“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
WILLIAM HOFFMAN
I was introduced to this seasoned editor and author (14 titles in print at the time) by his wife, an employee at our club. When first I tried my hand at writing, I carried a short-stack of pages to Bill for editing. Well, cutting to the chase, he read my work, then knocked me back with a critique that barely allowed my getting up again to begin re-writing. By the time Bill and I had interacted for a couple of years, though, he was beating me up only occasionally. Much credit to him for principles, guidance and patience.
TONY BOWMAN
My initial soiree with Tony included the free-spirited Tommy Tyson and fiddle player extraordinaire Bobby Britt. I took along lyrics for “The Mighty Ten Commandments.” I’m embarrassed to disclose I had written EIGHT verses that would have made for a song 16 minutes in duration. Tony, much like Bill Hoffman had done, smacked me with the realities of good craft, and here he and I are, 14 published songs later. My songs come to life only under the tutelage and creativity of the Master. And he has a BAND!
BILL PROFFIT
Most of my adult life, and particularly my orthodontic career, have been founded on influences of this remarkable man. At first I dreaded, but soon learned to appreciate, Prof’s Socratic explorations. Then the time came when I had important career decisions to make, and he was there for me. I shudder to think where I would be had not our paths crossed – and had I not been guided by his wisdom and vision. I was left to do the work, yes, but he was THE MAN.