About Better Call Sol
The story behind the name — and the man who built it.
Meet Darren — The Man Behind Better Call Sol
Better Call Sol isn't just a handyman service — it's the culmination of a life packed with hands-on experience, adventure and an unstoppable drive to get things done. Behind the name is Darren, a man who spent 10 years as a commercial fisherman on the wild west coast of Canada, built his own boat, worked oil rigs, ran farms, started businesses on multiple continents, and taught English to tech professionals at one of the world's most innovative AI companies.
Darren began fishing before GPS navigation existed — navigating some of the most difficult and dangerous waters in the world by skill, instinct and experience alone. That foundation of self-reliance and practical problem-solving runs through everything he does today.
When Darren settled on the Costa del Sol, he saw a clear need: the large English speaking expat community needed a reliable, professional tradesperson they could actually communicate with. Better Call Sol was born — and it's grown on the back of honest work, fair prices and a reputation that speaks for itself.
Whether it's a leaking pipe, a marine engine overhaul, an English conversation class or a daily maintenance contract — Darren brings the same energy, expertise and enthusiasm to every job.
A Life of Experience
Every chapter of Darren's life adds to the skills and knowledge he brings to the Costa del Sol.
Commercial Fisherman & Boat Builder — West Coast of Canada
Darren spent 10 years as a commercial fisherman on the west coast of Canada, operating his own salmon fishing boat — one he helped build himself, incorporating unique innovations of his own design. He began fishing in the era before GPS navigation, reading the tides, weather and coastline by experience alone in some of the most challenging and unforgiving waters in the world. That decade forged a level of self-reliance, seamanship and marine engineering knowledge that very few people ever acquire.
Farming & Tractor Business
Running a hobby farm and operating a tractor business gave Darren a thorough grounding in mechanical maintenance, land management and the realities of running a small business. He knows how to work hard, solve problems with whatever is to hand, and get results.
Travel & Entrepreneurship
Darren has lived and worked across multiple countries, starting businesses along the way including an online travel agency. That global perspective — and the ability to communicate across cultures — is at the heart of everything Better Call Sol stands for.
Oil Rigs & Industrial Work
Time working on oil rigs gave Darren experience in high-stakes, safety-critical environments where precision and reliability are non-negotiable. That discipline carries through into every job he takes on today.
English Teaching at DataRobot
Darren spent 6.5 years as an English teacher at DataRobot, one of the world's leading AI companies, delivering Business English training to professionals at the cutting edge of technology. He holds a Cambridge CELTA certificate and has over 12 years of teaching experience.
Handyman & Property Services
With decades of practical skills across plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting and general repairs, Darren founded Better Call Sol to bring reliable, English speaking handyman services to the expat community on the Costa del Sol.