Message from the Chairman
by Steven Ferry
Much has been happening at our end, and in the world in general. Spent more time in airplanes than anywhere else, and continue to be impressed with how long it takes to move from one point of the globe to another, compared with say 300 years ago! Rather than bore you with our deeds and misdeeds, I thought I’d share one of…
Butlers in the Media
by Steven Ferry
It has been a quiet month in the media from the butler perspective. The only mentions were another mis-use of the word—Trash-Butler—which is a doorstep rubbish and recycling pick-up service for multi-family dwellings. The other was a Hippie Butler—who would have guessed? In case you cannot work it out, people who…
Letters to the Editor
“I read one of your books, Butlers & Household Managers: 21st Century Professionals, and found it to be packed full of useful information and applicable tips, even for those of us not working in the same industry. I will be working on implementing some of them at work in the healthcare industry, and hope to inspire others…
Professional Standards of Performance, Applications #10: The Butler’s Aplomb
by Prof. Richard Ratliff
Scenario: A butler was summoned by the lady of the household to her office. Voice trembling in frustration and anger, she said, “I can’t read these instructions. Even the pictures aren’t in English.” The lady had just received a mechanical device with a lot of wires and random packages of parts and pieces. It came with instructions…
The Wisdom of Butlers Past, Part 18: Brushing Clothes
by Steven Ferry
Brushing clothes is another duty of the butler/valet and footman acting as a valet. The advice? Lay the clothes flat on a table, once dry, to brush them; or hang them on a wooden clothes horse (dumb valet) and beat them with a stick or a small whip, being careful not to strike the buttons and so break them. One device one does…
The Butlers Speak: Many Horeses in These Horseless Carriages, Part II of II-Chauffering
by Steven Ferry
It seems chauffeuring is a common task these days for butlers, one that is not too fraught with difficulties. In one household where there was no dedicated driver, the challenge was scheduling and organizing the various staff to come off their normal duties in order to meet the occasionally high demand for chauffeuring…
Staff Training: Setting Standards
by Frank Mitchell
Standards are one of the three S’s of training; Service, Standards and Safety. It is the minimum performance required for competency and consists of Performance Standards and Quality Standards. (i.e. How neatly and how quickly a task must be done.) The trainer must decide, record and practice the standards before demonstrating…
Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 38: Old-fashioned Old Fashioned
by Amer A. Vargas
In this issue of the MBJ, we revisit old times and an old fashioned and classic cocktail— the Old Fashioned itself. The recipe for this cocktail has changed since its creation more than a couple of centuries ago, but nowadays it is well established. As you are about to find out, it is very simple and quick to prepare! The ingredients…
Consulting the Silver Expert: Silver Storage and Diplay, Part 4 of 4: Silica Gel (Humidity Control)©
by Jeff Herman
Since World War II, silica gel has been the drying agent of choice for government and industry. It is safe to use with even the most sensitive materials, including food and medicine. It is in those tiny packets enclosed in pill bottles and shoe boxes to prevent moisture damage. It prevents tarnish- and corrosion-causing condensation…
In Their Words: How Those Trained by the Institute’s Trainers Feel about Their Experience
“This course has shown me everything that I need to know for a spectacular start in the re-opening of the resort.”
“All of the skills have been useful to me. The course made me understand the pride of being a butler.”
Recent Hospitality Graduates
In this month’s edition, we welcome new graduates from Maldives and Bali. Greetings to you all!
Placement and Job Vacancies
A Luxury designer Condominium project in South Florida due for completion by the end of 2018, is looking for a Curator of Hospitality. The main duties of this position will be to manage the high expectations of the condominium owners, delivering to them a high service level together with the rest of the staff…
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.
