Great story and the custom bench is a wonderful gesture! So very much different from my experience years ago, haha.
I'm doing some work at Jet Propulsion Lab and this gearhead there tells me he knows a guy who knows a guy who can get us in Jay's garage.
Skeptical but unable to resist the unlikely possibility, we drive over to Jay's garage.
Gearhead knocks on the door, someone opens the door about six inches or so, listens briefly, and then says go away and shuts the door in our face.
Not before I steal a glimpse inside and see some serious toys while my guide is completely emasculated. All good fun.