Message from the Chairman
by Steven Ferry
Our thanks go to those who have been a force for good in our profession, quietly and efficiently doing their jobs. There has been very little indeed in the media in the past year that would detract from our professional image, and that is the majority speaking amongst us. Very refreshing. The continued demand for butler service…
Butlers in the Media
by Steven Ferry
Our profession has enjoyed a second month in a row with next-to-no media mentions worldwide! As most coverage tends to be incorrect, off the wall, or invasive of our principals, the old adage “No news is good news” would seem to apply— certainly when we relish operating quietly in the background, rather than being forced onto the virtual…
Letters to the Editor
“May I please ask what you think of the Butler Academy in the Netherlands?” MH
Ed: I am afraid I cannot provide any up-to-date information, as I have not been there (assuming you are referring to The International Butler Academy) for about 15 years. Best bet is to ask some recent graduates. If you ask…
Professional Standards of Performance, Applications #11: Into the Spotlight
by Prof. Richard Ratliff
Scenario: It is Christmas time in the Eliason household, and the family is planning a party for one hundred close friends and community associates. Mr. Eliason has asked his butler, George Nettles, to act as Master of Ceremonies and Toastmaster for the event. George is trained in the English tradition, which emphasizes remaining in the…
The Wisdom of Butlers Past, Part 18: Brushing Clothes, II of II
by Steven Ferry
For removing grease from coats (or other items), the author suggests the butler remove it with his fingernails! Failing that, he should place thick brown paper on top of the stain and apply a hot (but not scorchingly hot, which will burn the paper and change the color of the coat) iron to it. The grease will migrate to the brown paper. The butler simply continues…
The Butlers Speak: Responsibility for the More Exotic Ways of Transport
by Steven Ferry
We take one last look at any responsibilities our profession is being given currently for the more exotic forms of transport, from yachts, jets, and helicopters to horses, balloons, or even space craft. 80% of those asked had been involved with such modes of transport, although often the duties were limited. “Over the years I have had the honor and privilege of working…
Staff Training: Instructional Design, part I
by Frank Mitchell
Often considered a science or discipline, it may be more useful for us to think of instructional design as a systematic approach to designing effective, quality instruction. There are many theories and design models. All hope to achieve maximum learning and retention while using the fewest resources. Instructional Design, at its most basic, is encapsulated in the mnemonic ADDIE…
Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 39: Dominican Republic’s Mama Juana
by Amer A. Vargas
Greetings from the Shaken…Not Stirred, a James Bond-themed hall bar at the Nickelodeon & Sensatori Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. As a first-timer in this beautiful place, this writer would like to render homage to the host country by introducing to the rest of the world the particular drink every “good Dominican” enjoys in their own home whenever entertaining…
Consulting the Silver Expert: Some Holiday Shopping Ideas
by Jeff Herman
As it is the holiday season, you may be looking for some unique and quality gift ideas. Here are some beautiful gift ideas from the Society of American Silversmiths [No, the Institute does not receive any commissions]. “If you’re a silver lover, here’s something else you’ll appreciate about this lustrous metal: it can kill or suppress the growth of microorganisms such as…
In Their Words: How Those Trained by the Institute’s Trainers Feel about Their Experience
The following are only a few of the comments expressed by the trainees who took the butler training in Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba for Melia Hotels International:
“Many thanks for your commitment and professionality, and for all the knowledge you put in our hands” SMR...
Recent Hospitality Graduates
On this occasion, we welcome a group of recently graduated butlers from Cuba, where the land is beautiful, the food is great, but service is simply amazing! The trainer, Mr. Amer A. Vargas, had the privilege of sharing his time and expertise with the butlers of Melia Buenavista, a very exclusive adults-only property in Cayo Santa Maria, and their counterparts in…
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.