News from Domestic Estate Managers Association

Q) How did you get started in Household Management? Jeff Stemes

A) My career in house and property management kind of surprised me. I was happily working in the domestic field before I knew there was actually a career with that title. I was a caretaker/property manager for a large Washington State beachfront community of homes when one high profile family in the fashion industry recruited my wife and I to manage their fine peninsula home. It was quite the learning experience for both of us and from then on; I knew I had found my niche.

Q) Do you have any formal training or degrees for household management?

A) I recently have been enhancing my education through Greycoat Academy of England. They offer reasonably priced courses online so I am able to take those at my leisure. Upon Greycoat's staff review of my resume and experience they suggested I take the course at the top, the Butler/House Manager course. I completed that and also one called Finances, Suppliers and Security, which I completed "With Distinction". Although Greycoat feels the material their courses offer is something I already have significant experience with, I want to take all of them towards obtaining my Validation Degree. I also read as much as I can to further my knowledge of service.

Q) What have been some of the more difficult situations that you have run into on the job?

A) The Mrs. who threw food and pan lids at my wife was the worst. I also worked for a principal that had the personality of "Jekyll/Hyde". That was extremely difficult for me and the principal because the expectations were always changing. For the most part, households in which I have worked have offered unique and educational experiences, which I value. Some have been more difficult than others. The ideal House Manager Team position I held with my wife, Jennifer, came to a screeching halt when the Principals decided to divorce and ultimately downsize their properties and staff. Jennifer's position was eliminated so there went the visions we had of retiring with that family. But each closed door means another will open. I am enjoying the journey and am never absolutely sure where the next road will lead. Jen has since retired from private service and instead, is working as a staffing consultant which she loves doing.

Q) What type of principal or homeowner do you prefer to work for?

A) Upon reflection of my employment experiences, I would say I would look towards a structured household rather than the "informal" home where one can tend to be overworked and the household understaffed. Boundaries, I feel, are important to maintain and often it has been my experience that in an informal home, the boundaries may be non-existent.

Q) What direction would like to see the domestic industry go in the future?

A) EDUCATION! I believe we, the staff, can only improve our standings if we become better educated. A good school like Charles MacPherson offers or Greycoat Academy, whether online or in a classroom setting will improve one's resume and opportunities. In addition, I would like to see more offerings for employers to learn about their staffing requirements, for example the number of people it takes to make a fine estate run properly and smoothly. I would appreciate seeing an "Employer Packet" presented prior to each new hire for any position - perhaps one containing analysis of the estate's needs, staff salary expectations, overtime payment versus comp time, health and other benefits, and in general an overview of what the Employer should expect to give to, and to get from, their new staff member. I know some of the better service agencies do provide that information when placing a new employee. In addition, I think meetings of the type DEMA has planned are so very beneficial to all of us as we gather to share experiences and goals, because out of many minds can come great ideas.

Q) What are your goals for the future?

A) Furthering my education so I can provide the best service possible.

Q) What are your interests and hobbies?

A) Spending time with my wife and best friend, Jennifer, browsing through antique stores, collecting antiques (too many, Jen says), photography, reading a good book by some of my favorite authors, John Grisham and Janet Evanovich to name a couple, and above all experiencing life.

Thank you for this opportunity to tell you a little about myself.