2011 02 14 APPRECIATE "Rob Zemcik" LETTER

Letter of Appreciation

So Bart!
It's has been a little over 2 years now since I left Daytona Beach. You know getting called back to the Army to go fight in Afghanistan was pretty crazy. However this message isn't about getting called back this is a thank you letter for inspiring me in a career of Digital media.
I signed up for your class as just an elective class since my degree was in Communications. I still remember to this day when I was working on our first class project's. You pulled me to the side after class was released and asked me "How long have you been a graphic designer for?" I laughed and said I never touched Photoshop until about 2 weeks ago. That's when you told me I had a hidden talent that you would like to help me discover. Some teachers are just all talk, they will tell you are special and do nothing for you. As time passes the teacher forgets the student and student forgets the teacher. Bart your the type of Professor I will always keep in touch with and seek mentoring from.
I also recall you being a phone call away if I needed a Photographer, or needed someone to sit in and help me obtain a new client. I had the marketing abilities to get the client to sit down, however you brought the experience and creditability to make them want our services. Thank you also for countless hours of help with projects outside of school work when I had no Photoshop at my house. I couldn't have landed my job with DME with out that.
I also wanted to thank you for helping me get in with DME (Major Marketing and Advertising Company) I know they had over 20 applications filled, 7 other interviews besides me. However they PICKED ME!!! Mainly because of my excellent "Communications" skill. LOL. Just kidding. I know that your letter of recommendation and you being my best reference point of contact got me the job. Between DME and my little business I started on the side, I knew no matter what challenge I experienced. I could always call, email, or stop by for any help I needed (so I didn't have to ask for help at my new job).
I know that I was pretty lucky to have you around Bart. You helped me network with other students who did photography, graphic, and web design. I know with out there help and your help with everything from code for a website, to tweaking my art work, and to full blown photo shoots for FREE. I would have been in some serious debt. Its crazy how much money you saved me.
You know one of my last impression I have before I went on this two year journey. Was that you planned and did a photo shoot for my going away party. I don't know a single professor or teacher that would plan and photo shoot a going party for a soldier. I hear it all the time "Thank you for your service." THOSE ARE ONLY WORDS! If I had a nickle for every time I heard it. I would own a Fortune 500 company. Bart what it boils down to is that you have been there for me as my Professor, mentor, and a lif- long friend. I know no matter what tomorrow brings WORLD wide your always an email or phone call away.
After going off to war for a second time in my life as a Special Operations Infantry Soldier with full 360 combat operations at hand. When I had some spare time to think of the thing I was grateful for and after coming home alive with all my guys. So many Infantry Soldiers come home get out of the Military and have no idea what they can do for a career. You spent X amounts of years learning the arts of warfare and leadership. Leadership is needed in work force but Warfare talent is not need in almost every job applied for. I was proud to think that not only did I serve my country but I had a background in Digital Media that could help me out.
Now that I am on stable ground in Germany and done with the Army. I am excited to say I am going to pick up my work again. I plan on building websites and doing graphic work for people both in the USA and here in EUROPE. I have such an opportunity to Network world-wide and I wanted to thank you for making me realize I have a "hidden talent."
Here are some projects I could think of off-hand that we worked onf:
Dave Shehkter's Law Firm
Redtails Sports Bar and Grill
Daytona Limos
The Aquarium Restaurant (now the Grotto)
Countless Photo shoots
DME