step in.

Pearce, 88, took the pianist under his wing, urging him to put together a portfolio, visit several jazz clubs and perform at local events. Within weeks, the musician's career took off, and Pearce had another success story to add to his stellar career.

"I got this guy moving," says Pearce, explaining that his motto is motion is lotion. "I've always believed that if you have a problem do something about it. And if you can't, accept it and move on. And I can honestly say I've never been depressed in my life - never."

Perhaps it was this attitude that helped Pearce transform his fledgling business. In the 1950's, H. Pearce Realtors was a one-man shop. today, it's one of the state's largest real estate companies with seven offices and over $400 million in sales.

Though Pearce's daughter, Barbara, is now president and chief executive officer, Pearce still works about five hours a day. He spends his winters in Arizona, but says he has no intention of retiring - not while there are still deals to be made.

"Deals are what really get my blood flowing. I love it. I've also always done most of my projects with partners because I like to have fun. I've never done a deal just to make money. There has to be more to it for me."

It's this kind of positive mental outlook that helps people live long, healthy lives, Pearce says. It's also what helped him several years ago, when his wife of 44 years died.

He is now married to his wife, Martha Wood, who he proudly points out is 29 years younger. "I like to surround myself with younger people," says Pearce. "I have a circle of 15 to 20 really good friends who are in their 60s and 70s - that keeps me young."

Pearce also keeps fit by stretching for about 10 minutes every morning, walking nearly a mile a day, and using stairs instead of elevators. An avid golfer, he plays two to three times a week at the New Haven Country Club, and more when he's in Arizona.

His other health secret; He take a multivitamin every day.

Though he had cataract surgery on one eye last year and is scheduled to have the other repaired soon, Pearce has few health issues today. His only medication: 20mg of Zocor to lower his cholesterol.

He credits his mental attitude with helping him cope with prostate cancer about 16 years ago. "Without that mental toughness, I never would have made it. I'm proud I got through that, and I haven't had a problem since."

Pearce says he also find it invigorating to help people. For years, he has served on the boards of numerous charities, and funds scholarships at a half-dozen colleges and universities.

"Some people are never grateful or satisfied with what they have. They're always looking at what the other guy has," Pearce says. "But you can't look at life that way - being successful, but not satisfied. I'm satisfied with my life."

H. Pearce Company Realtors® has designed a special program just for seniors. If you are a senior who is considering a move, at any stage of the moving process, feel free to contact our counselors for advice and assistance. A Pearce Senior Specialist will be at your side... every step of the way. For more information regarding Pearce Senior Services, contact Eileen Smith at (203) 281-3400 ext. 314 or email: esmith@hpearce.com.

H. Pearce Commercial Real Estate specializes in Connecticut’s central, south-central, and Shoreline markets, with offices in North Haven and Rocky Hill. Commercial property offerings can be found in color on the web at www.HPearceCommercial.com.