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BRING BACK THE BEAN! - Dan H.

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I was fortunate enough to have met Robert Bean at Dan's first "Wethead Gathering". Before that I knew only of his intelligently stated posts here on The Wall

I was amazed when he spoke at our roundtable about his commitment to standardization of mechanical room equipment. He had everyone's complete attention.
He knew how to talk about the subject at hand and keep the discussion as focused as possible. More importantly, he knew how to listen to the rest of us.

Please!

BRING BACK THE BEAN
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Comments

  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,538
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    I don't know all the details

    but I know that a situation caused Robert Bean to leave Danfoss.

    I would now like to open a BRING BACK THE BEAN! thread here on the Wall. I hope it winds up being the longest thread ever.

    Please post your feelings about a hydronics industry without Mr. Robert Bean in it.

    Powers that Be at Danfoss, please consider the thoughts of your customers, and friends, and BRING BACK THE BEAN! Don't be knuckleheads. Thank You.

    Wallies, who would like to be next?
    Retired and loving it.
  • Dan Peel
    Dan Peel Member Posts: 431
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    Speaker's Corner

    Robert Bean is delivering a Hydronics 101 seminar at the GLHC both April 24 and 25. Danfoss will be the lesser for his loss. Dan

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  • Mike Kraft
    Mike Kraft Member Posts: 406
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    My eyes ...........

    could not believe what they read.I received his email today.There is a great disturbance in the thermal dynamic flow!Whomever is responsible for this is greatly making a big big mistake.Mr.Bean is one of the finest that this industry has.His devotion and time to all he came in contact with is truely and highly reckognized.His shoes will never be filled at Danfoss.

    Mr. Bean the greatest of luck to you and your endeavor's.I hope to hear from you in the future.

    Your Friend,

    cheese
  • [Deleted User]
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    Danfoss' loss...

    is someone else's gain.

    I hope he stays in this industry.

    He's one of the best in this business.

    My condolences to Danfoss.

    ME
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,538
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    I have never known

    a better visionary in this business than Robert Bean. He did more to bring his company's products and news to this writer's attention, in more creative ways than I could even imagine, than any other manufacturer or rep I have ever met.

    A huge loss for Danfoss as far as I'm concerned.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Paul Pollets
    Paul Pollets Member Posts: 3,656
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    Damfools

    Robert Bean is simply one of the most enlightened in the entire hydronic industry. He's been most helpful and supportive to all involved with him as a teacher, engineer or salesman or point man. I can't possibly envision Danfoss not understanding his unique capabilities. What's going on here? Are we "Dumbing Down" to the point of no return?

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  • ScottMP
    ScottMP Member Posts: 5,884
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    I hope its not

    The bean counters, not counting the Bean for what he's worth.

    My first experience was his post about Pressure Differential Valves. I had never read a techinical explanation so simply written. We use them now thanks to him.

    Danfoss ... Are you listening.

    "WHERES THE BEAN ? "

    Scott

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  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,538
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    He was the first

    to put me on to Zone Control Panels, and to help me understand their true potential. There are leaders and there are followers in all businesses. And then there are visionaries who point the way. Robert is a gentle visionary. Danfoss would do well to realizing this.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Riles
    Riles Member Posts: 84
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    RB

    Our worth can often be measured by the number of people we have helped. Robert has always been more willing to give of himself than anyone I have ever met. Those that got the email from Robert, did you see that distribution list? That is just the beginning of the number of people he reached.

    Robert is the brightest guy I know. Not just versed in hydronics. He shared a list of his favorite books once, of course, true to his character, he shared it with many, just so others might consider some of them.

    We don't judge a man on his words but his actions and Robert Bean has always reached out to help others. Robert is a national treasure.

    Paul, Scott, Mark, Dan all have shared perfect thoughts and I hope many many others will express what Robert has meant. In my eyes, this is devastating to Danfoss.

    I do not know the circumstances, but ROBERT BEAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN PART OF THE SOLUTION.

    When it comes to this trade, the list starts with his name. Of course I wish him the best of luck, if we are no longer exposed to Robert's vision, it is clearly our loss, it is a huge loss for Danfoss. Wow.

    Good luck buddy, keep in touch.
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,200
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    RB

    I was shocked to hear Mr. Bean had left Danfoss. Robert was instrumental in changing my ideas on how I went to market - not just the nuts and bolts of the hydronic systems we install, but a whole new way of thinking. He convinced me that there are different and better ways to conduct business. He was a huge influence and resource in getting my business started.

    More than that, Robert is my friend. I enjoyed nothing more than an evening out with Robert and friends, enjoying a few cold Canadian beers and listening to his stories about driving huge combines, four-wheeling in the Canadian wilderness, camping out at -40* below, reeling in the big one, and of course, boiler talk.

    I don't know all the details but I know Robert will land on his feet. I hope Danfoss will recognize their error and restore order in Calgary. Good Luck, RB! Your friend, DF



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    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,868
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    Unfortunately I've never met Mr. Bean

    but all you Wallies can't be wrong. By all accounts it looks like Danfoss has made a major mistake here.

    Maybe it's time to show our collective displeasure in other ways, such as when we have the opportunity to choose between Danfoss and another brand. We've done this kind of thing before, and it certainly got noticed!

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    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • John Starcher_4
    John Starcher_4 Member Posts: 794
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    I feel....

    ....the same way, Steamhead!

    Starch
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,200
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    say it ain't so !!

    Well, he has a job at my company any time he wants :) Great hunting and fishing in Missouri!

    Perhaps this is just a misunderstanding?

    Dazed and confused in MO.

    hot rod

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    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Tom Meyer
    Tom Meyer Member Posts: 300
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    I've worked with Robert Bean

    Danfoss stock just took a nosedive!

    I've had the privilege of working on a project with Robert Bean. I found him to be insightful, diplomatic, and very attuned to the industry.

    Any company who is lucky enough to have him as a member of the team should count their blessings. Some sharp executive from Danfoss should show up on Robert's doorstep with his hat in his hand and a big apology on his lips. But if they wait too long they may be 33rd in line to make Robert an offer.

    Senior Designer/Trainer
    Precision Hydronics Corporation
    www.precisionhydronics.com
  • Mi39ke_2
    Mi39ke_2 Member Posts: 61
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    RB

    Geez, this sounds like terrible news.

    Robert certainly is an inspiration to myself and many others, I'm sure. He must have his eye on new frontiers to conquer...good luck, Mr. Bean!

    Mi39ke
  • Details would help

    but Robert has certainly been a great asset to the industry and always very helpful. He was recently able to get me some Danfoss equipment for my training center. I hope we are not loosing him from the hydronics field.

    It seems to me that sometimes those that have the most to offer and give it generously are not really appreciated by the folks they work for.

    I wish you the best Robert in what ever you do and any help you need just let me know. Talent always rises to the top no matter what.
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,200
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    I've said it before & I'll say it again.....

    It's not the products - it's the people behind the products that cause us to be loyal to certain brands. Robert has always been the person behind the products at Danfoss (in my eyes) whose personality and devotion towards education in all things hydronic, not to mention a great sense of humor, have been the focal point for my favoring Danfoss products.

    I first met Robert here on The Wall. Then came the RPA conventions with face to face conversations and the friendship was sealed.

    I sincerely hope this ends with Robert back at Danfoss. Seems like the two have been synominous in my mind. If not.... Then one of the brightest bulbs in the pack is on the lose & some firm is going to be coming up roses when they secure his services.

    Looks like Twisted Sister has struck yet again!

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    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • keith
    keith Member Posts: 224
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    Our loss

    as well. The fact that Danfoss made a business decision to part ways with Mr.Bean will open up greater oportunities with another company that holds a greater apreciation for the technical aspects of what we offer as HVAC proffessionals.
    Something tells me that we will be hearing from Robert in another capacity. " The cream always rises to the top" and Robert is no different. Thank you for encouraging me to look at hydronic systems from a different perspective.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,538
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    It was

    the other way around. Apparently a matter of principle.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Jackchips
    Jackchips Member Posts: 344
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    Although as Tim

    mentioned, the particulars would be appropriate, the fact you have started this thread says a lot about Mr. Bean and the situation, Dan. Let's hope cooler minds prevail and we have a reversal, if that's what he wants.
  • John Myrtle
    John Myrtle Member Posts: 9
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    Robert Bean

    Meeting Robert is always one of my highlights when I travel to a trade show or seminar. I have had the pleasure of listening to him more than once. His insights, not only technical, but also to the business have been of value to me. I cannot understand how Robert could not have been an asset to anyone he meets or is employed by. Good luck Mr. Bean, I'm glad I had an opportunity to talk to you at Foothills.
  • TGO_7
    TGO_7 Member Posts: 23
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    I've never had the

    pleasure of meeting Mr Bean, but the contributions he has made to the industry via the wall are tremendous. Even if the differences with Danfoss can't be resolved, I hope he remains in the field. He is an asset to all of us.
    Wake up Danfoss!

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  • Mr. Bill
    Mr. Bill Member Posts: 71
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    Mr. Bean my \"Unofficial\" Danfoss Response

    The strong response to Robert’s departure from Danfoss was not unexpected. In fact I would have been extremely disappointed if it had not happened.

    The one thing that every who has seen Robert in action one can agree upon is that his vision, enthusiasm and passion for our business is absolutely inspiring. I include everyone at Danfoss in that statement.

    We at Danfoss were proud to be able support Robert, not only in promoting our own products, but also in promoting the future of our industry. I know that his seminars have touched many of you personally as well as professionally.

    I have worked with Robert very closely during his tenure and have seen many qualities in him that one cannot help but respect. One of these qualities is an unwavering commitment to his principles regardless of the consequences. This is a personal choice, which at times can lead to conflicts in life and business.

    I will in no way belittle Robert’s contribution to Danfoss, however Robert had a great team behind him to support him and the products he promoted. This has not changed, and in fact the team continues to grow.

    Can we duplicate Robert? Could you duplicate the “Mona Lisa”? The answer is of course no! We are all, like original works of art unique. We will make sure we have people in place to carry on the work Robert has started, and while they may not be Mona Lisas’ we may learn to appreciate them on their own merits.

    I encourage everyone who has developed a friendship and relationship with Robert to maintain it, it is well worth keeping. I intend to maintain mine. I encourage Robert to remain active in our industry, to continue to challenge and inspire us.

    I ask that you continue to judge the Danfoss Heating team on their own merits. On our ability to provide the goods, services and support you need to grow your business. I also ask that you give the many other great people on the Danfoss team a chance to earn your respect and friendship.

    We will continue to expand on our ZCP program and other new initiatives we have started to work with some of you on. We will continue to invest in our own growth and the growth of our industry. We will continue to work hard at earning your respect and loyalty.

    If any of you have specific issues you need follow up on please e-mail me at bill_willemsen@danfoss.com



  • Jackchips
    Jackchips Member Posts: 344
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    Your words

    are a good sales pitch for Danfoss but leave the subject at hand in the dark.

    Is there an opportunity for both parties to meet and have a resolution or is this a permanent parting of the ways?
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,538
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    May I please

    hear from more Wallies?

    Let's let Robert know how we feel about him. Let's thank him for all the help and inspiration he's given us over the years. Let's let him know that we support his decision. Most importantly, let's let the more than 3,000 people who visit here every day know that this extraordinary man is now available.

    Please keep this thread going. Thanks.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Mr. Bill
    Mr. Bill Member Posts: 71
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    No sales Pitch intended.

    Just the facts:

    Robert- great guy, great inspiration, good for the industry, good for Danfoss and hopefully always a friend.

    Danfoss - good company, good products good people.

    Current situation - a fact of life, but life goes on

    The future - stranger things have happened.

  • Bill NTSG
    Bill NTSG Member Posts: 321
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    Robert Bean

    I first met Robert here on the Wall. I always learned something from his very informative, well written, thought provoking and often humorus posts. I had the chance to meet him at ISH NA in Toronto. He was on his way to a meeting but took the time to have a short conversation with me. I had another chance at Wetstock a month later. I believe he was at the table where people were encircled two rows deep?
  • ken D
    ken D Member Posts: 60
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    Doth our law judge any man...

    I commend your desires to show support for someone who has supported so many, but shouldn't Mr. Bean's side have been heard before accusing and pressuring Danfoss? They may not have even done anything wrong! It helps to hear both sides of a story before throwing stones or sticking your foot in your mouth.

    But how good it must feel to have such a supportive following!
  • eleft_4
    eleft_4 Member Posts: 509
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    The Bean

    Most of us have not experienced corporate politics, let's see how this plays out.

    Hopefully Mr. Bean can take care of himself.

    al
  • chuck shaw
    chuck shaw Member Posts: 584
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    There is nothing more refreshing

    There is nothing more refreshing to see in a person than enthusiasim (sp). The couple of e-mails I exchanged with Mr. Bean were loaded with obvious enjoyment for his job. He sent me a ton of information on ZCPs, so much that the local UPS office called and asked me if it was possible to come and pick it up. He didn't care that I was just a small shop, that would not have a chance to use his products on a daily basis. He was thrilled that I was interested, at this point, he had started to cultivate a customer. There is no doubt in my mind that Danfos makes fine products, but when you couple the fine products, with fine people, that is when you have a great company. And Danfoss has lost one of the fine people.

    I wish Mr Bean all the success it the world.

    Chuck Shaw

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  • Mike Lampkin
    Mike Lampkin Member Posts: 3
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    Wishing you the best


    Thank you Robert for all of the technical support that
    have given to me. It has been a pleasure meeting you at the
    trade shows in Toronto and I always look forward to reading
    the articles that you have written. You are definitely a
    "giant" in the Canadian hydronics industry and no matter
    what road you travel down, you will always be a success.
    All the best to you in the future and good luck with all
    of your endeavours.
    Respectfully yours,
    Mike Lampkin
  • heatboy
    heatboy Member Posts: 1,468
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    Taking the Walk.

    Knowing Robert is an extreme pleasure. As witnessed by everyone else here, Robert is a unique combination of technical prowess and communicative skills. There aren’t very many people that know their individual fields of expertise so well and be able to actually relay that info in a non-confusing manner to laymen and dim bulbs like me.

    Corporate politics are a fact of life. Principals seem to run counter to these for the most part. We all say we have them, but principals mean nothing until they cost you something. Mr. Bean, walks the walk!

    As I see it, the only thing that changes for me is his e-mails went directly into the Danfoss file in Outlook. I will just have to send them to a different file, once we all know where he will be.

    Robert, you have made and will continue to make a huge inpact on my contracting business. Whatever path you choose, I’m with ya!

    Jeffrey


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    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,538
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    As usual

    you say it so well, Chuck.
    Retired and loving it.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,538
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    It's really a matter of class.

    Robert hasn't shared any of the details with any of us, and neither has anyone at the company. I admire that. There's no need to air any of the details here. What this is about is a show of support for a good friend who made a decision based on his principles. That's good enough for me.

    I help and support my friends. Always.
    Retired and loving it.
  • eddie grierson_3
    eddie grierson_3 Member Posts: 51
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    I would have to agree with Chuck, we are also a small shop, but you would never know it. I met him at a trade show, he took time and talked to me quite a while about there different products. He was also very helpful when I called on the phone. I would have to say that Danfoss has made a great mistake, they will be the ones to suffer. Mr. Bean will be successful in what ever venture he chooses.

    Eddie G.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,538
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    On Beanlessness

    Robert constantly told me about what was going on with Danfoss, and he did it in some very creative ways. For instance, he knew that I was taking a group of 30 people to ISH. Before I left, he sent me a package containing 15 plastic cards. He told me that these could be redeemed at the Danfoss booth for special prizes, and that I should be judicious with how I handed them out (how's that for mystery?). This is so typical of him. He always brings an air of adventure and excitement to everything he does. I brought my plastic card to Danfoss the first morning I arrived and received a flashlight - and a great demonstration of their new products, which I very much appreciated. Had it not been for Robert, I may have missed that demonstration, such is the size and scope of ISH. He thinks better than most.

    No other manufacturer in this industry has ever approached an industry writer with greater style than Robert Bean. Again, I love the Danfoss product offering, but they lose an advantage by being Beanless.
    Retired and loving it.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,538
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    On Beanlessness

    Robert constantly told me about what was going on with Danfoss, and he did it in some very creative ways. For instance, he knew that I was taking a group of 30 people to ISH. Before I left, he sent me a package containing 15 plastic cards. He told me that these could be redeemed at the Danfoss booth for special prizes, and that I should be judicious with how I handed them out (how's that for mystery?). This is so typical of him. He always brings an air of adventure and excitement to everything he does. I brought my plastic card to Danfoss the first morning I arrived and received a flashlight - and a great demonstration of their new products, which I very much appreciated. Had it not been for Robert, I may have missed that demonstration, such is the size and scope of ISH. He thinks better than most.

    No other manufacturer in this industry has ever approached an industry writer with greater style than Robert Bean. Again, I love the Danfoss product offering, but they lose an advantage by being Beanless.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Tom Simensen
    Tom Simensen Member Posts: 74
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    Good Luck Robert

    Robert, I know you only through your seminars that I have attended at the RPA conventions, and a ZCP training session that you put on here in Kalispell, But you have gained my respect as one of brightest and most inspiring persons in our industry. I have no doubts that you will excel in anything that you decide to do. Tom Simensen
  • Tom Stayer
    Tom Stayer Member Posts: 5
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    Here's one for the Bean

    There is a story about a short man who could not see Jesus during one of Jesus' walks, so this man climbed up a tree just to get a look at Jesus. Jesus walked over to the tree and invited Himself to this little man's house. Needless to say this man is a faithful follower of Jesus.

    I had the opportunity to work hand in hand with Mr. Bean while being employed at Danfoss. What an awesome guy. One of my experiences with Robert (we don't call him Bob), was I volunteered to retrieve Robert from a seminar in Long Island and get him to BWI. The drive I made was from Bel Aire (very near Baltimore) all the way into/onto Long Island and back to BWI in one day. What a drive!

    Mr. Bean and I covered a multitude of life experiences, work ideas, etc. the whole way from Long Island to Baltimore. The man can go on forever and he is worth listening to. I do not think Mr. Bean's leaving Danfoss may not be the loss we all think it may be. There are times when one good thing has to end in order to make a much better thing. A good example- our ancestors left the comfort of Europe only to come over to a land (at the beginning) of turmoil, illness, & Indians. Now we have the most powerful country in the world.

    Mr. Bean will be back, but only stronger and better.

    Hope to hear from you Robert,

    Tom Stayer
  • John Felciano
    John Felciano Member Posts: 411
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    Robert Bean

    Will be a huge asset wherever he goes.The guy has an awesome way of painting a visual picture with words in his seminars.

    The first time I met him was at the RPA conferance in RodeIsland.His plane landed late about the same time the seminar started.The guy rushed to the hotel and jumped right into the seminar without missing a beat.

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This discussion has been closed.