Since Bert has been shy about writing a bio, I'll give it a try. 

Bert loves SCUBA and tries his best to help everyone learn to do it safely.  A short time after meeting him, you will feel that you have known him for a long time.  He treats everyone as a friend.  If you have a question about anything SCUBA, he probably knows the answer - and you do not have to be his student to get it.  Bert began to dive several years ago and fell in love with it.  He has continuously improved his abilities and knowledge.  He is now ranked as a Course Director, which means that he can teach people to become SCUBA Instructors.  Very few instructors reach that ranking.  Since it is considered foolish for an instructor to train his own family members, I would be pleased and confident in having him teach my family.

In the store, I think that he has memorized all the manufacturers catalogs.  If we do not have something you want, in stock, he knows just where to get it - and how long it will take. If you are not sure about your best options, a short discussion with him will clear up your choices.

John