Standard of Care
by Bruce D. Greenberg, MAI, SRA, ASA
Standard of Care
While in Puerto Penasco on my last assignment, I sat and talked with a principal of a residential mortgage company that is being established in Mexico. The thrust of our discussion was not about how much business we were going to do or how much money we could make but rather our love, respect and wishes for Mexico.
We are both “veterans” of Mexico business, in fact “pioneers” in our respective allied professions. Our discussion rather, focused on the accelerated growth of Mexico and in particular Puerto Penasco. We both cited that we are “guests” of Mexico and need to respect the culture, customs and legal requirements. We both agreed that foreigners “doing” business in Mexico must have a FM3, not because Hacienda needs the pesos, but rather out of respect. We both agreed that all “Gringo” professionals in Mexico need to be experienced, qualified individuals who are assets assisting the economy of Mexico. Novices working in Mexico are fine, but they need to be monitored by the older professionals and need to disclose to the public their inexperience and lack of knowledge. There are plenty of old-timers that want to train, educate and help the new trainees!
We also discussed that night, how essential it is that the code of ethics, standard of care, and competency/experience provisions, required by law in the United States, also be practiced in Mexico by the U.S. employers who are sending Gringos there to do business. The border is no excuse for incompetence, below standard practices, and public mistrust!
The consumer has the responsibility to ask, “Are you qualified?” yet the employer and employee more importantly must adhere to the higher standard of trust and honesty.
My colleague and I have been working in Mexico for over 10 years and much has changed. What has not changed is our respect of Mexico and our desire to see the economic engine continue to accelerate. So I challenge the trainees - associate with an experienced person; the business organizations – adhere to the legal and professional standards established south of the border, just as you would in the U.S; the professionals new to Mexico - be monitored, and finally to the consumer – It is your responsibility and duty to seek out qualified, experienced, legally licensed individuals who respect the customs, cultures, and laws of Mexico!