History and Philosophy

Mary Louise Starkey began Starkey & Associates, Inc. in January 1981, offering housekeeping and placement services. In November 1989, Mary Starkey created Starkey International Institute for Household Management in response to marketplace requests for trained and skilled professionals. Since its first class offering in January of 1990, the Institute has benefited from the presence of old-world European and American Butlers, experienced service professionals, and Household and Estate Managers from the United States and abroad.

The Starkey Curriculum teaches Private Service expertise and an organizational structure which supports the management of complex homes and lifestyles. The curriculum is creative, interactive and transformational in style. A conceptual and hands-on education, the Starkey Curriculum teaches the Household Manager to identify and attend to the specific needs or Service Standards of the Principal and household.

The Private Service Management profession in America has been growing rapidly. Over the years, Starkey has produced mature, seasoned veterans who are continuing to set the standards in Private Service, as does Starkey’s work in helping new clientele identify their needs.

The success of the Starkey International Institute for Household Management is based on the commitment to redefine the time-honored service profession in terms of the modern, upscale American service and quality-of-life expectations.