I ordered 5 the other day only one showed up alive. he/she is doing good. I've been missing mine for quite sometime. They say they are sending replacements next week.
I would be interested in connecting with your guy in Milwaukee. I am in Milwaukee as well. I am always interested in knowing others in my area who like the big cichlids.
If you buy them from a reputable source, like Rapps or COA, you won't have this issue.
I am very temped to buy fish from The Wet Spot, but ordering from them seems like a gamble. It seems orders get messed up often.