Private Service Professional Spotlight

~featuring~

Paul Martel

    Ø  How did you get started in Industry?

My first introduction to the Domestic Industry was through a friend who needed help throwing dinner parties for her client. We had such a wonderful time that it fired my passion for the domestic sector. Soon after another friend referred me to replace a prominent musician's chef while he was on vacation. This gave me a foot in the door for the agencies.

   Ø  Do you have any formal training or degrees for  Private Service?

My training started at the age of fifteen in my fathers French Bistro. My father was a perfectionist who believed attention to small details is what differentiates you. He enabled me to work in Paris as a Stagiaire for a year. The culmination of 30 years in the service industry as a chef in fine dining, this foundation set the stage to a smooth transition from Personal Chef to managing multiple properties for my client. My Principals were wonderful in bringing in talent to educate staff in any areas that needed additional refinement. I admire the talents and abilities of my co-workers and try to be observant enough to learn from them. My ability to be able to anticipate the client needs and wants and react quickly has offset my lack of formal training.

    Ø  What have been some difficult situations that you have run into on the job?

Deciphering vague directives from the principals as to what exactly their needs and wants are. The politics played by staff members trying to shift responsibilities was a challenge. Writing job descriptions and outlining daily expectation and directives mostly eliminated these issues. Dealing with contractors who could not believe that you are expecting them to do what they said they would do. Oh, and looking at the beautiful Pacific Ocean everyday, that was torture. ;-) 

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

While trying not to sound too idealistic, I believe there are people who are happy and project good energy. Creating positive energy is one of my greatest assets. I enjoy being around creative people who have great imaginations and a thirst for life.

Ø  What direction would you like to see the Private Service Industry go in the future?

Better resources and networking.

Ø  What are your goals in the future?

My favorite project is the pursuit of refining my fields of expertise and marketing them to achieve a harmonious relationship with the economic needs of today and tomorrow.  Starting a business with my wife and creating a college fund for our son.

Ø  What are your interests and hobbies?

My son will soon be five and lights up my life. We love the parks, ocean, soccer, riding bikes and Jamba Juice. Every moment together is an adventure. After my wonderful wife and son, my loves are audio systems, computers, and tech gadgets.