The Estate Management Systems Blog
The EMS team is here to help you navigate the ins and outs of managing luxury properties and lifestyles — from anywhere
Do Paper House Manuals Still Have Value?
For the past week my kitchen has been converted into a print shop – messy with all of the pieces of producing a 3-ring binder landscape manual for a garden that I first designed 20 years ago. Since the majority of my work has evolved into creating digital systems, this has been a nice shift from my normal computer-focused daily routine.
The Fine Art of Working with Wealthy Families
How to train our staff to be successful in this unique work environment.
The Biggest Lesson I Learned as an Estate Manager
I haven’t told many people this, but I was fired TWICE in estate manager roles. OUCH!
The Differences Between A Great Housekeeper And A Great “Estate” Housekeeper
If you’re a housekeeper who wants to shine like a diamond in this industry (and up your game), take note!
How To Complete Your House Manual In 6 Months
8 Pro tips to help estate managers complete it this year.
15 Questions To Help Select The Right Employer
You never have more negotiating power in this relationship than you do in the interview process.
Manage Hard Conversations With Your UHNW Principal
You don't need to be a passive participant.
Mastering The Art Of Household Inventories
Here are my lessons learned from a recent full-household inventory client experience.
Must-Have Apps and Devices To Manage Multiple Properties From Anywhere
Here are my go-to tech devices and software for doing business from Ethiopia to Tulsa, OK and parts in between.
Let’s Talk About Personal Service and Mental Health
It’s easy to burn out in our profession. Here’s how to stay sane.
Underperforming Staff Member? Let’s Set Them Up for Success
Learn from my plan designed to improve a client’s gardener
Five Steps to Gain Power With Your Domestic Staff
Here’s the best way to onboard yourself in your new position
Three Steps to Equip Yourself to Manage Multiple Properties
And multiply your value at the same time!
Top Recruiters: What Principals Want Their Estate Managers to Know
Here are 6 tips from top recruiters + 10 more from me!
How To Train Your Billionaire
Six ways to improve relationships and service between principals and estate managers
Eight Quick Tips For Creating Really Great Checklists
Improve communication and your staff’s work performance
Test: Does Your Company Qualify As A “White Glove Luxury Service Provider?”
If you aren’t working for top-level clients and attracting the most qualified employees in your industry, this may be why.
Free Resources for Domestic Staffing Recruiters
Get our free “cheat sheet” management resource for your principal- and candidate-clients, and more.
Not Sure If You Need A Digital House Manual? Take This Quick Test
Here’s how to tell if you’re ready and what systems might be right for your level of service.
6 Steps To Determine If You Need To Hire Another Housekeeper
I recently had an estate manager reach out for feedback. She’s getting ready to step into a new position and the position’s current staff didn’t seem adequate for the square footage of house. Here’s what I suggested she do.