Interview with Mark and Edna, Business Owners Living in La Paz

Introduction

Welcome to another inspiring story from Almost Retired in Mexico. Today, we’re diving into the adventurous life of Mark and Edna, a couple who have successfully balanced running their American businesses while enjoying the vibrant lifestyle of La Paz. If you’re curious about living in La Paz part-time or managing a business remotely, this interview is packed with insights and tips.

Meet Mark and Edna

Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?

Edna: Hi, I’m Edna Christensen, and this is my husband, Mark. We live in Mexico part-time. We’re here to share our story about living in La Paz and managing our businesses remotely.

Overview of Their Businesses

What businesses do you own?

Mark: We own two businesses. Our first is a Massage Envy franchise in the Everett Mall area, opened 17 years ago. Our second venture is a franchise called Blacks in the City, which we started nine years ago.

Journey to Mexico

What led you to consider living in Mexico?

Edna: We started visiting Mexico in 2012, thanks to friends with a timeshare in San Jose del Cabo. After several visits, we fell in love with the lifestyle and decided to explore the possibility of living here. Eventually, we found an ad for a house in La Paz, which piqued our interest.

Why La Paz?

What attracted you to La Paz specifically?

Mark: La Paz has beautiful water views, a less hectic atmosphere compared to other places, and the Malecon, which we absolutely love. It wasn’t as busy, and the value for properties here was much better compared to San Jose del Cabo.

Deciding Factors for Choosing Their Condo

How did you decide on your current condo?

Edna: We compared floor plans and found that for a marginal price difference, we could get a much larger space in La Paz. Our current condo is 2100 square feet, providing much better value.

Managing Businesses Remotely

How do you manage your businesses from afar?

Mark: Good management is key. We have reliable staff in place and conduct weekly check-ins via Zoom and conference calls. It’s crucial to stay available and maintain a balance between work and enjoying life in La Paz.

Weekly Check-Ins and Monthly Reviews

What does your communication routine with your team look like?

Edna: We do weekly check-ins and monthly reviews called journey sheets to track performance. This helps us stay connected and manage payroll and tax preparations remotely.

Handling Employee Perceptions

How do you address employee perceptions of you being on vacation?

Mark: It’s a challenge. We emphasize that we’re living, not vacationing here. We work daily, and it’s important to convey that to our employees, even if we come back with a tan.

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How can viewers stay updated with your journey?

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Property and Complex Tour

Can you describe your living complex in La Paz?

Edna: Our complex, Vista Dorada, offers stunning views of the bay and downtown La Paz. We have a pool, a gym, and a safe environment with full-time security, making it an ideal place to live.

Hurricane Experiences in La Paz

What has been your experience with hurricanes in La Paz?

Mark: We experienced Hurricane Norma, which lingered for two days. We had to manage water ingress with towels and shop vacs. Despite the challenges, the community came together, and we were able to handle the situation.

Costs and Fees

What are some of the costs associated with living in La Paz?

Edna: Our condo was priced at $300,000, offering great value compared to other locations. The HOA fees cover utilities and maintenance, costing about 5200 pesos a month, roughly $250.

Advice for Future Business Owners in Mexico

What advice would you give to future business owners in Mexico?

Mark: Be flexible and prepared for emergencies. Support your staff and maintain clear communication. Understand that living in Mexico requires embracing a different lifestyle and timeline.

Embracing the Mexican Lifestyle

How do you embrace living in Mexico?

Edna: Embrace the culture and the slower pace. Celebrate when things go smoothly, and be patient when they don’t. If you’re looking for a lifestyle different from the US or Canada, Mexico offers a magical experience.

For more insights on retiring or relocating to Mexico, check out the Mexico Relocation Guide – Have A Better Life for Less in Mexico.