“Service has always felt like a calling,” says Niles (not his real name), a junior butler dedicated to mastering the art of private service through experiences in households and boutique hotels around the world.
At Noble House Collective, we had the privilege to interview this young professional, whose career began in the kitchen as a pastry chef. His eye for detail and creative touch with presentation have become powerful tools in his transition into household service. After his culinary studies, Niles worked as both chef and waiter, skills that remain invaluable today.
He discovered the world of private service through films and a YouTube video featuring the International Butler School in the Netherlands — which ultimately led him to enroll.
After graduating, he secured a seasonal post at a boutique hotel in Scandinavia, followed by a temporary placement in a private household in the USA. The contrast between hotel butling and private service was eye-opening.
“In households, it’s all about consistency and discretion. In hotels, there’s more energy and teamwork — I enjoy both.”
🕰️ A Day in His Life
Niles starts early — opening blinds, preparing coffee, and making breakfast before the household wakes. After the family leaves, he manages housekeeping, laundry, and organization. In the afternoon, he takes personal time before preparing dinner, setting the table, and concluding the evening shift by serving drinks and cleaning up.
💼 Insights and Lessons
When asked about the key to success in private service, he shares:
“Flexibility and confidence. You’ll often be the first person people turn to — even when you don’t yet know the answer. Say yes, then figure it out fast. Google, YouTube, ChatGPT — use all the tools.”
He also reflects on a common misconception:
“Some think butlers are treated like servants. That’s not true. I enjoy the appreciation and the trust I’ve earned.”
🤝 On Integrity
Niles recalls a difficult moment involving a colleague with an alcohol problem:
“It disrupted the team, but I remained calm and professional. I eventually reported it. Though the colleague tried to twist the situation, honesty prevailed.”
🎓 Advice for Aspiring Butlers
“Keep learning. Track your own progress. Even when it feels invisible, your work matters. Be humble, alert, and quick to adapt.”
