When and for what reason did you get endorsed

Now Mike we know that you are "quite an accomplished" drummer but when and for what initial reason did you get to become an endorser...

do they ask you ? did DT invite a few people to your gigs ?

was TAMA your choice or was it the highest bidder and hey they make good drumkits or would you rather have sticked with Mapex or gone to DW or Sonor or Pearl

It's a nice feeling when the stuff in your head comes out of your hands ,wrists,and sticks