I’m currently in Mexico with some friends celebrating my birthday, not being in Manhattan during winter, and any other excuse we can tack onto that last item.

We’re literally in the middle of the jungle, renting what is essentially a vacation compound that was originally designed for the owner’s family to escape the city (Playa del Carmen). Today, we got to meet him and learned about the history of the place.

The onsite staff is comprised of native Mayans who have been working with the owner for, in some cases, 20 years. The owner values loyalty, the plight of the Mayans, and creating memorable experiences for customers.

When we (a group of people who make our living on the Internet, most of whom live in NYC) shared how much we enjoyed being there, the owner got emotional, nearing the point of tears twice. It means a lot to him that people are enjoying what he’s built and the property obviously has significant sentimental value to him.

This stands in stark contrast to the ruthlessly profit-driven focus that characterizes the NYC entrepreneur stereotype, and it was refreshing.