The Essentials Course
Step confidently into the world of luxury service with this comprehensive, self-paced course designed for private service professionals at any stage of their career. The Essentials Course delivers foundational knowledge, proven best practices, and practical tools to help you manage a private household or estate with confidence and precision.
Across 49 lessons and over five hours of expert-led video content, you’ll explore core areas such as household administration, staff scheduling, housekeeping routines, property oversight, vendor coordination, security protocols, and family lifestyle support.
Included in your enrollment are six private coaching sessions with Peter Colt Van Ryder, over 250 ready-to-use templates and resources, and access to The Keys to Success in a Private Home—a soft skills masterclass. You’ll also complete a final computer proficiency assessment to validate your tech and admin skills.
Whether you’re looking to grow in your current role or preparing to enter the private service field, this course equips you with the structure, strategies, and confidence to s쳮d at the highest level.
The Keys Class
The Keys Class is a comprehensive 3.5-hour online course designed to equip professionals in the luxury residence industry with essential knowledge and skills. Participants will gain insights on avoiding common mistakes, effective communication, understanding the principal's preferences, and personalized accommodation. Additionally, they will receive a complimentary one-on-one session with Peter Van Ryder via Zoom for personalized guidance. Enroll your staff today to empower them for success in their roles and enhance your satisfaction as principals.
We strongly believe that this information will significantly increase the chances of success for professionals. In fact, we require all our placement candidates to complete this course before starting any position obtained through EMS. Moreover, numerous prominent agencies also mandate this class for their candidates. We highly recommend that you consider implementing this requirement as well.
We offer discounts to Principals and Family Offices looking to integrate this course into your orientation process and agencies who wish to include it as part of their placement process to improve the placement success rate.
Our Packages
All candidates placed by EMS are required to take The Keys to Success When Working in a Private Home.
Quick Hire
Ideal for front-line staff such as Housekeepers & Groundskeepers- Position Consultation
- Job Description Drafting
- Candidate Resume
- Brief 1-page summary of our initial conversations
- Background & Driving Records Check
- Work History & References Check
- 90-day replacement guarantee
The Right Hire
Ideal for Management and Executive Candidates- Position Consultation
- Job Description Drafting
- Candidate Resume
- Principal Identified Screening Questions
- Background and Driving Records Check & Behavior Analysis Interview*
- Work History & References Check
- Extended Replacement Option
- *Behavior Analysis Interview is conducted on the final candidate
The Diligent Hire
For those who want to look beyond the resume- Position Consultation
- Job Description Drafting
- Candidate Resume
- EMS Skills Profile
- Background Check with Behavior Analysis Interview*
- Work History & References*
- Six Month Free Replacement Guarantee
- * Checks can be performed on two candidates
Hogan Assessments can be added to Quick & Right hire packages for an extra fee.
All packages include:
- As many consultations as are needed to draft an accurate Job Description and ensure a successful placement.
- Background screening of all candidates invited to the residence.
- Work History and References Check, Social Media Screening on all candidates who are in serious consideration for the position.
- A 90-day replacement guarantee.
Thank you for your interest in speaking with us.
This booking calendar is only for our Principal Clients. If you are a candidate or colleague, please use a different calendar. Or email us at Recruitment@HNWSolutions.com for a link to the appropriate booking calendar.
Our Pledge to the Principal
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to being open, honest, and genuinely supportive to each of our clients. We go beyond mere transactions, focusing on building meaningful connections and delivering personalized value through our wealth of expertise. Our aim isn't just to provide services; it's to become your trusted partner in achieving lasting success. We navigate challenges together, ensuring your staff's retention and long-term prosperity. Maintaining the utmost confidentiality and professionalism is not just a commitment but a reflection of our dedication to providing you with an exceptional, personalized experience that earns and preserves your trust.
Here's What We'll Do For You:
- Conduct thorough and equal screening for every candidate.
- Offer sincere and candid advice on all aspects of our engagement.
- Safeguard your identities and information until mutual agreement to connect with the candidate.
- Extend support and act as a reliable sounding board before, during, and after the placement process.
A Luxury Household Staffing & Consulting Agency
Minneapolis | Chicago | Cleveland
Luxury Household Staffing & Recruitment
At EMS, we understand the unique needs of the homes and families across Minneapolis, Chicago, and Cleveland. The professionals who work in your household are more than just employees—they play an essential role in upholding the high standards of living you’ve worked tirelessly to achieve. Trusting in their skills and having confidence in their integrity are critical to building a successful working relationship.
Our team brings decades of hands-on experience in Private Service to identify your specific staffing needs and find the ideal candidate for your home. We start by listening closely to our clients as they express their requirements, noting preferences, and identifying the soft skills your professional should demonstrate. We are working diligently to find someone who will fit seamlessly with your family’s unique personalities and come equipped with the hard skills needed to fulfill your needs.
Once our engagement letter is signed and the retainer fee is received, we begin the thorough and detailed process of gathering essential information to craft a job description that attracts the right candidates and sets clear expectations for success. After you’ve approved the job description, we source candidates from Minneapolis, Chicago, and the Cleveland area who we believe will be an excellent match for your household. If we do not find the right candidate for you locally, we will discuss expanding the search to include candidates who wish to live in Minneapolis, Chicago, or Cleveland.
Each candidate is presented through our secure portal, complete with their resume and either their Principal Chosen Questions answers or their EMS Skills Profile, depending on which package you have chosen.
Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff is very experienced, savvy, and resourceful in all aspects of household and staff management.
Property Managers
Managing the grounds of large estates requires special knowledge and insight. The Caretaker or Property Manager is the one who oversees the maintenance and upkeep of your property down to your taste, standards, and vision.
Family Assistants
Similar to that of a Personal Assistant, the Family Assistant handles all the household duties that the family needs help with.
Private Chauffeur/Drivers
A Private Chauffeur/Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of their principals, members of the family and guests alike.
Laundress
When you add a professional Laundress to your home, your household not only enjoys clean and organized laundry, but every linen and soft surface is professionally handled as well.
Director of Residences
Directors of Residences, Directors of Estates, Estate Directors, and/or the Chief of Staff are similar in nature. They tend to have a more administrative role within an estate that has or is establishing a Single Family Office (SFO).
Household Managers
A Household Manager is responsible for handling the daily operations of a household and responding to the homeowner’s needs.
Private Chefs
A Private Chef often possesses a formal culinary education, has been an apprentice in fine dining establishments, and/or works exclusively for a private family or individual.
Housekeepers
Although housekeeping duties vary between households, a Housekeeper’s primary role is to handle all the cleaning and organization in the home. They are also tasked with preparing meals, running errands and accompanying vendors to their work areas.
Estate Managers
The position of an Estate Manager is more administrative in nature. This individual is the main point of contact between the Principal and the service environments they own, as well as, the staff that run them.
Domestic Couples
Domestic Couples occupy a unique place in the constellation of private service, providing each service required to run a household and maintain a home.
Butlers
Originally, Butlers were primarily limited to the Food & Beverage department of the home. Today, Butlers wear far more hats and bring a sense of elegance to the residence.
Housemen
A Houseman is a jack-of-all-trades position capable of filling service gaps inside or outside the home.
Service Beyond Placement
Household Staffing & Recruitment
Household Staffing & Recruitment
Where we cultivate positive relationships to ensure happiness and success on all fronts! Clarity, Transparency, Honesty, and Mutual Respect are the cornerstones of a successful professional relationship.
Coaching & Mentorship
Coaching & Mentorship
Where we provide your Private Service Professional with the guidance they need to develop strong professional relationships and the tools and support to cultivate your luxury and create an information legacy for your home and staff.
Estate Operations Systems Set Up
Estate Operations Systems Set Up
Personalized consulting for Principals who wish to improve the uniformity of service delivered across their multiple service environments and staff.
The Keys Class
The Keys Class
A comprehensive 1.5-hour online course designed to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge to excel in their new positions. Covering privacy, communication, handling delicate situations, and maintaining professionalism at all times.
Hogan Assessments
Hogan Assessments
Harnessing Hogan's decades of empirical data to help Principals and Family Offices make more informed hiring decisions and help PSP leaders become better leaders.
The Essentials Course
The Essentials Course
The only course of its kind in Private Service. Teaching current and future Private Service Professionals the most critical areas for success. Culminating in all the resources needed to draft an operational Household Manual.
DFW & North Texas: (214) 605-7286 | Austin & San Antonio: (512) 969-8280 | Houston & Gulf Coast: (713) 258-9800
Email the Owner: Info@HNWSolutions.com | To Submit Your Resume Click Here
Many of our clients reside in the following areas, and we stand ready for your call.
Minneapolis
Edina | Wayzata | Minnetonka | Eden Prairie | Orono | Plymouth | Deephaven | Medina | North Oaks | Excelsior
Chicago
Winnetka | Glencoe | Kenilworth | Lake Forest | Hinsdale | Burr Ridge | Wilmette | Highland Park | Oak Brook | Clarendon Hills
Cleveland
Hunting Valley | Gates Mills | Moreland Hills | Pepper Pike | Chagrin Falls | Bentleyville | Rocky River | Beachwood | Westlake | Hudson