Broadway Dresser, New York, NY, USA

I came to Rick’s school by way of the theatre. I have been a dresser on Broadway for over 25 years and have worked with many types of clothing, but of course everything is, by definition, very theatrical. Costumes are designed (and maintained) to be viewed from a certain distance and are often constructed with budgeting constraints, ease of maintenance, and quick changes in mind.

I have long been curious about how to do things the “real” way. And who better to teach me than a real English butler?

When I first spoke to Rick on the telephone and explained my objective, he grasped my job almost immediately. It was clear to me even in that first conversation that he was an exceptionally good listener and that it was very important to him that I learn everything I possibly could. He suggested a 5-day bespoke one-on-one course which would concentrate on the “valeting” duties of the Butler-Valet.

The bespoke one on one course, I recently attended with the 'Maestro' , Rick Fink was exceptional.

Not only did I learn the do's and don'ts of a modern private household service at the very highest level, I was regaled with superb stories and incites that complimented it all, which will stay with me forever and be invaluable to my career and employer.

Mr Fink, is 88 years fit and young, he is a wonder and his wealth of knowledge is immense. I am glad to say, I left the course feeling thoroughly well looked after by all team, and was not just a 'number' which is common in today's world, but truly feel I will have the skill set to look after any future private household setting from Palaces to Residential.

I have a support mechanism and friends for life. Rick is one of the nicest men I have been fortunate to meet. Thank you all! Conor Collery.

Chief Stewardess, Florida, USA

Thank you Rick! I appreciate everything you have done for me over the last two weeks. It has been an experience I will never forget, filled with knowledge and wisdom that I will use for the rest of my life. I couldn’t be more blessed to have had you as my teacher for this course and to have met you! I thank you for everything and I will hopefully be back soon! I will keep in touch!

Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the world of hospitality. I did the necessary studies and then went on to work for various luxury and prestigious hotels, restaurants, bars and hospitality companies. I always set the bar higher for myself. After several years of gaining experience, I finally decided to make the step to the butler profession. Something I have been dreaming of for the last ten years. Being a butler is the highest level you can reach in the hospitality world. A good and proper education is the icing on the cake. For two years I did research. I wanted to go to the best school with the best education and the best guarantees for a bright future. Through two previous students of The Butler Valet School I came into contact with the director of the school: Mr. Rick Fink…

Before I started the course, I had no experience of being a butler. In the space of two weeks, I was given training of the highest standard; not just in being a Butler-Valet but also in the basics of Housekeeping. I came away from the course with a large variety of skills; including laying a table, cleaning silverware, packing a suitcase and the making and serving drinks. I can confidently say that I can use the techniques I have learnt to the highest standard. I firmly believe that these skills can be used not just in the context of being a butler but can also benefit anyone in an everyday setting because Rick teaches you how to do it the proper way. As of writing this, I have been offered a once in a lifetime job to work in America, and it is all because I decided to complete this course.

Almost four years have passed since I completed the intensive Butler/Valet course held by Mr. Rick Fink. Since then, I have been working in a prestigious private house in London as a butler and personal valet to my Principal and his family. I consider myself very fortunate and blessed for having chosen the Butler Valet School, and in particular for having met Mr. Rick Fink, director and trainer, and an inspirational gentleman, with whom I am truly honored to have been able to keep in touch. He has been kind enough to make himself available and willing to help me on a number of occasions, it may have been just a word, advice, or even a gladly shared meal, with the cordial delicacy one would expect more from a father and a friend than from a school Director.

I attended the Butler Valet School in early October. After a difficult year due to Covid 19 it was great that we managed to do it when we did. I attended the two -week course with Rick. The reason I decided to attend Rick’s school is because of how warm and welcoming he was when I inquired about the course. He invited me up to Ditchley for Lunch and showed me around. This is when I decided this was the person I wanted to learn from. From the word go I could tell he absolutely loves what he does. I learnt all aspects of the job and how to go above and beyond to please your employers.

British Butler.

“At the Butler Valet School, you learn by being involved; Mr Fink takes you around all the aspects of daily life of being a British Butler. From welcoming a guest, preparing drinks, to bring in the morning breakfast tray and laying the dining table for each meal, as well as the unseen jobs, such as the butlers cleaning duties.

I would recommend anyone, who wishes to learn how to be a British Butler / Valet, to be trained by Rick Fink. His years of experience, as well as his passion for sharing his trade with someone, plus his hands on approach, made this course one of the best investments I have ever made.”

Belgium butler.

The Butler Valet School is without a doubt the best place to go if you want to learn everything there is to know about this profession. Rick Fink is the person with the most experience in formal households you will ever meet. Because of his vast knowledge, he doesn’t need shouting, drilling or cursing to get a point across. He is a wonderful, humble, inspiring and generous mentor who enjoys passing along his experience to a new generation of Butlers.

Estate Manager living in Chicago.

I had the most fortunate opportunity to attend Mr. Rick Fink’s Butler-Valet School at Ditchley Park in Oxfordshire in June of 2018. I first visited the school in April of 2018 to audit for the first day of the April course to see if I felt it would be something of benefit to me as I was planning on transitioning into a career in household/estate management.

Head Butler, Ditchley Park.

The Butler Valet School is defined by its Britishness with its fabulous location & setting within Ditchley Park (arguably one of Englands finest stately homes). The Butler Valet School is unique in the sense that it gives you a " traditional butler training experience."

American, living and working in the USA.

Attending the Butler Valet School was the best decisions I could have made, comparing the school with other institutions within England, the United States, South Africa, and Australia.   

From the Philippines, working as a COO in a Resort Group.

Rick Fink’s Butler-Valet course is the best that you can get in the industry. Rick is very generous in sharing his knowledge, not only technically but also from his wealth of experience working in the best homes in England. 

Living and working in England.

Why be trained in a classroom, when you can be trained, and practice your new skills in a formal country house so you can begin to 'feel' and see how things could be when you find employment.

Living and working in Switzerland.

I had the pleasure to attend the course in October 2014. My arrival to Oxfordshire was very pleasant. Mr Fink and I always had a nice bit of a chat and a laugh. His great sense of humor never faded during the whole course, which makes the training even better. The memories, the course, the knowledge I've gained are simply priceless. Just like the fond memories about the people I've met, Ditchley Park and Oxfordshire.

Living and working in England.

Rick is a very knowledgeable gentleman with many years of experience. He had a story for everything he shows or explains to you, giving a lot of insight into the world of Butlering. 

From Germany, living and working in Berlin.

Rick’s mission of dedication to traditional service and caring attendance is more than ever state-of-the-art. The two weeks course was for me the one and only finishing touch to my professional knowledge as a personal assistant and estate manager. Thank you, Rick, you are my professional lighthouse!

From France, living and working in Switzerland.

Most of the people you are going to meet all around the world are going to ask you, where have you been trained? When you say in England by Mr. Rick Fink and his team, it makes the difference, believe me, most of the people don’t know the butler world they are going to be impressed and they would like to know more about you.

English, working in London.

I started my journey to becoming a butler when I was only 20. I did my research around butler schools and found that the best choice was clearly Rick Fink's. Rick was more than helpful in the information he provided with a open day at the school. It wasn't long before I started my months training. 

From England, living and working in London.

I'm very pleased to have known Rick Fink for the past 8 years. He has very high professional standards and his advice is sound. Having done a short course with Rick myself, I highly recommend him to other Butlers. 

From Costa Rica, living and working there.

From my arrival until graduation I was treated with kindness and I was very well looked after, lucky me I also gain a few friends like the owner of the inn in Witney I stayed at. The cost of my education will always be insignificant compare to what I got in return. Knowledge, values, and above all teachers and people I hold dear to my heart.

From Germany, working in the UK

All in all, attending one of your courses was one of the best decisions I have made till today and you have showed us by teaching and behaving that the “British” tradition of private service is as alive today as it can be.

From Italy, working in Gstaad, Switzerland.

I must say that having 30 years experience in service in Luxury hotels, I was looking for more details and Mr. Fink certainly gave them to me:  As Mr Fink said:  details make the difference.

From Russia, working in England.

I took the Butler-Valet Course at Ditchley Park in February  2014. I have since had an opportunity to test the knowledge and skills obtained there whilst working on Luxury Mega Yachts and in Private Residences in Central London and found the experience gained at Rick Fink’s School extremely valuable. 

From Canada, working in Canada.

I had the privilege of attending Rick Fink’s Butler Valet School in 2012. Even though I arrived with a lot of experience under my belt, I learned so much more from his consummate professionalism. 

From Hungary, working in The Republic of Ireland.

All my life I wanted to become real residential butler. After having spent 12 years at sea, I felt the time had come to change course of my life and become a Butler.