In this episode of “Almost Retired in Mexico,” we sit down with Kirk Robinson, who shares his remarkable journey from the fast-paced corporate world of LA to the tranquil shores of La Ventana, Mexico. Kirk delves into the concept of “The Mañana culture in Mexico,” a hallmark of Mexican life that can be both enchanting and challenging for newcomers.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey from LA to La Ventana?
I had an early midlife crisis at about 36 years old and decided to leave the corporate world. I came down to Mexico and started this windsurfing resort. It was a significant change. I was in a suit and tie for about 15 years, but I was always outdoors doing sports. For me, the corporate life was too restrictive. So, I decided to chuck it all and start a windsurfing business here in La Ventana.What was your first experience like in La Ventana?
After I quit my job, I took a trip down here to check it out. About two weeks after quitting, I damaged some equipment and had to get it repaired back in LA. The shop I went to messed it up a few times, so I wanted to talk to the owner. He ended up selling me the store about five months later. After a year, I realized I wouldn’t make it in LA with a five-month business, so I moved to La Ventana. I was lucky to be the first gringo windsurfing business in town, which has now developed into what it is today.How did you navigate the business landscape in Mexico, especially with the Mañana culture?
I did some reading about the dos and don’ts and realized I needed a Mexican frontman. Before NAFTA, foreign businesses had to be 51% Mexican-owned. I worked with a wonderful man named Silvano Roace for about five years. He benefited from our relationship, and we got our foothold into the property here in 1994. Through Silvano, I learned about the Mañana culture in Mexico. It’s a completely different way of doing things. It always gets done, but not on your timetable.What are some challenges you faced with the Mañana culture?
If an employee doesn’t show up to work, it’s not a big deal because family issues take precedence over the job. You’re often left short-handed unless you overstaff. House construction is never on time; here, it’s triple or quadruple that delay. There are usually extra costs involved too. When we built our house at the resort, the move-in date wasn’t met. We had to do a quick job on the interior, which we regretted. You learn not to make things too close timewise.How did you manage guest expectations with the Mañana culture?
Many guests came with unrealistic expectations. We had RV trailers in the dirt with a little palapa over them. The main emphasis was on windsurfing, and we had great equipment for that, but the lodging was meager. Over time, we got a lot of repeat business, and the business grew. Nowadays, La Ventana offers deep-sea fishing, fly fishing, mountain biking, and more. It’s almost all-season now, although it’s too hot for me in the summer here.What advice do you have for people considering moving to Mexico?
If you’re coming to Mexico, you need to adapt to the local way of life. You won’t change the culture. If you can’t accept the Mañana culture, you won’t like it here. It’s always better to come for a vacation or visit first. If you’re anal retentive and need everything to be boom boom boom, it’s probably not the place for you. For everyone else, it’s pretty sweet.What are the positives of living in Mexico with the Mañana culture?
When everyone slows down a bit, people are nicer to each other. Everyone isn’t on edge, ready to explode over insignificant things. One of the best bumper stickers I’ve seen said, “Carpe Mañana.” It’s great every day, but tomorrow will be great too, so there’s nothing to sweat.How has your life changed since moving to La Ventana?
When we sold our resort, we were feeling down. But we saw a house for sale across the road and decided to buy it. Now, we don’t have to work anymore; we just goof off. We’re learning how to wing foil, I still kiteboard, and I think pickleball is next. There’s great fishing, mountain bike trails, paddleboarding—you name it. For more from La Ventana, check out our YouTube playlist. If you’re considering moving to Mexico, the Mexico Relocation Guide is a perfect resource. Support this channel by buying me a margarita over at Buy Me a Margarita.
