lunch with him a few times. Since then, we text fairly often and have discussed some personal matters of mine. Just adding this context so you understand how I know him.

Not sure how much of his resume he wants on here so I'll leave it at this, he's had a successful professional career that has spanned two complicated skill sets. He's well educated, well versed in law, business and family life. He's a very level headed dude who independently forms his opinion after careful analysis and consideration. Unlike many CBer's he is not an emotional thinker, so if he were to tell me something was a "done deal" I wouldnt hesitate to believe him knowing the kind of guy he is.