Darren Gough

Oversaw all day-to-day operations for three luxury residences, consisting of 2 New York City apartments and a 20,000-sf main residence on 12 acres with onsite guest houses, water features, and extensive landscaping. Served as the right hand for an HNW individual, coordinating personal affairs and offering 5-Star concierge services to the principal and his guests.

• Managed a team of five direct reports consisting of housekeepers, chefs, houseman/maintenance, and chauffer.
• Conducted extensive training for new employees in procedures, service standards, proper cleaning techniques, service flow, and delivery of highly personalized guest services.
• Sourced and oversaw a roster of top-notch vendors and contractors in every maintenance specialty.
• Acted as construction project manager for all residential improvement projects, including administering a competitive bidding process for new projects.
• Coordinated domestic and international private/commercial travel logistics and secured in-demand hotel accommodations, ground transport, restaurant reservations, theatre tickets, and other exclusive events.
• Maintained principal’s personal calendar. Communicated schedule changes to Executive team, business office, and staff.
• Organized extensive estate service schedules for all properties and communicates changes to principals and staff.
• Supervised the installation, care, and display of museum-quality fine art throughout the residences.
• Catalogued and stocked fine wine collection and guaranteed proper climate-controlled conditions.
• Organized a variety of small to large events and dinners, complete with menu planning, catering, and contractors.
• Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to deliver consistent service and maintenance at every home.

Oversaw operations for the 15,000-sf main residence in Connecticut and the 20,000-sf home in New Hampshire.

• Managed a team of seven full-time employees, consisting of housekeepers, cooks, nannies, and property managers.
• Collaborated with vendors to ensure the pristine operation of all household systems: Smart Home technology, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, A/V, lighting, alarms, CCTV, and security.
• Developed detailed calendars for preventive maintenance, travel, events, and staffing.
• Supervised the construction and residential renovations from concept through final punch list walk-through.
• Managed expenses, contacted banks, coordinated accounting/payroll, and developed annual budgets.
• Established SOPs, household manuals, policies, and procedures. Conducted inventory of all household items and amenities.
• Maintained all property records, especially relating to all past, current, and future construction documentation.
• Planned entertaining events, from simple dinners to parties for up to 75 guests with $100k budget.
• Completely and independently managed the selling of the 3rd residence sold furnishings, organized transport of personal items, collaborated with real estate agents, and oversaw vendors for painting and maintenance.

Coordinated operations for the 15,000-sf main residence and two additional homes in Virginia and Florida while providing extensive support in managing social/business calendars and complex travel arrangements.

• Held extensive financial responsibility, including budget development, bank relations, staff payroll management, accounts payable, and communications with outside accounting services.
• Managed two full-time staff members and various contractors. Conducted regular employee evaluations.
• Established SOPs, developed manuals, conducted estate inventories, and implemented an effective filing system for all property records relating to construction, warranties, alarm systems, and security cameras.

Led daily operation of sprawling 170-acre estate and served principal’s family in multiple roles; steadily promoted throughout tenure from butler & valet to property manager.

• Developed comprehensive annual budgets and performed AP/AR in conjunction with accountant.
• Served as project manager for multiple renovations and new construction, acting as the principal’s agent and voice in working with architects and contractors.
• Provided close supervision of staff members to meet exacting standards in food preparation, inventory control, and asset/risk management.
• Organized, tracked, and maintained extensive, climate-controlled wine cellar and its world-class inventory.
• Coordinated purchasing for pantries, sundries, amenities, and other estate consumables.
• Performed formal service for events, dinners, luncheons, and special occasions.