Local Spotlight: Fausto Pifferrer

A good caterer or event planner connects with their client like a close friend, is with them every step of the way on one of the most important days of their life, and then moves on to the next client.

Hence the title of “Temporary Friends: A Caterer’s Guide to the Perfect Day,” written by industry veteran Fausto Pifferrer, with contributions from his husband, Reuben Bell.

Pifferrer and Bell own Blue Elephant Events and Catering in Saco. Pifferrer, the son of Cuban immigrants, grew up in a poor neighborhood in Philadelphia. He started working in the catering industry at age 16, and started his own catering company as a teenager.

He readily admits that school was not his forte, but that didn’t stop him from getting an education. He had mentors early on in his career, and has honed his skills by learning from experience, and being alert to the unique complexities of different situations.

“To this day, I learn something from every event I do, regardless of the outcome. Since I started in the industry at such a young age, my entire personality, what I am, has been very much influenced by the industry. I have learned to tailor my behavior to the circumstances, how to make a client feel comfortable with my talents, how to read potential clients, and how to convince clients, venues, and other professionals in the industry that I am the person they need to carry off a successful event,” Pifferrer writes in “Temporary Friends.”

“Temporary Friends” is the first of what will be a series of books by Pifferrer. In an easily readable, conversational tone, Pifferrer covers a range of topics in digestible chunks. He shares with readers anecdotal stories and lessons learned from his nearly 40 years of experience in catering and event planning.  

“It’s a quick read. I kept it in my voice,” said Pifferrer.

In the margins, Pifferrer gives space for note taking and shares pro tips such as, “Be you Boo! Nobody likes fake. I’m the same person who started his career 38 years ago.”

When talking with Pifferrer in his office at 265 North St., Saco, it’s easy to see that he’s taken his advice to heart. He’s personable, friendly, and down to earth, with a good sense of humor, yet professional and knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the catering industry.

Blue Elephant has received many local and national accolades over the years. Amidst the trophies, albums of thank you notes, and framed magazine features in his office is a small plastic blue elephant.

He’s had the figurine since he was five years old, and he said it took him on adventures he never thought possible.

“It always brought me luck. I took it with me like a security blanket,” he said.

 

A replica of the original blue elephant. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF

During the Covid pandemic when events weren’t taking place, Pifferrer and Bell sent postcards with the blue elephant to people in the industry around the globe to inspire them.

Though, he realizes now that his success has come from hard work and grit, the  tiny blue elephant is a reminder to Pifferrer of what he has accomplished in life.

“It doesn’t have any magical powers. You create your own history,” he said.

“Temporary Friends: A Caterer’s Guide to a Perfect Day” is available at Amazon and locally at Epoxy Maine in Old Orchard Beach, Whimsical Maine in Saco and at the Blue Elephant office. It can also be ordered through Barnes and Noble.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.