Household Management

The wealth spiral

Success comes with an unexpected level of complexity, leading high net worth families to fall into a wealth spiral. Here’s why it happens, how it affects life at home, and what you can do to calm the chaos.

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Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E58] Protecting the world's most prominent individuals: what's changed and what hasn't in Gavin de Becker’s 40+ year history

How has protecting the world's most prominent families and individuals changed over the last 50 years — and what's stayed the same? Gavin de Becker & Associates Senior Vice President of Threat Assessment and Management Bryan Niederhelm digs into what's new and what remains core to executive protection in this episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E57] Managing luxury construction projects as an owner's rep

Curious about the role of an owner's rep and how they can help streamline a luxury construction project? Leo Crane shares his take in a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E56] Maximizing value for families, family offices and estate management teams

How do you maximize value across an organization? Family office specialist Alison Marckstadt shares her tips on the Easemakers Podcast!

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E55] Uncovering the principal's perspective

What are principals really thinking? Tapestry Associates CEO Anne Lyons and President Judy Boerner-Rule share an insider's perspective in this episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E54 - Live from EMC] Trending: Residential Hospitality

What does it mean to create a 5 star hotel experience in a home or estate — and how can you make it happen? Hannah Loudin, Director of Residences at The Tampa EDITION, shares her tips in a special bonus episode of the Easemakers Podcast, recorded live from the Estate Management Conference!

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E53] Staying organized across multiple properties with NEAT Method Co-Founders Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer

Getting organized — let alone staying organized — across multiple properties can be a huge undertaking. Get tips from the experts in this Easemakers Podcast episode with NEAT Method Co-Founders Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E52] Exploring alternative residence and citizenship

As an increasing number of people start to explore the possibilities of alternative citizenship, what do private service professionals need to know? Henley & Partners Managing Director Private Clients Judi Galst shares her tips and insights in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E51] Providing lifestyle management services within a public accounting firm

What are the keys to providing excellent lifestyle management services to 25 different clients? Jennifer Quent shares what it's like to work for a family office practice within a public accounting firm in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E50] Breaking down communications siloes and creating harmony in estate management

How do you ensure principals and the private service professionals who support them are all on the same page? Jen Laurence shares her tips for improving communications in this episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E49] Time management and avoiding the 8 deadly time thieves

Private service professionals often feel like there aren't enough hours in a day — but are you falling victim to the 8 deadly time thieves? In a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast, professional organizer and bestselling author Andrew Mellen shares his tips for time management.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E48] Resourcing: how to set your family office and household staff up for success

How do you ensure your team has the resources they need, and how do you ask for more support? Rebecca Maguire shares her tips for setting family offices and teams of household staff up for success.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E47] Exploring the options for private aviation

The options for private air travel are extensive. What are the advantages of buying a private plane, working with an air charter service, or owning a fraction of a private jet? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, private aviation expert and Corporate Aviation CEO Ryan Hall breaks down the options for flying privately.

Household Inventory

[Easemakers Podcast E46] The importance of an up to date home inventory — and how to create one for your household or estate

Do you know how to create a home inventory list? Why is inventory so important — to family members, to your insurance company and to your household staff? And, what needs to be included on your home inventory checklist? Inventory expert Carol Kaufman shares her tips in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E45] Virtual personal & executive assisting and building a remote private service business

Tara Ulrich is a virtual personal assistant and executive assistant who supports clients across the country. In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, she shares her tips for providing administrative support remotely and building a virtual assistant business in private service.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E44] Managing farms, ranches and agricultural properties (and what you need to know about agricultural property tax exemption)

Your principals come to you and say they want to buy a ranch or some kind of agricultural property, and they’d like to set it up as a business to qualify for an agricultural property tax exemption. Now what? Director of Properties and Agricultural Manager Stephanie Galetzki shares everything you need to know in a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Household Management

How to master estate management projects

Major projects present an exciting opportunity for estate managers to shine in their roles. See what goes into mastering projects — and how you can level up your skills.

Easemakers

Estate manager salary negotiation tips from the experts

Private service is a unique career path — which means negotiating your salary as an estate manager comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Get advice from the experts on navigating salary conversations, asking for a raise, and creating a compensation package with outside the box benefits.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E43] Household staffing compensation trends

What are the trends in household staffing salaries and compensation? How much does compensation affect tenure and turnover? Which employees are you most at risk of losing? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, the Botoff Consulting team shares takeaways from the 2022 Estate and Household Staff Compensation Report.

Easemakers

11 non-obvious questions to ask when you’re interviewing for estate manager jobs

Every estate manager wants to find a role where they can thrive. So, what questions should you ask during the interview process to help you recognize great principals, uncover growth opportunities, and land a role that’s a long-term fit? Get tips from the experts.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E42] Understanding today's insurance market

What do you need to know about today’s insurance market, and how do you decide when to submit a claim and when not to? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Atténuer Risk Managing Principal Kate Norris shares her tips.

Household Management

Bridging the fall property management transition

Are you ready for the fall changeover? Here are the questions you should be thinking about to prepare for winter and preserve a property and everything within it.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E41] Managing wardrobes and personal styling

How do you manage an extensive wardrobe — especially when you’re working across multiple properties? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, personal stylist Natalie Decleve shares her tips for private service professionals tasked with managing their principals’ wardrobes.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E40] Navigating uncomfortable conversations with principals

How do you manage expectations and build strong relationships with principals? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Sarah Korpela shares her tips for navigating difficult conversations and communicating effectively with high net worth clients.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E39] Working with hyper-growth family offices and scaling your household operations

How do you scale household operations after a wealth event? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Director of Properties Jeffrey Konen shares his tips for working with hyper-growth family offices.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E38] Building strong systems of communication and creating a legacy of knowledge

Phoebe Maddrell has honed her estate management skillset across superyachts, guest homes, and estates. Now, she’s sharing what she’s learned about building effective systems of communication for staff members and creating what she calls a “legacy of knowledge” in a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E37] Protecting assets from risk during hurricane season

This month marks the beginning of hurricane season. How do you make sure a property — and all of the fine art, antiques, and other valuable assets within it — are safe from risk? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Fortress Chief Operating Officer Tom Burns shares best practices for art storage and preservation and tips for preparing for hurricane season.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E36] Improving your household’s cybersecurity

What steps can you take to reduce your cybersecurity risk and protect your household against cyberattacks? Annapurna Cybersecurity Founder & CEO shares what he’s learned about mitigating risk for families, family offices and household staff.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E35] Managing complex moves

Is it possible for a move to be stress-free? No move is easy, but this week on the Easemakers Podcast, move concierge and relocation services expert Eve Ward shares her tips for helping the entire moving process go smoothly.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E34] From jewelry to NFTs: managing private collections

Whether you’re handling priceless works of art or couture masterpieces, supporting a private collector comes with a lot of extra responsibility. In a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Naomi Sosnovsky shares how she combines her passions for private collections and private service — along with her advice for other PSPs.

Household Employment

What is executive protection? A hiring guide for HNW households

What is executive protection? When should you consider executive protection services, and how do you go about finding the right executive protection agent? Here’s a guide to figuring out the right private security setup for a high net worth household.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E33] Service at sea: from chefing on yachts to planning private charters

Curious about yachting? In a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Rose Jolis shares her path from yacht chef to private yacht charter broker, and what she's learned along the way.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E32] Executive protection, life safety, and being prepared for anything

Want to ensure your household is prepared for anything? In a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast, we talk with Scott Sanders, an estate manager with a specialty in executive protection, about life safety and the importance of being prepared.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E31] Negotiating your salary and how to advocate for a 20%+ raise

How do you negotiate for the salary you deserve? In a new Easemakers Podcast episode, Career Coach Donna Shannon shares how to talk about money with confidence and land a 20%+ increase.

Household Management

The 1 thing every estate manager should do to earn the respect of household staff and vendors 

Building mutual respect amongst household staff and vendors takes time. Here's one thing you can do right now to accelerate the process.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E30] Off-market experiences and what principals really want

What do principals really want? Rey Flemings and his team at Myria have an interesting hypothesis: experiences you can’t Google. Hear his take in a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast!

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E29] Hybrid roles in private service: the other perspective from a household staffing agency

Let's talk about a hot topic: hybrid roles in household staffing. In a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast, PSP-turned-recruiter Jenni Vaughan shares the other side of the story.

Household Employment

How to find a private housekeeper for a high net worth household

Finding the right housekeeper for a high net worth household can be challenging, and today, the market is more competitive than ever. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know, from job descriptions, salaries and benefits, to the questions the experts always ask in the interview process.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E28] From managing properties in the islands to building a business in NC: growing a career side by side

What's it like to work in private service alongside your spouse? Find out in a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast with Easemakers community member Catherine Smith!

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E27] Memorial planning and the role of family office and household staff in the remembrance process

What's the role of household staff in the memorial planning and funeral process? Expert Jeff Lambert shares his take in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Updated for 2023] 20+ resources every estate manager should know

Check out the list of private service industry resources every estate manager should know, and let us know what’s missing.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E26] Celebrating the voices of our community

In our final episode of 2022, members of the Easemakers community share what they've learned this year, what they're grateful for, and what they're looking forward to in the New Year.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E25] Using interpersonal tactics to foster better communication among teams

You want your household staff to work together seamlessly — but sometimes, different communication styles get in the way. See how Tejai Singh helps team members understand each other in a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E24] Navigating a new generation of principals in private service

A younger generation of principals is starting to hire household staff — so what does that mean for private service professionals? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Philippa Smith shares what she's learned about this new generation.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E23] Being persistent and standing up to vendors (in a nice way)

Every estate manager has learned some lessons the hard way. In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Bobbie Halminiak shares what she's learned about working with vendors.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E22] The service mindset and going above and beyond

John Christensen is a 25-year private service veteran, who grew up with a service mindset. In the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast, he shares what he's learned about standing out, while maintaining your balance.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E21] From TV costumes to private service: being prepared for anything

Estate managers need keen attention to detail, great organization skills, and the ability to stay calm in the midst of chaos. Jean Weiss learned all of these things before her private service career — as a costumer on shows like Parks and Recreation. Tune in to the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast to hear her story, and what she's learned along the way.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast Bonus] Learning the basics of property management and household operations

Don't know where to start when it comes to managing properties? Expert estate manager Shelby Boudreau learned everything she knows on the job — and now, she's sharing her tried and true household operations tips to help others feel less overwhelmed.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E20] Growing from nanny to household and estate manager

Are you in a nanny or family assistant role, aspiring to be an estate manager? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, an estate manager shares how she grew from nanny to household manager as her principals' needs changed.

Household Management

Tackle your household operations in 3 easy steps

Managing homes and estates isn't easy. But if you take these 3 simple steps, you can cut down on the chaos, save time, and be more prepared for anything that comes your way.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E19] Serving as a footman to Queen Elizabeth II

This week, people around the world are paying homage to Queen Elizabeth II. On this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Chris Ely shares what it was like to be a footman at Buckingham Palace.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E18] Mayday case study: overcoming 'hell week'

One week, three holiday dinners, no notice. When Holy Week turned into 'hell week,' Latricia Friend made the impossible possible for her principals — and now, she's sharing how she did it in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E17] The tension between estate managers and interior designers

Estate managers and interior designers both want to make their principals happy — so why is it such a challenge to work together? We asked two friends to debate some common scenarios, and to share how they've built a positive working relationship.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E16] Managing risk in household employment

How do you create a healthy work environment for household staff, get ahead of challenges, and keep tough situations from escalating? In a new episode of the Easemakers Podcast, TEAM CEO Rachel Green shares tips and best practices for minimizing risk in household employment.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E15] A "gilded age" in private service: trends in job descriptions, salaries & more

Are we seeing an unprecedented moment in private service? Brian Daniel thinks so — and he's sharing his insights in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E14] Caring for couture and managing high-end wardrobes

How do you care for a luxury wardrobe and manage the closet of a couture collector? Garde Robe's Doug Greenberg shares secrets from the pros.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E13] Service squared: inside the military's enlisted aide program

Enlisted aides have a keen sense of attention to detail, managing everything from the medals on a general's uniform to the menu for dinner with an ambassador. Get an inside look at this unique private service role in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E12] Managing second homes and seasonal properties

A second home should feel like a sanctuary, but maintaining a seasonal property can be a lot of work. How do you manage vendors from afar? How do you keep the home safe year round? Kelly Cooper has built a business around managing seasonal properties, and she's sharing her secrets in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E11] Why private service professionals need better backup

Why is burnout such a problem in private service? How do we stop it from happening? In the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Bonnie Low-Kramen shares her thoughts on why private service professionals need better backup — and how we can make it happen.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E10] Managing construction projects for luxury homes

Estate managers balance a huge range of tasks every day — so how do you add a construction project to the mix? Veteran Estate Manager and owner's rep Tammy Goforth shares her secrets for striking the right balance in our latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E9] Fractional estate management: managing multiple principals and properties

Curious about the pros and cons of balancing multiple principals and multiple properties? In the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast, fractional estate management veteran Christopher Milu shares his experience — and his tips for other PSPs.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E8] The perks and challenges of working with celebrities

Dream of working with a celebrity? Trying to figure out if working for someone in the spotlight is right for you? Estate manager J Paulin worked for one of the biggest names in show business — and weighs in on the pros and cons in our latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast] Leadership, job searching, manuals and more

Every estate manager has a story, and the Easemakers Podcast is where you get to hear them. Tune in to hear guests share their tips for becoming a better leader, landing the right job for you, building an effective house manual, and more.

Easemakers

3 questions for home organization expert Faith Roberson

Curious about taking on an organizing project? Don’t miss these home organization tips from professional organizer and life coach Faith Roberson.

Easemakers

AMA: Detoxing your household for a healthier lifestyle

Many households are becoming more eco-conscious, but don't realize how much of what they buy is toxic. Sophia Ruan Gushée wants to change that — and now, she's sharing her secrets with the Easemakers community.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E7] Making your vendors feel a part of the team

Want to work with vendors who would drop everything to help you? Get tips from Estate Manager Shelby Boudreau in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Easemakers

AMA: The magic of organizing and decluttering

Getting organized helps your household run smoothly — but where do you start, and how do you find the time? Bring your questions to our ask me anything (AMA) conversation with Faith Roberson!

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E6] Building an effective household manual

Does your household have a manual that sets expectations and helps everyone on your staff succeed? Housekeeping and estate management expert Marta Perrone shares her secrets in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.

Household Vendors

House rules: how to set expectations with your vendors

Your vendors can only live up to your household’s standards if they know what they are. Here’s how to write house rules that set expectations from the beginning.

Household Vendors

9 ways to build strong, long-lasting relationships with your vendors

Your household couldn’t run smoothly without the help of experts who specialize in A/V, irrigation, construction, and more. Here are 9 ways to build stronger relationships with your vendors.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E5] Agencies, resumes and references

How do you find the right match in private service? Whether you're looking for an agency to work with, a principal to work for, or a private service professional to hire, this episode of the Easemakers Podcast has you covered.

Easemakers

4 questions estate managers should always ask in a crisis

Estate managers are responsible for making important decisions on the fly. Are you doing everything you can to protect yourself and your household when you're under pressure?

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E4] Becoming a better communicator

Estate managers face tough conversations every day. In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, we asked Director of Residences Fiona Spence-McNeil to share her strategies for navigating any conversation.

Easemakers

AMA: Minimizing risk for your household

You're responsible for managing risk when it comes to your vendors, household staff, and more. Are you doing everything you can to protect your principals and yourself?

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E3] Navigating the job search in private service

What questions should candidates ask in interviews to get a clear understanding of the principal? Why does ghosting happen? In the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast, we asked Peter Van Ryder to share what he's learned as a private service professional turned educator and recruiter.

Easemakers

5 tips for managing a great private event

As the owner of the NYC-based boutique catering and events company KG Fare, Joshua Griffiths knows how to create a fantastic guest experience. Now, he's sharing his secrets with the Easemakers community.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E2] Driving change in estate management

What is an estate manager? Why is this role so hard to define, and who sets the standard? Veteran estate manager Kimberly Varney wants to help answer these questions. Listen to our new episode of the Easemakers Podcast to hear how she plans to do it.

Easemakers

[Easemakers Podcast E1] How to foster an amazing team

We're kicking off the Easemakers Podcast with an expert in managing teams and fostering employees: Director of Residences Jared Miles. Listen now to get Jared's tips for his fellow people leaders.

Easemakers

Introducing the Easemakers Podcast

Tune in to hear your fellow easemakers talk about everything from pivoting at a moment's notice to bringing out the best in everyone on your team.

Easemakers

AMA: Translating your principal's vision into the perfect event

Want to turn your principal's grand ideas into a concrete plan? Bring your questions to our ask me anything (AMA) conversation with Joshua Griffiths!

Easemakers

We're grateful for...

Happy Thanksgiving, Easemakers!

Household Employment

9 benefits to retain your best private service professionals

Nationwide resignations are up 60% over last year, and demand for household employees is booming. How are you working to retain your best private service professionals?

Easemakers

3 questions to add to your interviews with private service professionals

As an estate manager, you're responsible for hiring household staff members who share your high standards for trust and quality of service. How do you get a clear sense of a candidate’s behavior, character and work ethic?

Easemakers

Setting the table for a 5 star Thanksgiving dinner

Director of Residences and professionally trained Chef JP Cole thinks about Thanksgiving dinner all year round. “The preparation is utmost,” says JP.

Easemakers

The hidden resume

When Fiona Spence-McNeil joins a new household as Director of Residences, she interviews every member of the team. But she doesn’t want to hear about your resume.

Easemakers

One thing I wish I’d known before getting into private service

Anyone in the private service industry will tell you, no day is the same. So, how do you prepare for a career full of surprises?

Easemakers

Why private service professionals need community

The best private service professionals in the world too often feel alone. We believe Easemakers is the solution.