In my words as the webmaster, friend and banjo student:  

 “Gary is my hero.   As good as he is with the banjo and having achieved the recognition and fame that he has, you would never know it when you meet him.  He is the friendliest, nicest, caring person I have met in a long time.  Everyone that walks into his store is treated like a friend.  Unlike some places where the experts at whatever it is that they do hang around together and only talk to other experts, Gary is so good with the novice and aspiring musicians.  When I started lessons with Gary, I was so nervous as a beginner, playing in front of the three time national champion that I was shaking.  He soon put me at ease.  He shows great patience and has a way of explaining and encouraging that makes you feel good when you leave. 

 So many of his friends call him to share something in their life or to dump their problems and he will always listen with true interest, even when he has a store full of customers.  He is truly a good person.”