Hi Hugh, what a pleasure to meet you and I hope that you are being made to feel welcomed.
Making friends on Adland can be done by exploring forums and seeing what people have to say about different topics and if you like what you see you cand click on their profile and "add a freind" or by going through your won interests and finding like minded people that you wish to connect with.
As for Gary, well you can go to the "Search for People", go to the advanced settings and put in as much information that you know and see what comes up.
I hope it's O.K with you, but adding you as a friend contact and I am sure others will do also.
There are many great discussions going on at Adland and if you are needing help, please feel free to message me or you can also talk to these people who I just know will be of aid.
Mark Dewey who is one heck of a guy to know and learn about creating and designing
Dennis Clairmont..this man is just so full of ideas he kind of blows me away...lol
Jim Allen III is the face behind the admin of POTW, one heck of a good guy and hard worker
Kathleen Vanbeekom is a force to be reckoned with and she is incredibly active on AdlandPro
oh my goodness there are so many people here, but this should give you a good start. I am sure that all of these people can and will help you, all you have to do is ask!
Have a wonderful day and hope this has been of help!