Butler Valet Blog

Lending a helping hand

2010-03-01T17:22:00.000-08:00

Butler Valet is known for its exemplary customer service that goes above and beyond the usual demands of work. Thank you to Susan for this fantastic letter in regards to how our valets always go a step further and lend a hand… even with our fowl friends.

Dear Management, Owners and Staff of Ray's,

I wanted to write to you and let you know about an incident that

happened last night (Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010) for which I'm incredibly

indebted to the two valets working around 6pm.

Last night my friends & I left Paseo sandwiches and were heading back

into Ballard when we witnessed a truck run over a female duck that was

crossing the road at Seaview & 39th. She survived and hobbled over to

the crosswalk, but was badly injured. We thought we would bring her to

a vet, and then two women who were walking by coincidentally turned out

to be volunteers at PAWS animal sanctuary.

I sped over to Ray's, which happened to be the closest business, to beg

for a box so we could bring the duck to an animal shelter. Your valets

brought and assembled two boxes for us, and were extremely kind and

accommodating to go out of their way. I really appreciated their

customer service and willingness to help.

I have eaten at Ray's before and enjoyed my experience thoroughly. Now

I'll definitely make a point of returning - you have done a great job

hiring helpful, friendly staff who definitely created a loyal customer,

and I hadn't even dined there that night! So kudos to you. I hope

you'll let them know that we appreciated their help a lot and Mrs. Duck

is hopefully on her way to recovery!

Thanks,

Susan

Tacoma, WA

The Seattle Food and Wine Experience February 28

2010-01-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

As a Silver Sponsor Butler Valet & Transportation is pleased to invite you to an event unlike anything else at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on February 28, 2010 from 1-5pm, the Seattle Food & Wine Experience!

This showcase of “wine, beer and all things culinary” will feature wine from more than 10 countries, artisan beer that spans the nation & food from this regions top restaurants. Some of our personal favorite vendors will be there like Columbia Winery & DeLille Cellars, the brilliant Executive Chef Peter Birk of Ray’s Boathouse, and Frost Doughnuts of Mill Creek, the extraordinary artisans of couture doughnuts. In addition, when you purchase tickets you are immediately entered in a drawing for the chance to win a wine-touring package for 10 provided by us, Butler Transportation!

Please visit http://seattlefoodandwineexperience.com/ for more information about this extraordinary showcase and to purchase tickets.

Best of luck on winning what will be an unforgettable wine tour!

Friday Night Wine and Dine

2010-01-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

TGIF! Celebrate with a Wine & Dine Night with Butler Transportation. Every Friday night, our Wine Stuart, is at Russell's Restaurant with the Mercedes van ready to give you an extraordinary wine and dinning experience. The tour will include a minimum of three stops at the following wineries: Alexandria Nicole Cellars, EFESTE, Patterson Cellars, Page Cellars, Gard/Smasne and Gordon Brothers. These wineries have waved their usual ten dollar tasting fee per person during this tour. In addition, the wines you purchase along the tour can then be opened while you enjoy a fantastic meal at Russell's without a corkage fee. The tour leaves Russell's at 3:30 every Friday. Be sure to make reservations at (206)679-3158 to secure your seat.

2009-11-29T22:48:00.001-08:00

Butler Valet & Transportation is happy to announce it's support of Chat With Women & Jamie Peha of TableTalk - Radio that Tastes Good and Taste of the City.

Chat With Women is a company whose tag line is irresistible... “It’s like calling mom - without the guilt”. They are “passionate about helping, developing, and inspiring women and the men who love them.” The ultimate girl friend, Chat With Women, is all about support, advice, sharing and growth between women who know all about “learning, laughing & living”.

Apart of this community of experienced & creative women is Jamie Peha. Jamie is the owner of Peha Promotions LLC, a marketing & public relations company and has been a leading supporter and creative strategist for Butler Transportation. Her monthly radio show, Table Talk, offers the latest (and greatest!) information about regional wine, food & lifestyles. We are pleased to support her and her co-hosts Nicole Aloni & Anne Nisbet in this delicious dish about local cuisine & wine. Our personal favorite segment is invitingly titled “It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere”. Her Taste of the City show brings the pages of Seattle’s Magazine Taste of the City’s segment a personalized “high energy” voice.

You can hear TableTalk on the 1st Monday of every month from 8-9am on 1150AM KKNW, Taste of the City can be heard the first Tuesday of every month and at www.chatwithwomen.com anytime.

Supply Wise: Parking Space - Northwest Meetings & Events Magazine Article

2009-11-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

In this month's issue of Northwest Meetings & Events Magazine (November 2009) an article written by Stuart on the importance of parking for events is featured. Meetings + Events is the "premier magazine for meetings and events professionals". Published regionally four times a year & circulated to approximately 10,000 planners, suppliers and related professionals per region, this magazine includes essential information on a range of topics, from venues and supplier news, to tips, best practices and industry developments. To subscribe to the magazine for free please link to nw.meetingsmags.com/subscribe.

Supply Wise: Parking Space

Stuart Butler

When it comes to your event, first impressions count. That's where an experienced valet service can help. When a guest arrives and is greeted by a well-dressed and courteous attendant, it helps set the stage for success.

Every occasion-no matter the size, type or place- has parking concerns that need to be addressed. A qualified valet company can offer solutions, as well as provide a variety of services beyond simply parking a car.

Preparing an Estimate

Before providing you with an estimate, the valet company should come to your chosen venue to evaluate your needs and plan for any parking issues that might arise. They will analyze the location, taking into account the type of event and the anticipated number of guests. Key issues they should consider include: What is the terrain and distance between available parking and the event's entrance? What is the optimal number of valets or attendants needed? Would shuttles or golf carts be beneficial? Would inclement weather require anything additional to assist the valets or guests to maintain a level of security and comfort?

Pre-Event Planning

Make sure your chosen valet company has a good working relationship with local parking enforcement, private parking lot owners, city permit officials and security firms, as well as the knowledge and means to create a safe staging area for the arrival and departure of guests and event staff. The company should also determine if, and offer solutions for, any conflicting events that will be held on the date of your event.

The Day of the Event

Creating an entrance that is warm, inviting and easily accessible will instantly welcome guests with a sense of security. Your chosen valet company should help you determine if your type of event will be best served by a group of valets at the curb or a few knowledgeable and courteous attendants to offer guidance and assistance. The company should also be able to offer luxury cars or vans to chauffeur guests or speakers to and from the airport or hotel.

Consulting valet and parking professionals as a resource to enhance your client's and guests' experience is an important aspect for any event planner. Come rain or shine, the valet company should be prepared with umbrellas, knowledge, experience and supportive smiles to create a successful event year after year.

Key Questions to Ask

Before you choose a valet service, make sure you ask the following questions:

Q: Does the company have an organized, professional and secure way to store guests' keys?

Q: Are they taking safety precautions like serialized claim checks?

Q: Do they meet the industry standards for insurance?

Q: Do they offer an assortment of uniforms to fit the profile of your event?

Q: Are they equipped to handle changing weather conditions?

Q: What options are available for payment and gratuities?

Q: What do their references have to say about their level of service? Building a relationship with a valet company should be based on trust and confidence in their ability to serve you, your clients and their guests.

Thursday, October 15, 2009 Events

2009-10-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

Planning a wedding for spring or summer? Then now is the time to start attending wedding events to help in your quest to create the perfect day. Thursday, October 15, 2009, Butler Valet & Transportation is happy to be apart of two great events.

The first is at one of Seattle’s most premier wedding show, Urban Unveiled at Benaroya Hall.

“The annual Urban Unveiled event held at Benaroya Hall is more than a trade show; it is a celebration, a cocktail party for those getting married and the creative partners who make dreams come true. This evening of opulence is a chance to meet and mingle with the Urban Unveiled partners who can take your bridal vision and make it a reality while you enjoy fine wines, nibble on sumptuous cuisine, decadent cakes & other to-die-for desserts.

Throughout the evening incredible music sets the festive tone, there are amazing give-aways, and an awe-inspiring fashion show by the legendary Luly Yang. Whether you are getting married, in a wedding, a mother-of-the bride or groom, or just want to attend a fabulous party, the annual Urban Unveiled event is a must for those who know only the best will do…

Urban Unveiled is the most exclusive collection of the top wedding professionals in the Pacific Northwest. All vendors are selected on a by-invitation-only basis and limited to no more than four per category. Urban Unveiled partners are the most talented, innovative, and passionate wedding vendors in the industry. Each of these incredible vendors is selected with you in mind; every category provides a select but diverse collection of the best-of-the-best, allowing you to plan your stylish, sophisticated & unique wedding with ease.” - Urban Unveiled website

Tickets for Urban Unveiled can be purchased on-line at Urbanunveiled.com.

The second is at the Petal & Stem’s Open House in the Mill Creek Town Center. This event is free and promises to be a fun & informative time. With doughnuts from Frost and wine from Columbia Winery, be sure to come over and check out one of our new Mercedes vans and see how we can take your next event to a higher level of client satisfaction or plan a wine tour during this colorful time of year.

BVT is on Facebook!

2009-09-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

So who isn't on Facebook these days?! BVT is happy to announce that we are joining this fabulous web network and you can now become a fan at Butler Valet & Transportation on Facebook. Facebook is another source for references on our superior services available.

BV is always prepared for the unexpected

2009-08-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

One hundred and three degrees or fifty-eight and rainy? Butler Valet is ready for any occasion, including fickle, Seattle, weather. Here is a little note of praise from Vice President of Business Development, Mary Holmes, of the Zino Society about how our staff is always prepared for the unexpected.

“Hi Stuart

I just wanted you to know that you crew was awesome last night. We had rain and they offered to Valet rather than direct traffic. They were not set up for it but they found a great way to make it work. I am sorry I cannot remember their names but I wanted you to know what a great job they did representing Butler Valet. I overheard several guests saying that they have always had a good experience with Butler, that’s how evident the service was!

Thanks for helping up provide a great experience.

Mary Holmes

Vice President Business Development

ZINO Society

$12.5 million in angel funding to date”

The Zino Society is a premier membership, business and social network that connects accredited investors with entrepreneurs seeking funding, of which Butler Valet is a Gold Sponsor member. For more information about the Zino Society, please visit them at zinosociety.com.

Thanks for the recognition Zino and we look forward to exceeding your expectations again soon!

Explorebothell.com and Butler Transportation team up for Wine Tour packages

2009-08-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

Butler Transportation and the City of Bothell have teamed up to offer some amazing hotel, dinner and wine tour opportunities. Check it out and book one of our wine tours at explorebothell.com.

Currently, 3 tours are being offered:

Dinner at Russell`s packaged Wine Tour: For a limited time, enjoy 3 hours of complimentary wine tours, for parties up to 10, when reservations are made at Bothell’s historic 1927 barn restaurant, Russell`s. Reservations are available on Friday at 3 and 3:45pm throughout August. Alexandria Nicole Cellars, Covington Cellars, Edmonds Winery, Smasne Cellars, Page Cellars & Patterson Cellers/Washington Wine Country are the featured wineries during this tour.

Tastes, Totes and Tours: Enjoy 4 hours of custom wine tours with Butler Transportation, your key to wine country. This tour can be customized to your wants & desires. A 4-bottle tote bag, wine key, and coupons towards the wineries are included. Private wine barrel tasting and tasting with the wine makers is an exclusive service of this package with Butler Transportation. Price ($400) is for 4 adults for 4 hours. Additional hours can be reserved for $100 per hour.

"Glam" tour: Let Butler Transportation pick you up at your hotel and take in one of their luxury Mercedes Sprinter Vans to beautiful Woodinville Wine Country. During this 4 hour tour, BT will take your through the beautiful landscapes reminiscent of Italian villas with a Northwest twist at Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, De Lille Cellars and Silver Lake Wineries. Tour does not include wine tasting fees.

BV wins the USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program

2009-07-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

A press release from the US Commerce Association about BV winning the USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program for valet services.

Butler Valet Receives 2009 Seattle Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Butler Valet has been selected for the 2009 Seattle Award in the Valet Service category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

Butler Valet wins Seattle Bridal Best of Award

2009-07-02T22:55:00.001-07:00

Washington's most prestigious award ceremony for those in the wedding industry was presented by Seattle Bridal Magazinee last night at our fellow award winners, Herban Feast Catering, SODO location. The Best of Bride awards are selected by Seattle Bridal editors, readers and members of the bridal industry. Winners of this coveted award must "reflect the exceptionally high expectations of today’s wedding industry. The winners of our annual 'Best of Bride' awards are trusted by their clients to suggest the key venues and people to work with to make their special day unique. They are consummate professionals with extensive training, experience and expertise in their industry." Butler Valet is happy to announce that they have won again for Best Valet Services in the Vendor and Readers categories.

Seattle Bridal had to the following to say about our services:

" Five-time winner Butler Valet provides much more that well parked cars. 'Every job, regardless of size, is treated with the utmost importance,' Co-owner Stuart Butler says. Guests are greeted by name and the unexpected is always anticipated: Conditions are scouted beforehand and oversize umbrellas are a staple. Butler's generous 'what-goes-around-comes-around' mentality has helped Butler Valet grow to be one of the biggest valet services in the Puget Sound area. It's good to know that nice guys can finish first".

We at Butler Valet would like to thank all our loyal customers and industry associates for their continued support. BV would also like to extend it's heartfelt congratulations to all of our fellow winners.

Same Trusted Name Same Personal Service-Just a new idea

2009-07-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

Happy July and welcome to the official launch of Butler Transportation!

The Transportation Butlers are taking reservations!

2009-04-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

Butler Valet, the foremost professional valet service in the Northwest is expanding into the luxury charter and wine tour industry. There mission is to ensure that every guest feels special, secure and respectfully cared for.

The Butler brothers (Stuart and Jeremy) are committed to providing excellent customer service and achieving the highest standards in transportation services throughout the Puget Sound region. The Butler’s will provide you and your guests with the certainty that comes only from hiring the best.

The Butlers are known for customizing services to meet the desires of any size group from a private romantic evening to a complete wedding party, from custom wine tours with behind the scenes special testing’s to corporate transportation and so much more.

The Transportation Butler's now offer three Mercedes Sprinters which feature high roof lines, Mercedes style and comfort and seating for 10 to 12 persons. They will be chauffeured by our highly trained and insured drivers to ensure our commitment to quality service and experiences.

Specialized Woodinville wine tours that can be tailored to client’s wishes and can include local restaurants, catering, historical sites and special testing’s. Not sure what you want? Let The Butler’s make recommendations and custom design a tour for you and your guests that you'll remember forever. Woodinville Wine Country now boasts more than 40 wineries and is considered one of the fastest growing winery regions in the state. Woodinville wineries produce wines that dazzle critics and wine lovers alike. It's a place where wineries large and small share a singular passion for crafting world class wines.

The Introductory Rate is $100 per hour (includes tax and gratuity) with a 4 hour minimum.

The Transportation Butlers are now booking private charters for special occasions, corporate events and Woodinville wine tours. To make a reservation please contact Stuart Butler at (206) 679-3158 or stuart@butlervalet.com

Going Green

2009-04-06T21:36:00.001-07:00

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

Global warming and the depletion of our world's non-renewable resources is one of the most pressing issues facing our world today. Butler Valet realizes this and are doing their part to help by using biodiesel in their fleet of vans with Butler Valet Transportation. In addition, BV & BVT are dedicated to the enhancement of "green-minded" organizations by making themselves one of the leaders in their industry to "Go Green". Along with the use of biodiesel the Butlers are offering a wide range of eco-friendly alternatives throughout their business practices, including using post-consumer paper products and recycling programs at each location.

Butler Valet Transportation

2009-04-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Butler Valet is excited to introduce the newest branch of their company-Butler Valet Transportation. Butler Valet has taken their 16 years of business & event planning experience and decided to fill the gap in quality transportation services. While BV is known for it's prized customer service, Butler Valet Transportation will also continue this trust and dedication to it's cliental. BVT will offer the latest in GPS navigation, on-line reservations, with a fleet of elegant & luxurious Mercedes Sprinter vans. Offering wine tours to gold, silver & bronze award winning wineries in the Pacific Northwest, corporate & group travel, theater events, weddings or any other special occasion. Professional, uniformed & courteous drivers will ensure that you have a safe & comfortable ride.

Butler Valet Transportation will be available 365 days a year and are looking forward to helping make your special event a success. Please contact Stuart at (206)233-9233 to book your reservation today!

Raindrops on my Shoulder?!

2009-03-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Besides being known as the Evergreen State with all our lush forests, moss covered trees & waterways that even appear to be green (Greenlake anyone?!) Washington is known for it's weather. More specifically, it's drizzly, gray, cloud covered, rainy days. Even author, Stephine Meyers, of the Twilight phenomenon, could not resist our states drizzly charm. However, this can often, pardon the pun, dampen the spirits on your special occasion. The last thing you want to have to worry about is how your guests can be affected by our inconsistent weather. Butler Valet is ready to support your guests from the moment they open their car door with such amenities as extra large umbrellas. Outstanding costumer service is what has made Butler Valet such a well respected company. Employees are trained that your guests comfort & security are the most important priority as they are the first impression of your event. Butler Valet guarantee's to have the services & equipment needed for all of your event needs, no matter what the weather may bring upon you.

How Butler Became a Valet

2009-03-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

For over 15 years, Butler Valet has been as much apart of the Shilshole waterfront as Rays Boathouse has been. In fact, the Butler brothers have been working at and for the iconic Seattle restaurant since 1988. Both Jeremy & Stuart were employees of Rays for many years before they took their hands on years of experience & degrees and created what is now Seattle's award winning valet company, Butler Valet. Even today, you will often find one of the Butler's giving this award winning service personally at Rays Boathouse. The Butler's drive to "set the standard" of outstanding valet & parking services has made them a name that is recognized & trusted throughout the Pacific Northwest.