Baseball Hats and Blue Jeans: Tackling Major Maintenance Projects While Estate Owners Are Away

In the world of luxury estate management, there’s a common misconception: when the owners are away, the staff gets a break. In reality, the opposite is often true. When estate owners leave for an extended period, that’s when the real work begins. Major maintenance projects, seasonal cleaning, renovations, and service appointments—all those tasks that would disrupt the family’s comfort when they’re in residence—are tackled with precision and urgency. It’s a time of intense effort, requiring both physical and mental stamina from the team.

This is where the concept of “Baseball Hats and Blue Jeans” comes into play, a tradition I’ve proudly instituted in my years of estate management and consulting services. It’s not just a practical approach to estate upkeep; it’s a philosophy that balances the demands of high-touch luxury service with the well-being and camaraderie of the team. This is a tradition that I suggest instilling at all of the estates I consult with and I have seen what a wonderful opportunity this is for a crucial conversation to elevate service standards for both the estate workers and owners.

Shifting Gears: From Luxury to Logistics

When owners are "in residence," estate staff operate at full capacity, serving with meticulous attention to detail and delivering impeccable service. But when owners are away, the focus shifts from hospitality to logistics. Every task that can’t happen during a regular day—like overseeing contractors, deep cleaning, or tackling larger maintenance projects—takes center stage. It’s a race against the clock to ensure everything is completed to perfection before the family returns. During these times, I encourage the team to embrace a more casual mindset—both in dress and attitude—while maintaining their commitment to excellence. On “Jeans and Takeout” days, the staff trades their formal uniforms for baseball caps, blue jeans, and sneakers, creating a psychological shift that helps them tackle these high-demand days with energy and focus. Music often plays in the background, takeout meals keep everyone fueled, and the atmosphere becomes one of teamwork and shared purpose.

Why This Matters

1. Psychological Balance for Staff: Luxury service is demanding, requiring poise, discretion, and relentless attention to detail while all maintaining an "on" demeanor. Allowing staff to work out of uniform and in a more relaxed atmosphere gives them a much-needed mental reset. Even as they work harder, this shift helps alleviate burnout and fosters a sense of camaraderie.

2. Clear Expectations for Owners: Estate owners often underestimate the intensity of work required while they’re away. Communicating this reality is essential. A well-maintained estate doesn’t happen by magic—it takes careful planning, oversight, and execution. Setting clear expectations ensures owners understand why their staff might look tired upon their return and reinforces the value of their team’s efforts.

3. Efficient Use of Downtime: These “off” days for the family are “all hands on deck” days for the staff. The estate becomes a hub of activity, with service providers, contractors, and vendors coming and going. Supervision is critical to ensure proper protocols, such as site protection, are followed and that the estate remains in pristine condition.

Lessons from Commercial Hospitality

This approach is rooted in traditions from the hospitality industry, where restaurants or hotels use their “off” days for deep cleaning, maintenance, and team-building. It’s a time to regroup, tackle big projects, and prepare for the next phase of service. Luxury estates function in much the same way, with the added complexity of tailoring every detail to the specific preferences and lifestyle of the family. One particularly memorable “Jeans and Takeout” week involved coordinating over 40 service appointments across multiple vendors in five days, from HVAC technicians to painters. My team of nine worked tirelessly to supervise every detail, ensuring the estate was immaculate for the owners’ return. This type of work requires a precise schedule, sequential planning, and constant oversight to prevent disruptions or overlap. I was overjoyed when we succeeded with the overwhelming project load and took my team out to celebrate after the hard work was accomplished! The

🍕Takeaway for Owners 🥡

Estate owners often have the privilege of recharging while away from their property, but the same consideration must extend to their staff. Providing sufficient vacation time and opportunities for rest ensures the team remains energized and ready to deliver exceptional service. Understanding the intensity of behind-the-scenes work is also key to fostering mutual respect and appreciation.

Luxury service in a private estate is akin to running a five-star hotel—but with a much smaller, tightly knit team. These moments of rolling up sleeves, donning baseball caps, and ordering takeout are not just about getting the job done; they’re about building a culture of teamwork, resilience, and excellence.

"Baseball Hats and Blue Jeans" days are a powerful reminder that luxury estate management is built on more than elegance—dedication, meticulous coordination, and genuine care behind the scenes bring that elegance to life. When estate owners and staff work together with a shared understanding of these dynamics, the property evolves into more than just a residence; it becomes a seamless masterpiece of thoughtful service.

If you’re seeking expert guidance to manage the complexities of a major maintenance schedule or to enhance team dynamics for executing these projects while owners are away, Luxury Lifestyle Logistics is here to help. Contact us today to create a comprehensive maintenance plan and provide team training for flawless execution.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Jennifer Laurence is the founder and president of Luxury Lifestyle Logistics, a leading estate management consulting firm renowned for elevating service standards in ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) luxury residential estates. With over 25 years of distinguished experience in hospitality and private service, she is a trusted authority in estate operations, specializing in optimizing household workflows, developing bespoke service protocols, and cultivating high-performing teams. Jennifer advises estate owners, family offices, and private service professionals on staff training, leadership development, conflict resolution, and guiding estates through organizational change and service culture creation. As a Doctoral Candidate in Organizational Leadership, she blends academic research with hands-on estate hospitality expertise, uniquely positioning her to drive operational excellence and foster collaborative, results-oriented estate teams. As Principal Liaison Director for the Private Service Alliance, she actively contributes to industry advocacy, thought leadership, and best practices. Her insight ensures that every facet of estate management—from daily service delivery to long-term operational strategy—meets the highest standards of precision, discretion, and sophistication for the families she serves. 

📍 Website: Luxury Lifestyle Logistics

📍 LinkedIn: Jennifer Laurence