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What's New...
What is DEMA's policy on the placement industry and how does it affect our membership?
We feel it is very important to address DEMA's policy on domestic placement due to some recent rumors and hearsay that DEMA was involved in a placement in Southern Florida. The placement in question and/or assistance thereof was made by another industry association. Unfortunately, some people are confusing the two associations and thus our clarification below.
First, we would like to start by stating that we are not a placement agency and NEVER will be. We are an educational association with the sole intent on providing all of our members with different tools and resources to protect the estates we all work in. |
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DEMA mission statement:
The Domestic Estate Managers Association is a group of Domestic Professionals and Service Providers who operate with INTEGRITY, TRUST, CONFIDENTIALTY AND MUTUAL RESPECT as their foundational cornerstones toward service.
We are motivated by an attitude of service that is driven by these cornerstones and Professional/Personal Relationships, Lawful Behavior, Dedication, Continuing Education, Personal Development and Mentorship with each other. |
What is DEMA's policy on Placement Agencies?
Ø DEMA does not accept fees, contributions or donations from any agencies or Principals if we refer a member who finds employment. From time to time we are asked by some agencies for a referral to any members that are currently seeking employment.
Ø If a Principal is looking to employ a member on their own accord we always recommend that they use a professional DEMA approved agency that is skilled in providing the proper guidance in regards to job descriptions, contracts and ethical practices. This will in turn protect all parties involved.
Ø DEMA will help any of our Domestic Professional Members find employment by referring them to reputable DEMA approved agencies and Principals that are current members of the association.
Ø DEMA accepts Domestic Placement Agencies as members of the association without any membership dues being paid by the agency. We do however construct a legal Letter of Understanding outlining what the relationship between the DEMA and the agency will look like. It is usually a brief summary of how each entity will promote one another. The term of these letters is typically one year and we revisit them upon expiring and make any appropriate changes.
Ø DEMA encourages our professional members to reach out to one another if they have any needs in the estate they manage. This usually happens during our networking events and by direct contact through email or by phone. |
How does this affect me as an individual member?
Many of you already know these details in regards to the association's policy on agencies. This policy allows us to honestly say as an organization that we have no hidden agenda and are not motivated by any outside factors. DEMA is only motivated by the desires, needs and wants of our membership.
The association is funded by our membership dues that are paid by our Domestic Professional Members, Service Provider Members (companies and vendors) and National Sponsors.
We as an association are committed to bringing together individuals and companies with character and integrity that believe in doing the right thing, while providing the best service possible!
As always, if you have any questions on this, or any other policy, or want to give us any feedback please do not ever hesitate to contact us.
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We hope everyone has a Happy and Safe 4th of July Weekend!
Sincerely,
Matthew Haack Michael Wright
President Vice President
586-457-8004 586-822-0627
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Surveys
In an effort to provide the greatest benefit to our members DEMA would like your input.
We have developed two short surveys to gather information that will help us to better serve you. The first survey will collect basic demographic information that allows us to study trends in the Private Service industry, such as the location of jobs, salary ranges, and training opportunities. The second survey asks for member input on a possible DEMA sponsored Private Service Conferences. Your thoughts, ideas and interests will enable us to tailor the conference to the needs of our members. Both surveys should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. We appreciate your time and input.
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Chapter Meetings & Special Events
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 July 29th, San Diego, CA... Details Coming Soon!
 July 27th Central Florida.... Details Coming Soon!
 July 26th Southeast Florida.... Details Coming Soon!
 July 28th Los Angeles, CA.... Click here to register!
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Ambassadors of Service
June 2010
By Robert Hayman
Butler / Chef / Domestic Professional / Humanitarian
Communication is essential in everything we do. In the Service Industries, communication is the first way we can determine our principals and our clients' needs so that we may duplicate and provide the detail they require.
 There is an exercise I learned while training at Flight Safety International in Savannah, Georgia. Our Flight Safety Instructor had us sit back to back in twos with a clean sheet of white paper, scissors, and a marker. We each took turns describing to the one behind exactly how to cut and mark the paper as we did the same to our piece. We did this in great detail choosing our descriptive words carefully and repeating them back to the describer. Then we turned around and held the papers together to see how they matched up. When we compared the papers it was amazing to see how the cuts and marks where the same and with very little variation.
This exercise is not only to strengthen communication skills but also to strengthen how well one takes instruction with applied detail. Try this exercise with a friend, employees or a spouse. Good communication is a valuable tool at 46,000 feet, designing a custom bath, or making Aunt Mabel's favorite recipe.
Remember; "the Devil is in the detail!" Are you a good communicator? Please send your stories and comments.
At your service,
Robert Hayman
DEMA Member
To submit your "Ambassador" story please email info@domesticmanagers.com
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9 Butler's Tips for Impeccable Table Manners
by Reader's Digest Magazine, on Wed Jun 23, 2010 7:30am PDT
The way you eat and behave at the table is still important, says Nicholas Clayton of The Guild of Professional English Butlers. His guidelines:
1. Let your food cool of its own accord - don't blow on it.
2. Don't spit unwanted food into your napkin - remove it with your fork and place it on the side of your plate.
3. Never talk with your mouth full.
4. Don't hold your knife poised as if ready to sign a cheque, and don't point with any of your cutlery.
5. A napkin is there to protect your clothes; use it to dab the corners of your mouth but never to polish your teeth.
6. Never cut bread or bread rolls. Break the bread with your fingers and butter a small piece at a time. Breakfast toast is the only exception.
7. Be careful not to insult your host by adding salt before you have tasted your food.
8. When you've finished eating, place your knife and fork or spoon and fork together, vertically. Leave your plate where it is - never push it away from you.
9. Don't get drunk; you'll look absurd.
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Domestic Professional Spotlight
~ Featuring ~
Robert Hayman
Q: How did you get started in the Industry?
A: I started in a private fine dining in a supper club as a Waiter, promoted to Captain and then to Maitre D. Members would hire me to work private parties at their homes where I would plan the event, shop, prep, cook, serve and clean up. I became a Butler and have served in the home and on private jets and yachts.
Q: Do you have any formal training or degrees for domestic management?
A: Yes! I have taken many courses in cooking, fine wine and service from Club Corporation of America, Ritz Carlton, Executive Jet/Net Jets, Flight Safety International, and additional training from Starkey International graduates who trained the Private Flight Attendants at Executive Jet. Q: What have been some of the more difficult situations that you have run into on the job?
A: Learning to adapt to an ever changing schedule with the family. Being responsible for putting down the family pet. Caring for a dying family member and making the funeral arrangements.
Q: What type of principal or homeowner do you prefer to work for?
A: One that treats their staff with kindness and respect. One that is fair and sees their staff as an asset to their home. One who explains their needs and then allows their staff to perform without micro-management.
Q: What direction would you like to see the domestic industry go in for the future?
A: A degreed program from a University and a certification for" grandfathering" in those of us with excellent experience.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: To travel and continue to learn and grow in my career as a Domestic Estate Manager and Butler / Chef. To learn to fly an airplane.
Q: What are your interests and hobbies?
A: Writing, Teaching Etiquette Classes, Ballroom Dancing, the History Channel, Interior Design, Animals, Classic Black and White movies from the 1930's and 40's, Museums, Aviation, The Arts, Aviation and much more. |
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Telescopes of Vermont
Telescopes of Vermont is a family enterprise which was formed to fulfill one man's passion to reintroduce to the world a very beautiful and functional piece of sculpture which is also an exceptional telescope.
The Garden Telescope is a singular marriage of art and science, a forgotten gem from the Smithsonian which we have re engineered and reintroduced to the marketplace, with many improvements. Serial numbered and limited, it has the cachet of exclusivity and rarity, and is an heirloom piece imbued with hand wrought craftsmanship. It appeals to those who desire an unusual piece of functional art. It will spark conversations, delight owners and guests, and provide an educational experience when trained on the moon, the moons of Jupiter, or the rings of Saturn. The excellent optics (this was a model for the Hale 200 inch telescope) are easily removed, leaving a graceful and permanent art nouveau botanical bronze sculpture which forms a centerpiece to a garden or terrace. Its patina (verdigris or a warm brown) lends character and gravitas. Owners include royalty and superlatively successful individuals. Currently there are 20 in the world. www.gardentelescopes.com
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World Class Service Providers
Welcome our newest providers to our member directory!
Please visit their websites for more information on these great companies! |
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New Membership Dues for Domestic Professionals & Principal Homeowners
Over the last two years DEMA has been offering complimentary trial memberships. We will continue to do so with different offerings, currently we have a three month complimentary trial to help new Members become more familiar with the DEMA movement. Once your trial expires you will receive an invoice with different options for Membership packages.
Our current Membership have been asking for three options when it comes to dues:
One Year - $49.95 Three Year - $119.95 Five Year - $199.95
DEMA will continue to keep our Membership pricing affordable so all professionals in the industry can afford to participate in the Association! We are able to do so thanks to the support of our loyal Affiliates, Sponsors and Service Provider Members!
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Miss a Newsletter?
No Problem! Click here to view past emails in our archive. |
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 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.
Do you know someone who would benefit from becoming a member of the Domestic Estate Managers Association? Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to them. We always welcome new members!
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July 22nd, Washington D.C... 
July 28th Chicago, IL.... 
July 20th NYC, NY.... 
July 27th Southeast Michigan.... 
