WHEN he joined as a wide-eyed 16-year-old office boy, he was only going to stay for a few months.
Half a century and several promotions later, however, Mr John Pitkin is now a leading consultant with the same Watford-based property firm.
In celebration of his loyalty to Stimpsons in The Avenue, his colleagues threw him a party on Tuesday to commemorate 50 years with the firm.
His achievement is made all the more remarkable as he was initially lined up for a job in banking.
Mr Pitkin, 66, of Berkhamstead, said: "As I was quite good at maths and languages, I was going to work in the foreign exchange.
"But I had to wait for six months before I could start so I joined Stimpsons for a bit so I could make some money.
"Six months passed and I liked it so much that I decided to stay."
He describes his early days in the world of property as "a lot more gentlemanly, but just as hectic as it is today".
He said: "There were no computers and everything had to be done by hand, but I still learned a lot.
"I worked in lots of different departments right across the board and looking back, I think I always enjoyed myself."
Rising quickly through the ranks, he found that he had a talent for his job and by 1965, he was a partner in the company.
His advice for anyone else considering a career in property is not to specialise too soon.
He said: "It's important that you don't spread yourself too thin and that you get a broad based knowledge."
As he now only works two days a week, retirement is not far off.
But he is determined to stay busy and intends to spend more time at his local rotary club.
October 1, 2002 13:00
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article