In our latest “5 Minutes With” we chat with Jono Pearson, Co-Founder of PUFT Events about the team’s mission to create accessible and inclusive community events for residents of Townsville and North Queensland.
Tell us about PUFT Events.
The concept for PUFT (Pop Up Food Trucks) began in 2016 with my good mate Ck Kern and I envisioning how to create events that we would love to attend with our families. We brought Dan Wilschefski into the discussion and the three of us have been creating special events for the Townsville and NQ community ever since.
From the very beginning our mission has been to bring food and community together and make events of epic proportions accessible to everyone right at their doorstep. In addition to the Pop Up Food Truck Festivals, we also offer event activation services for both private and community groups – anything from backyard parties to full scale public events.
In 2020 we decided to expand our horizons by adding markets to the repertoire, taking over the iconic Cotters Market in Townsville. This move further solidified our commitment to creating vibrant and inclusive experiences for the local community. PUFT is currently a team of seven, and we’re so proud of what we have achieved so far. We appreciate the support of the local community, with our efforts being rewarded with a North Queensland Tourism and Events nomination in 2021, and Townsville City Council Australia Day nominations in 2021 and 2022.
What has been the most challenging aspect of starting/owning PUFT Events?
Undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects that PUFT, like many other businesses faced was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic brought unprecedented disruptions and uncertainty to the event industry and presented numerous obstacles to overcome.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Along with playing basketball each week, PUFT is actually more of a hobby. My Monday to Friday focus is being a General Manager of a local safety company.
I am still working on that work/life balance.
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness. Taking the time to reflect allows us to pause, review our experiences, and gain insights that can inform our future actions.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for PUFT Events?
Future plans include expanding our services and event offerings to other locations in North Queensland, but our focus at the moment is our annual “Festival of the Wind” kite carnival taking place 24 June at Pallarenda.
This really is our flagship event of the year and cements the reason as to why we created PUFT Events in 2017, i.e. to create something special to bring the community together through great food, entertainment, and social interaction. There is no perfect example of this than seeing thousands of people lined up on the beach watching giant kites and flying their own. Our number one driver has always been the community and continues to be the backbone of every event that we do.
Keep up to date on future events via Facebook or Instagram.
Main image – Jono Pearson, Co-Founder of PUFT Events.
Images Credits – All images supplied.
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