I Know a Guy Who Knows a Guy…

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 1, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

If you live or have spent any significant time in Mexico, you know that getting something done can be an exercise in patience and futility.  Depending on where you’re holed up, it’s not like you can run to the local strip mall, shopping center, Walmart or Home Depot or Auto Zone to find things.

 

Even if you happen to have one of those places nearby, there’s no guarantee you’ll find the item or service you’re looking for.   And believe me, you can run all over town looking.

 

Heaven help you, if you don’t speak Spanish.

 

Ever try to explain a “funny knocking sound” in your engine to your mechanic…in English?  Try that in Spanish.

 

Or explaining that you’re looking for a guy who can caulk your leaking shower tiles.  Or that you really need a ¼ inch hex head bolt to fix something.  (And Mexico is a metric country!)

 

As well, even if you do find someplace that might have what you’re looking for it’s not like you can look them up on YELP, GOOGLE or one of the other ratings services.

 

Are you kidding?

 

Even if you could “look them up,” I live in La Paz.  It’s  the capital of the state of Southern Baja. Almost 200,000 people.  On a good day, the phones and internet only work part-time!

 

There’s no Angie’s List or similar to check out a doctor, dentist, plumber or electrician.

 

But it’s part of life.  We have…stuff!

 

Stuff breaks.  Things need adjusting or maintenance. We get aches and pains.

 

Back in the states, you call the guy from Sears or the Maytag guy or the cable guy, right?  A plumber, carpenter, mechanic or handyman is as close as the yellow pages or the internet.

 

Every strip mall in the U.S. has an urgent care or dental facility.

 

Things can be returned and exchanged or fixed.

 

Plus…there’s such a thing and warranties and guarantees and vendors who actually back up their products and services.

 

While surely an inconvenience, when you need some help, help is available.

 

In Mexico, you suddenly need a hose for your car or a certain model of tire.  Your TV goes on the blink. You bust a tooth.  You need a certain sized screw for a project.  You get an infected finger from a fishing hook.  Your air-conditioner starts dripping water.  You need a good photographer for a party.

 

Where do you go?  How do you find someone? Moreso, someone or someplace reliable?

 

You don’t want just anyone fixing your tooth!  You’d rather not let some guy carry your TV off “to his shop.”  You really need that air-conditioning fixed NOW! Your tooth can wait.  Fix the AC NOW!

 

In several decades of living here in Baja, some things do come with warranties and guarantees.  But, half the time, the places are either out of business by the time you need something fixed.  Or their phones are no longer connected.  Or they’re clear on the other side of town.

 

Or, the person who can “fix” it is not the same guy who sold you the item.   The repair guy that has to come from another city or county and will come “maybe tomorrow…maybe next week!”

 

You think waiting for the cable guy in the states is bad?  In Mexico, you’ll hear “The repair guy might show up Tuesday.”

 

Or, he has to find the part first.  That might take several weeks. If he can find it.  So, he might show up next month!”

 

Sometimes, it becomes more pragmatic to throw up your arms in surrender and just buy a new one.  But, obviously, that’s not always practical.

 

So, the best and most economic way to get things done is to simply ask around.  In every situation, there’s a “guy who knows a guy.”

 

Every neighborhood has one.  Every taxi driver knows the “guy who knows the guy.”

 

He’s the de facto jefe of the neighborhood.  He knows everything about everyone. He’s connected.  He’s the godfather of every kid.  He gives the wedding toasts.  He never has to lock the doors of his house.

 

Very often he’s an older hombre.  Often times he’s a bit of a hustler; the “compadre” of the barrio; the “go-to” guy for advice or if they need something.

 

I’m not implying anything sinister.  This guy is often the patriarch of the area and often a bit better off than his neighbors.  He gets things done.  He knows stuff!  And he knows other guys.

 

That’s the guy you gotta find.

 

Not only will he usually find what you need or where to go, but don’t be surprised if he can sometimes “cut you a deal.”  He’s a “broker” behind the scenes.  He might be getting a referral fee out the back…or not.  If he is, good for him.

 

And he’s good for you.  If the thing goes sideways or doesn’t work or the service is not performed correctly, he’s your personal guarantee.  No paperwork needed.  His word or handshake is golden.

 

He’s vouching for the services or items and is usually pretty good about making sure it’s done right!  It’s his reputation on the line and that’s worth more than any piece of paper in his community.

 

In return?  Often nothing.  Like I said, he might be getting something on the backside.  Or not.

 

It’s good will.  It’s good for the community.  He knows that what goes around comes around.  He’s a good friend to have.  He might ask you for a favor sometime so be ready to reciprocate.

 

If his grandkid asks you to buy raffle tickets for the church fiesta have some pesos ready. Or if some family has a medical issue and he’s taking up a neighborhood collection, be sure to help out.  He appreciates a Christmas card or sending over some fresh fish fillets.  He won’t forget!

 

It’s how things work.  Find the guy! Get things done.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

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Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his wife and fishing buddy, Jilly, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.  If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi.  It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

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