Message from the Chairman
by Steven Ferry
The mentions of butlers in the media elsewhere in this month’s newsletter include a butler talking too freely and an ex-butler who turned out to be a pedophile. I have not included the various Hollywoodesque mentions of Alfred Pennyworth, Batman’s butler who seems to have taken over from Batman (or is it Superman or Spiderman?) as the hero of the story—a most unbutlerish thing to do! A more important story that has been mentioned in the media, off…
Butlers in the Media
by Steven Ferry
A butler for a royal family during the 70’s and 80’s was unfortunately found guilty of paedophelia—this does not reflect well on the profession, obviously, but it seems to be a rare occurrence, thankfully. Bentley has created an impressive futuristic concept car to celebrate its centennial, an electric vehicle with a 435 mile range and 15 minutes to recharge to 80%, as well as self-drive options, in case the owner prefers not to hire a chauffeur…
Letters to the Editor
Something happened to my staff and I the other week that no one can prepare for: The death of a staff member on the job. I wanted to share it with the MBJ readership in the hopes it could help a colleague. I have had the pleasure and honor of working with a gentleman, a contract worker at two of my employer’s homes, who was one of those rare people willing and eager to help wherever and whenever needed; he was a joy to be with and a valued member of my…
Professional Standards of Performance, Applications #18: A Worthy Foundation (II)
by Prof. Richard Ratliff
This second piece of our professional foundation requires a well-developed understanding of what constitutes quality of life. Our overarching responsibility is to assure an outstanding quality of life for our employers, their households, and guests. Many people equate high quality of life with high standard of living. The idea is that greater wealth ensures a higher quality of life. These are not, however, equivalent terms. While wealth can afford some of the more expensive toys, comforts…
The Wisdom of Butlers Past, Part 27: Food & Beverage
by Steven Ferry
Continuing to examine F&B as performed two centuries ago, we find the following: The cleaning of decanters was of special interest to butlers, as they often decanted wine. The author rejects the many recommendations made by his colleagues (sand, earth, coal, cinders, egg shells, etc.) because they left small scratches. His suggestion: Tear thick brown paper into small pieces and drop into the decanter with some soap cut into small pieces; add “milk warm” water…
The Butlers Speak: Those Tedious Inventories
by Steven Ferry
From the responses received, the best estimate is that 25% of butlers and household managers count inventorying any item of value to be amongst their duties—which, as one estate manager noted, “when you stop to think about it, basically means most or all items owned by the kind of employers we have.” Some inventories are made on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, but usually annual or semi-annual—the trick being to add items as they come in (or out)…
Staff Training: Popper – “R” for Review
by Frank Mitchell
Once the participants have completed their practice and you have asked questions to check their understanding, they are ready for assessment. Before you begin, reset everything to zero and check that they have enough materials for the test. In order to make it fair, you must tell them that the test is starting. Say “You are ready for your assessment. I know you will do well. Please start when you are ready.” Express confidence in them – positivity is…
Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 46: Southside
by Amer A. Vargas
On this occasion we will talk about a not-so-famous, but very refreshing cocktail that will do its best to cool down the drinker (or at least create a cooling sensation!) under the unmerciful heat of the summer sun. As you are about to see, the Southside, or South Side, is made using ingredients that already provide a refreshing sensation on their own; in fact, all of them do, except for the gin, which normally heats the throat, but in this case it is counteracted…
Consulting the Silver Expert: A New Addition to your Silver-Care Arsenal
by Jeff Herman
The Intercept’s Portable Filtration Unit is a small battery-operated device that uses a non-woven copper filter that absorbs and neutralizes atmospheric pollution (including ozone, nitrous groups, sulfur compounds, chlorine compounds, gaseous acetic acid, and more) in silver cabinets. The passive cleaning and active air filtration within those cabinets leaves a pristine environment with silver free of tarnish. If the silver exists in a humid environment…
Placement and Job Vacancies: PA for England and Europe-Couple for Miami-EM for US and Europe
A top celebrity needs a PA who can also cover some valet functions, for a one-plus year assignment. The ideal candidate needs to be energetic and upbeat, able to handle an intense workload and schedule in a demanding but pleasant, ethical environment. You’ll be based in England, so you’ll need a UK work permit; some travel to Europe is expected. Training can be provided if needed, although experience as a PA/valet is preferred. The right candidate will be apprenticed into the position by other PA’s working for this celeb…
The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world. Contact us for all your training needs via email at enquiries@modernbutlers.com or via telephone: USA 1-813- 354-2734. We invite you to also visit our website www.modernbutlers.com for more information.
Please email the editor of The Modern Butler’s Journal at newsletter@modernbutlers.com with any article ideas, concerns, comments, or suggestions.