INTERNATIONAL MONTREAL BUTLER ACADEMY

Welcome to IMBA,

The only Butler Sommelier school in the world.

At the International Montreal Butler Academy (IMBA) we have created a world class learning curriculum for driven individuals who want to distinguish themselves in the butler world having acquired a unique skillset showcasing the management of a fine wine cellar.

The butler career is a demanding one but compensation can be very high and mirrors the expertise one has to offer.

IMBA is totally devoted to curating fine wine collections and is a specialized butler school. IMBA caters to qualified wine professionals and already certified Butlers as well as candidates with the right profile wishing to build a fine wine cellar management expertise.

If you are looking to a classic Butler training as such (without a wine specialization), we strongly recommend that you have a look at the International Butler Academy in the Netherlands link

More about: Richard Sagala and IMBA in the 2018 Forbes article

BECOME A LIFESTYLE MANAGER AND A “BOUTEILLER”

Did you know that the word butler is derived from the French word “bouteiller” which meant the person in charge of transferring the barrelled wine from the cask in the cellar to a container before service (a bottle or “bouteille” in French)? The butler was the estate cellar master.

This wine related story begets two questions:

1- Would you know how to fill and compose a value added wine cellar in conformity with an employer’s taste?

2- Would you be able to work with a chef and pair optimal wines to the suggested dishes and in accordance to the tone of the function?

IMBA students will receive an advanced Wine and Spirits curriculum.

Discover the CEWECM-IMBA, the Centre of Excellence in Wine Education and Cellar Management of the International Montreal Butler Academy.

MONTRÉAL, A UNIQUE WORLD-CLASS CITY …with panache!

Montréal (Canada) is unique. Belonging to the best cities in the world for its quality of life,

Montréal is twice as old as Canada itself.

The unique culture blend of Montreal :

Montreal has blended through time its British and French heritage while acquiring a personality of its own, thus making it the perfect environment to establish our school.

Montreal blends British formality and French “art de vivre” and gastronomy with North-American efficiency, enriched by the welcoming Canadian character and Québec warmth.

We believe at the IMBA that this unique culture is an asset to our trade in the contemporary world.

Although Etiquette is important, butlers, such as how they were depicted in the past as characters yielding to excess formality and stuffiness is not what actual employers are presently looking for, they are looking more for lifestyle managers, and to add value, wine expertise is certainly a part of it.

The dining room: ground zero for butlers skills

Would that be for a simple family meal, an important social event or the planning of an official function involving Protocol, the dining room is where the butler must naturally shine and transcend the tasks at hand.

For a butler, meals are opportunities to delight and generate those experiences that will be remembered by the employer and his guests. It is to the butler and his staff to make the time spent around the table moments of pleasure and the epitome of civility.

Become an estate manager

Versatility and mastering value adding skills increase a butlers profile and raise his employment opportunities (and compensation package).

Being able to manage a fine piece of real estate requiring proper maintenance as well as overseeing improvements and repairs are very useful skills that could further distinguish a candidate.

The wine cellar in particular might be worth a fortune and must be attend to with competence and expertise.

Master Chauffeur skills

...and learn from a certified Bentley/ Rolls-Royce Chauffeur.

As mentioned, nowadays, employers value versatility. This implies that one has to be able to master more tools than what was required from a classic butler previously. It is not unusual for a butler to be requested to drive, on occasion, his employer or his family.

THE IMBA LOGO DESIGN

The designer for the IMBA logo got inspired by the knight’s escutcheon and the clean lines of a cut stone.

The design was selected for its ability to suggest the noble art of service and the clean lines suggest the value a precious stone acquires when properly cut and polished.

To become a gentleman (woman) of service means to own to this quote by George Bernard Shaw "A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out."

We sell damask linen and the finest uniforms

We supply the finest damask linen in the world, with bespoke or unique (not to be found anywhere) patterns.

Looking for uniforms for your staff? We will supply the highest quality ones as well as creating bespoke designs to satisfy all your needs (House-Yacht-Airplane).

Please contact us with your requirements: link

CONTACT US

Any questions ? Please send us a message: richardasagala@imba-aimm.com