[Spm] Chuck Garber

[Don Chernoff at ASM]

Many readers of the SPM Listserver may be familiar with SPI Supplies, one of a few companies that specialize in supplies and equipment for the microscopy lab.  I lost a good friend when Chuck Garber, founder of Structure Probe/SPI Supplies, died on 9/19/07 after a brief illness.  

I got to know him as a colleague when I was planning in 1989 to start my company as an AFM analysis laboratory.  He quickly became a friend and mentor.  He offered valuable opportunities and advice.  He allowed me to work in the SPI booth at trade shows so that I could learn better how to communicate with customers and he introduced me to many people.  He pointed me towards resources that would help me with business issues and offered his own advice.  At the Pittcon in 1991 or 1992, I proudly showed him some color AFM images.  Chuck said that pretty images would not sell services unless I could show people how the information helped to solve a problem, for example by comparing "good" and "bad" samples.  He suggested that I learn about other microscopy and surface analysis techniques so that I could place AFM information in a broader context and he encouraged his staff to help me with this.

My condolences go to his wife, Babszy, his family and the staff at Structure Probe/SPI Supplies.  I will miss him.



regards,
Don
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Don Chernoff, Ph.D., President
Advanced Surface Microscopy, Inc.    E-Mail:  donc at asmicro.com
3250 N. Post Rd., Ste. 120           Voice:   317-895-5630
INDIANAPOLIS IN 46226  USA      Toll free: 800-374-8557 (in USA & Canada)
web:  http://www.asmicro.com         Fax:     317-895-5652
[business activities:  analytical services in AFM, AFM probes, consulting, training,
calibration and test specimens, calibration and measurement software,
 used NanoScope equipment.]
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