I think this is one of the areas in which an academic relationships are strong. Most (granted, anecdotal) examples that I've witnessed are a teacher/professor/a

I think this is one of the areas in which an academic relationships are strong. Most (granted, anecdotal) examples that I've witnessed are a teacher/professor/advisor either moving into or with strong ties in industry mentoring a student (later possibly a direct employee). These relationships seem to be stronger and last for entire lives (well, at least as far as I can tell).