I'm sure he likes folks who have worked with and can vouch for a guy's real world work, but I don't think they were pals. I think this one is very outside the box and kinda makes me think he went for the guy he thought would be best long term instead of a guy that he knew and trusted but maybe had a lower ceiling. This is the ultimate "I'm very comfortable in my job and can risk it a bit" pick.

Ultimately I have never heard of the guy and my initial impression was gross but in milf we trust. I guess I think that he is the position where he can sit back and be choosy and is comfortable and experienced enough to know that hiring a lower ceiling but trustworthy buddy was the wrong move.