Welcome to the International Institute of Modern Butlers, now in its second decade of operation and already being referred to as “an Ivy League butling institution.” We were originally established at the request of others in the profession to help set and raise standards, which we did through articles, books, consulting, and training in private residences and then hotels and resorts around the world.

The Institute championed the concept of the Modern Butler at a time (quarter of a century ago) when it was considered iconoclastic (strongly countering accepted traditions), but events have marched on and proven that there is indeed a strong demand internationally for the strengths of the old-fashioned British butler combined with the technological and other skills required to operate effectively in the international community of the 21st Century. Over the years, we have brought new services into being at hotels and resorts, defining and redefining what is a hospitality butler, in addition to introducing butler-style service and standards to other industries where the focus is on providing high levels of service.

We are now focused on a new phase that we see as the future need and direction of the industry: pioneering the nurturing of individuals who can bring about a greater zest for, and appreciation of, life, both in the people they serve and in themselves. This means our training includes the mechanical skills of butling—be they orchestrating a party for 200 or the acquiring, manning, and managing of a large estate. But more importantly, drawing on our backgrounds as counselors and teachers, the training brings about an understanding of people, whether employees, vendors, guests, or employers, and how to make them all work together in their different roles to the benefit of all.

If you recognize the need for a new solution to failing/struggling or disengaged/unmotivated/difficult staff, challenging guests or employers, or the creation of an upbeat team that really is one in any service environment, then we can resolve these issues for you with our consulting, training, and remediation services —as well as, of course, teaching the expected mechanical skill sets. Please enjoy what the web site has to offer—it is an informational portal more than a sophisticated work of digital art and salesmanship, and we are always happy to hear from you with ideas, questions, and concerns, as the Institute has grown with the ideas of like-minded people.

Prof. Steven Ferry

Chairman

Featured Customers

While for privacy reasons we do not disclose the names of our private clients, some of the hotel chains where we have consulted and trained are as follows. For a full list, visit our Proud Clients page here.

Our clients