My lfs owner is amazing.I've had some good LFS owners before, but I rarely remember getting enough time to actually talk with them about stuff. Why? They would be talking up another customer for a half hour or so, going through all the ins and outs of an aquarium trying to make the sale. I've already done my research for the most part before hitting the store, I see what I want, maybe have a question or two, then bag it up and I'm gone. I've actually walked out of stores when the owner is busy talking up some one on what I believe can be had in a book, but I do understand that some people learn differently and may need that person to person talk.
One of my good friends worked for a little while in the LFS trade, very intelligent and passionate about fish and fisheries. He would be to type to steer you in the right direction and not try and make the sale. The problem with that is, that sale he doesn't make or the deterrent of "SW is needs more care" sends the nemo/dory seekers to a big chain store where the sale gets made. He finally left the business, what he called "the death hobby".
He is very knowledgeable and focused on client education.
He will not let people come in and simply make snap purchases. If they attempt to do that, he will slow them down and inform them. If even seen him lose sales due to it. But he makes the hobby better, healthier and more sustainable.
I should have clarified all this before posting. I just see a lot of people who get in and get out for emotionally shallow reasons.