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NEW SPEAKER ADDED!

Philip Porter of Crystal Treasures, Inc. will be giving a presentation on Home Inventories!

After months of planning under the guidance of new Chapter President, Estate Manager Peter Van Ryder, the date is set!  We are excited to announce the forming of our Dallas Chapter!

During this launch meeting we will have a group discussion and brainstorming session about speakers and subjects that our members would like to see for the rest of 2011.  

Miele will give a presentation describing their product lines and moving forward with DEMA in 2011!

We would like to thank Miele for being a Great member and sponsor of DEMA. In 2011 Miele is hosting our first six meetings for the Dallas Chapter! This will help establish a "home base" location and help bring consistency and growth to the chapter.

We encourage everyone in the Dallas area to attend and help this new chapter become a great success!

Private Service Spotlight 

~featuring~

Kelly Larson

Ø  How did you get started in the Industry?

I was referred to my principals by a cousin who was one of the principal's executive assistant.  Although it was my first PA position I had a background in event-planning which covered a lot of the same skills needed; organization, flexibility, and resourcefulness to name a few.

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

No formal training, but I can see how valuable that would be.  I was fortunate to do some training with the person I replaced in my last position who was generous enough to share a lot of her knowledge of private service, especially the differences between working in a home versus an office.

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

Fortunately I've never had any major catastrophes. Having staff who works well together makes a big difference in any crisis.

Ø  What type of Principal or Homeowner do you prefer to work for?

I like to think that flexibility is one of my strong suits and that I can adapt to different personalities.  One thing I couldn't do without is the occasional expression of appreciation.  Acknowledgement of a good effort goes a long way.

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

Before DEMA I really had no concept of personal service as an industry.  I have heard other estate personnel mention that it can be a lonely job, without a lot of outside interaction, and that's been my experience.  Certainly more networking can only be beneficial for everyone and I support measures to standardize and accredit service, where possible.

Ø  What are your goals in the future?

To land a fantastic position as personal assistant or house manager and work more with colleagues in the industry to support one another.

Ø  What are your interests and hobbies?

I enjoy seeing something new on a cooking channel or in a magazine and trying it out in my kitchen. In the summer I'm outdoors as much as possible, gardening in the yard, doing activities with the kids or entertaining neighbors on the patio. 

World Class Service Providers

Designs by Valerie - Beverly Hills, CA 

Mulholland Security Centers, Inc. - Studio City, CA

William C. Huff Companies - Naples, FL

 Please see our directory for all of our Great companies!

Special Training Announcement for Housekeepers in NYC for April

We are pleased to announce that two fantastic DEMA Members are partnering to bring Housekeeper training to NYC!

Special Training Announcement for Housekeepers in Chicago for May

We are pleased to announce that two fantastic DEMA Members are partnering to bring Housekeeper training to Chicago, be sure to look at your DEMA Discount.