Once built, this Excel spreadsheet is a powerful tool. The rows of information in this database can be sorted by Who completes the task (the appliance repair technician), the frequency of the task (Annual service), or the Item category (Dishwasher, Dryer, Exhaust Fan, etc.). Then all information can be added to your calendar.

Hint for homeowners with household management staff: no healthy relationship is sustainable long-term without it.

It is possible to care for someone AND maintain professional boundaries and expectations. In fact, it is the most respectful way to protect and respect a relationship. Here are six suggestions for successful boundaries, outlining performance expectations, and tracking accountability with household staff.

In private service, experience matters. In addition to saving a life, understanding HR practices, and having the skills required for high-tech homes, private service differs from almost any other industry due to the broad range of experience needed and the personal nature of working inside someone’s home. Here are 7 factors critical to an employee's success and longevity.

For 29 years, I have worked for no money-, new money-, faux money-, and old money clients. I can’t always tell which is which, no matter the brand of cars parked in the driveway, the size of the home, or how they dress. But one thing is crystal clear, I know which ones have learned lessons from the past and learned to protect their assets and their wealth…

We are all creatures of habit and get stuck in our ways, but when we get thrown sideways by daily “emergencies,” important tasks get dropped, and essential duties fall through the cracks, something’s got to change.