Now he is hoping to inspire the new generation following in his footsteps. The quietly-spoken 48-year-old, second in command at Sonesta Beach, was honoured at a Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association ceremony at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on Saturday.

He was honoured for his management ability, community work and relationship with his staff.

"I had no idea -- it was a well-kept secret,'' he said yesterday. "You get selected by your peers, which makes it even more special. I'll wear the honour with pride.'' Mr. Tucker started in the industry in 1961, as a 15-year-old bellman at Coral Beach.

He now has a high-profile and sometimes controversial position as vice-president and manager of Sonesta Beach, coupled with an equally prominent role as Bermuda Employers Council president.

He describes his rise in the industry as the product of a clear vision, aided by hefty amounts of studying and training.

A crucial period was spent "under the wing'' of then comptroller Mr. John Wilkins at Mermaid Beach, who trained him in hotel finances.

Eventually the young Mr. Tucker was spending his nights balancing the books for the three hotels run by his employers: Mermaid Beach, Marley Beach and The Reefs.

He then got a job in the accounting office. Soon he was doing Mr. Wilkins' job as comptroller, a position he held until 1976.

That year saw satisfaction of his "burning desire'' to work in a big property, when he was offered the chief accountant's post at Sonesta.

Promotions followed smoothly: assistant comptroller, comptroller, vice-president and director of finance. He has been in his present position since 1988.

Mr. Tucker and his wife Joanne enjoy playing golf together. Their daughter is Mrs. WendyAnn Tucker-Adams.

Mr. Tucker is busy in the Hotel Employers of Bermuda, and is president-elect of the Bermuda Hotel Association. Other posts include community services director at Sandys Rotary Club, hotel pensions trustee, member of the Labour Advisory Council and member of the Apprenticeship and Training Council.

"In the past I had the opportunity of working with a number of role models,'' he said.

"My greatest hope is that I can be a role model for other Bermudians. "The hotel industry is a 24-hour, seven-day a week job, and if one is going to progress it's important that you make a commitment.

"For me it's been very rewarding. I've made wonderful friends all over the world and I have the opportunity to travel extensively. But it doesn't happen overnight.''