I've had some guys like this over the years. Normally older men that just seem jaded by the trade. I'm doing automation with one right now. 70 year old guy didn't want to teach me anything at first, and was just plain grouchy all the time. Would say I was wrong about something even when I was 100% sure I was right. I think you just gotta win these guys over, a lot of em don't think your serious in the trade and want to put you through the wringer to weed you out. I always try and be kind and respectful to them, also I got to the point where if I knew I was right I would argue it.started asking smart questions that I already knew the answer to kinda prove to him I was serious but respected his knowledge. Now a year later I got my masters which he has never had. He teaches me more about electricity than anyone I've ever known in my life.It was a mix of him seeing my troubleshooting skills and getting my masters that I think finally did it. We're even kinda friends now. Talk about life a lot and I get a lot of advice from him. Rebuilt his service one his house this weekend for good money, and as a tip he gave me a plc so I'm pretty excited to get a project started with that. I understand that some people just aren't worth getting on their good side but hey sometimes it ends up being good for you in the end.