Twenty-three years at the helm of his company ended on March 1 when realtor Roderick DeCouto handed over the business to his daughter Judy Shrubb.

"I've reached the age of 73 and I thought it was time to smell the roses a bit more,'' said Mr. DeCouto about the change.

He described his business Roderick DeCouto Real Estate as a thriving full service real estate company and said his daughter was fully qualified to "take it all on''.

"My daughter has been in the business for quite a number of years,'' he said.

"She is my favourite daughter so I've been delighted and happy to pass the business on to her.'' Mr. DeCouto said he had no reservations about the change and pointed to his daughter's achievements.

"She definitely knows what she is doing. Right now she is the chairman of the real estate division of the Chamber of Commerce.'' Maintaining his fatherly instincts, Mr. DeCouto said he will remain with the company as a consultant. "Father will be there if needed,'' he said. "We own the building and I will keep an office there.'' He said he will continue to service any clients that specifically request him, but wants to devote his concentration to his personal portfolio.

Linda Tailford, Mr. DeCouto's personal assistant since he started the company 23 years ago, has remained with him through the hand-over.

"She is my loyal ace girl.'' he said. "She has been running the show and is more of an aide-de-camp. She is as loyal and trustworthy as anyone could want.'' He said that the hand-over worked in her favour as well, giving her the opportunity to have more flexible hours if she wants.

"Everything has been done in a healthy good spirit,'' he said.