House Manager Spotlight 
Featuring ~ Gary Cockerham
Q: How did you get started in Household Management?
A: While working as a front office manager in the hotel business I was offered a household manager position by a gentleman from Beverly Hills, CA. Although intrigued by the offer I refused, but always kept it in mind. About 5 years after the offer I began to research the industry and found out that Johnson & Wales University where I graduated with a BS in hospitality management was tapping into the domestic industry via personal chefs. I placed a call to the right people at J&WU to market/post/file my resume. It was about 6 months after doing so that a couple in Winter Park, FL interviewed me. I was hired and became their House Manager and Chef de Cuisine for four years.
Q: Do you have any formal training or degrees for household management?
A: I have formal training in formal table settings and service.
Q: What have been some of the more difficult or challenging situations that you have run into on the job?
A: The politics between husband and wife when they don't agree on projects at hand. You always have one telling you to do it one way and the other another way. So somehow you must get the project done with making both parties happy.
Q: What type of principal or homeowner do you prefer to work for?
A: Casual, less formal. Someone who appreciates loyalty and the fine art and hard work of being served.
Q: What direction would like to see the domestic industry go in for the future?
A: I'd like to see more affordable schooling/training and more conferences. I'd like to see universities that hold hotel/restaurant and hospitality management degrees begin to develop courses for the domestic industry. I'd like to see the domestic industry put on the corporate map to allow more benefit and salary growth.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: To secure that dream job in the domestic industry. To manage multiple properties, more staff and travel for work. I'd also like to get involved in the growth of the domestic industry by way of helping associations like DEMA, educators and placement agencies.
Q: What are your interests and hobbies?
A: Reading domestic industry literature. Real estate and entrepreneurial investments. Motorcycling, fitness, viewing sport events, dining out and the arts.
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Testimonial - A letter from Gary Cockerham
To Whom It May Concern:
I have been an Estate Manager in Florida for the past 11 years. My portfolio consists of managing 12k-15k sq ft estates, all featured in major architectural magazines.
Kudos to Matthew Haack and Michael Wright for starting Domestic Estate Managers Association. (DEMA)
Building a network of highly qualified subcontractors and vendors in each state provided by Estate Managers in some cases and of course provided to Estate Managers is a wonderful idea. Matthew and Michael have been smart enough to chat with established Estate Managers in certain states and have been provided valuable leads from them.
The contractors and vendors sought out and interviewed by DEMA are asked the right questions having to do with skill sets, qualifications and the true understanding of how presentation, delivery, quality and clean up is paramount to Estate Managers.
DEMA also is involved in putting Estate Managers together to network and help each other out in time of resource needs and general questions. I find that the industry is very niche and private so it is very difficult to find other Estate Managers. This is what really excites me about DEMA.
One last comment, I have personally met Matthew and Michael, they are professional, down to earth and have a true understanding of what it takes to do work in high end homes and to work with Estate Managers based on their specific past experiences.
We are in an industry that has been around a very long time but yet is new to many. The domestic industry continues to grow and I feel DEMA is a great addition to aid in the successful growth of our industry.
Best Regards,
Gary W. Cockerham, Jr. |
World Class Service Providers
Please welcome our newest Providers
Evola Property Maintenance Management - Lake Orion, MI
Michael Allan & Associates, Inc. - Cary, IL
Please welcome our newest Affiliate
RSVP - Oakland County, MI
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DEMA is pleased to announce that their House Manager membership to date has expanded into 30 states and the U.K. In addition the Service Provider Network is host to companies in 6 states including Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Kentucky and New York.
President of Alternet Home Information Systems. Alternet has recently become an affiliate and participating member of our new Perks Program! We look forward to a long-lasting relationship!
To view the entire list of Service Providers and to find one in your area, become a DEMA member and click on the Member Directory tab on the website. 