Who Were Your Mentors

Walt Lewsedder of Woodland Stereo (CA).

Walt helped a guy named Arnie Nudell develop his Servo Static and started selling his products (founder of Infinity Systems). He also got me started on the right path, a great guy.   

Absolute Sound and Mike Kay of Lyric Hi Fi.

Back in the early 70s, my brother and I would visit all the high end stores in Manhattan on a Saturday morning including Lyric Hifi, Park Ave Audio and Harvey Sound. We had no real mentors but listening to the equipment inspired us to get into the hobby. After HS graduation in 1974, I purchased my first system with some of my college loan money. A Pioneer 737 receiver, Dual 1228 turntable with a Pickering cartridge and Altec bookshelf speakers for $700. I was in audio heaven and I never looked back. 

Pop Staples was one of my true mentors. Marty Stuart

It's hard to identify the influencers after a buck and dime, so the best mentor is yourself.