This is a guy who was worth Billions and chose to live his life in his home country of Mexico, without flash or fancy things. Just as a rancher like many others in the area. He pretty much didn't change at all even when he built his empire and became the wealthiest drug lord on the planet.

‘He’s a straight-up rancher’: Chicago twins who cooperated against Sinaloa cartel talk about arrest of ‘El Mayo’

As the leader of one of the world’s largest and most brutal drug-trafficking organizations, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada is far from the “narco” stereotype portrayed on some TV special.

Unlike his partner, former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Zambada has operated largely out of the glare of public and media attention. He wasn’t labeled Public Enemy No. 1. He dresses simply, prefers life on one of his many cattle ranches to extravagant parties, yachts or beachside nightclubs. Those who know him often referred to him as “Del Sombrero,” after his trademark wide-brimmed cowboy hat.

“He’s a straight-up rancher, old school,” said Pedro Flores, the convicted drug trafficker from Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood who, along with his twin brother, helped the U.S. government bring indictments against a slew of Sinaloa figures, including Zambada and Chapo. “The way he treated people, he was the most understanding … always looking to please the people around him.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024...loa-cartel-talk-about-arrest-of-el-mayo/