Dave R.  was a big inspiration for me.  
He pretty much got me started, and taught me SketchUp.  
Same with me regarding Dave R. though outside of LJ as I joined circa pottzy time.
He pretty much got me when I started to learn and taught me a few neat tricks in SketchUp.  He (Dave R., not pottzy who can't even spell SketchUp without a tele-prompter) was a big inspiration for me with our TeamViewer sessions... and I live in Australia...
pottzy, I even dedicated a puzzle to him... well stole it from him.   

If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD