In this episode of The Event Solutions Podcast, host Jorge Lopez sits down with Bobby Fader, Director of Catering at La Valencia Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, California, to explore a decades-long career built on work ethic, relationships, and genuine care for people.

Bobby shares his journey from starting as a dishwasher at age 13 to leading one of Southern California's most iconic boutique hotel catering programs. The conversation dives into what truly makes events successful, from personal connection and listening to clients to mentoring teams, navigating staffing challenges, and maintaining perspective under pressure.

Through candid stories, Bobby reveals the realities behind catering costs, the unseen labor that powers events, and why smaller, more personal gatherings often require more attention than large-scale productions. He also shares a powerful real-world crisis moment—when a wedding lost power, and how calm leadership, strong community relationships, and collaboration turned a potential disaster into a success.

At its core, this episode is about people: how you treat them, how you listen to them, and how relationships, more than any checklist, are the true backbone of the event industry.

• Work ethic starts early. Early hands-on experience builds responsibility, discipline, and respect for the craft.
  
  

• Small events can be harder than large ones. Intimate gatherings often involve first-time hosts who need guidance, reassurance, and structure.
  
  

• Catering costs go far beyond food. Labor, preparation, utilities, insurance, and staffing all factor into pricing.
  
  

• Listening is a competitive advantage. Understanding who the client is and what truly matters to them creates trust and better outcomes.
  
  

• Voice-to-voice communication matters. Phone calls and real conversations often solve issues faster than emails or texts.
  
  

• Mentorship means letting people grow, even if they leave. Developing talent and celebrating their success strengthens your leadership and reputation.
  
  

• Calm leadership solves crises. When things go wrong, breathing, pausing, and focusing on solutions keep teams grounded.
  
  

• Relationships save events. Strong community connections and vendor relationships can turn impossible situations into wins.
  
  

Bobby Fader is the Director of Catering at La Valencia Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, California, a historic boutique hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

With over 30 years of experience in catering and hospitality, and a career that began at age 13, Bobby has worked across restaurants, private clubs, hotels, and event-driven properties. His expertise spans social and corporate events, with a deep passion for weddings and highly personal celebrations.

Known for his people-first leadership style, Bobby is respected throughout the Southern California hospitality community for his mentorship, calm problem-solving, and commitment to treating clients, vendors, and team members with genuine respect.