February, 2010: Moving into February, DEMA began to establish a strong network of vendors (service providers) in Southeast Florida.  This would allow Private Service Professionals to start interacting with tried and true local businesses, some of which have years of experience working with estate managers.  DEMA was able to serve as a forum for new found communication between service providers and private service professionals.  One of these great companies is Grand Home Automation, which presented not only at the Southeast Florida Chapter meeting but also in Chicago.  The presentation was directed towards educating members about the ever evolving technology which has become critical to managing large estates and focused upon the benefits to both the principal home owner and the estate manager. 

In addition to the meetings, DEMA finished its four part educational webinar series; How to Use LinkedIn.   The prevalence of social networking prompted the association to fashion recommendations for what to post online, how to post information in a professional manner as well as safety concerns.  DEMA continued to tap into its educational resources and published an article written by Mr. Charles MacPherson.  This article focused upon overcoming the challenges faced by Private Service Professionals working with new money principals.

March, 2010:  Trying to warm the bitter cold of March in Michigan, DEMA continued by launching chapters in both New York and Los Angeles with the assistance of two phenomenal keynote speakers.  Ms. Teresa Leigh, of Teresa Leigh Household Risk Management gave a presentation in New York which educated new members about the business knowledge necessary to attain the desired position, etiquette and body language during an interview, and advice about hiring household staff and service providers. 

The Los Angeles Chapter would get the distinct privilege of meeting Mr. Mark Johnson, Director of Operations for Australia based butler school, Magnums Butlers.  Mr. Johnson presented on the history of butlers addressing the changing expectations of the private service professional, the definition of the term butler, and the direction in which Magnums Butlers sees the industry heading.  

DEMA also received their first introduction to Mr. Steven Ferry and his business partner and wife Mrs. Monica Ferry.  During this valuable meeting we were introduced to the background and the philosophies of the International Institute of Modern Butlers.  In addition to meeting Mr. Ferry, DEMA was introduced to Mr. Andrew Lowrey, owner of their newest placement agency Precise Home Management.  Mr. Lowrey has proven to be a great supporter of DEMA! 

DEMA went viral and released their first online video, "The DEMA Experience"  and also launched their own YouTube channel!  This Channel was started as a location where our members can go to see clips of our past meetings as well as educational videos.

April, 2010:  Not allowing the April showers to extinguish the trailblazing that DEMA had accomplished during the early stages of 2010, the Association produced two new webinars in addition to launching a new chapter.  The demands on the Private Service Professionals in Florida to get to the Southeast Florida Chapter became too challenging and the Central Florida Chapter was launched with the support of Chapter President Gary Cockerham.  The Central Florida members would be in for a treat at their chapter launch and a tasty one at that!  The meeting would be hosted at Cuisiniers and the topic revolved around service at various special occasions.

The other five chapter meetings were centered around wine tasting and pouring, dry cleaning, selecting painting companies, landscape maintenance plans, and linen varieties and linen maintenance.

The two webinars in April would both be very educational.  The first was hosted by DEMA's newest national Association Affiliate, Leading Cleaners International, presenting "Dry Cleaning 101" which educated members about the selection of Dry Cleaners and secrets for maintaining dry cleaned items. 

The second was presented by Software management firm AlterNet educated our professionals on the importance of having a good management system in place.  

May, 2010:  Much like Spring flowers, the Associations networking efforts throughout 2010 had begun to blossom with new opportunities.   DEMA announced its membership with The Center for Association Leadership.  In addition, with the much appreciated assistance of dedicated Private Service Professional members, DEMA established boards for each chapter ensuring that each chapter would start to run like well oiled machines! 

Along with the new structure of chapters came two more chapter launches in Washington, D.C.  and Orange County California!

Ms. Pamela Eyring, Owner of The Protocol School of Washinton, kicked off the Washington  D.C. chapter launch with a presentation entitled, "How using the proper protocol could help you get a job, keep a job, or get a better paying job". Also presenting was Mr. Andrew Lowrey of Precise Home Management.  

Another great relationship was formed as DEMA was introduced to Praesidium Elite, a school based in Washington, D.C., which provides education and training to Private Service Professionals and Enlisted Aides for all branches of the United States military.   

June, 2010:  By the time June rolled around there was no time to pull out the bathing suits and suntan lotion!  Instead DEMA reached out to several educational resources for their assistance in scheduling a month of educational speakers.  Steven Ferry, International Institute of Modern Butlers, gave a presentation entitled "The History, Present and Anticipated Future of the Private Service Industry".  Mark Johnson of Magnums Butlers, and Fitzgerald Heslop of Praesidum Elite each gave presentations entitled "Power & Choice: The Burden of Management". 

DEMA also tackled a much larger issue in our July newsletter announcing our Domestic Placement Agency Policies.  Follow this link to view the Policy. 

July, 2010:  Fireworks were set to explode when July arrived as the Chicago Chapter held the first of its kind membership drive!    The Keynote Speaker for this event was Ms.  Teresa Leigh.  Ms. Leigh's presentation addressed issues for both the Private Service Professional and Service Providers.  It covered such topics as understanding the High Net Worth Employer, trends with jobs and salaries, good interviewing skills and effective  communication with the High Net Worth Homeowner.  In addition, she also covered pricing, contracts and fees. 

This complimentary event was made possible by, Bernacki & Associates, Hester Painting & Decorating, Montesquieu Wines, Resource Partners Chicago, Terry Dowd Inc., and Teresa Leigh Household Risk Management.  The membership drive was a great success as over 70 Private Service Professionals and Service Providers came together.  

August, 2010:  DEMA forged a new relationship with a great organization in New York.    The Domestic Workers United has been in existence for over 10 years and supports Caribbean, Latina and African Nannies, Housekeepers, and Ederly Caregivers.  The DWU was instrumental in helping pass the domestic workers bill of rights in New York.  These laws make a difference for all Private Service Professionals.  DEMA officers  sat down with DWU Director Priscilla Gonzalez to discuss how our two organizations can work together in the future.  Congratulations to the industry and DWU as of November 29^th the Bill of Rights for Domestic Workers went into effect! 

August would also bring another chapter launch, this time in Columbus, OH.   We would like to thank Classic Papering and Painting for becoming an instrumental member in helping us start this chapter.   This launch was the 7th chapter launched in 8 months!

September, 2010:  DEMA announced the industry's first comprehensive Dental, Hearing, and Vision Insurance Program. This program is a national insurance plan open to all members and allows Private Service Professionals to move anywhere in the United States without having to re-apply for insurance.  The success of this program will pave the way for DEMA to offer more Medical insurance options in the near future.  No more worrying about pre-existing conditions, overpriced and undercovered Cobra temporary insurance.  This was one of the main items DEMA had been requested to address through surveys of their membership. 

DEMA also introduced a Demographics Survey in conjunction with Teresa Leigh Household Risk Management.  This survey was created to collect data that would provide information about current trends in the industry.  Some of the data that was collected included current average age, live-in positions vs. non live-in positions, average salary, and the percentage of Private Service Professionals with formal training.  We encourage everyone in Private Service to participate in the surveys.   Let your voice be heard! 

October, 2010:   DEMA had their best month yet with 71 new Private Service Professional members joining in October.  The most new members to join in one month!

DEMA hit the road to meet The English Nanny & Governess School l

Topics at DEMA meetings across the nation were on such topics as home automation, working with placement agencies and seminars concerning Family Offices. 

With nine chapters now in operation DEMA was able to introduce a new qualification program for Placement Agencies and Schools.  Both types of entities will have to go through a process similar to the one DEMA Service Providers currently go through.  Agencies and Schools must submit an application  to DEMA  National along with various pieces of verification.  After receiving the application DEMA National will send all the collected information to the local Board of Directors in each Chapter to vote upon the acceptance of applicants. 

November - December, 2010:  As the busy holidays approach us, DEMA held one convenient meeting to cover both November and December.  To celebrate this time of year, most meetings were casual holiday mixers.

 Cassford Management presented to our New York chapter.  The Cassfords presented to the group on "Successful Preparation and Search Strategy", "Agency Best and Worst Practices", and "Etiquette Dos and Don'ts". 

Southeast Florida was treated to yet another fantastic presentation by Jaqueline Whitmore of the Protocol School of Palm Beach titled, "Jingle, Jingle, How's Your Mingle?".  Ms. Whitmore covered such topics as introductions, handshakes, eye contact, remembering names, small talk savvy and business card protocol. 

Why would anyone join DEMA?

To see what some of our members are saying about the Domestic Estate Managers Association click on the link below...

2010 DEMA Testimonials