SPBA meets Presto Printing
John Saverase,Tien Luee, with groom, Greg Giuliano
South Philadelphia Business Association Executive Eddie Wright
with John Saverase
"Come in as a customer; leave as a friend. That's the motto of Presto Printing," Bok mathematics teacher Greg Giuliano informs me. "I've been friends with John for years. I get all my business and personal stationery here. Right now, my fiance and I are picking out wedding invitations." Mazel Tov!
Behind the counter looking for the perfect font, is owner John Saverase. He pops up and waves around a piece of paper. "I found it! You'll love the Edwardian Script."
Saverase, a wedding invitation expert, also dabbles in matchmaking.
"I get a lot of business people here. I go by the personality. That�s important. My customers trust my gut feelings." With an avuncular attitude toward nervous brides-to-be, Saverase engenders loyalty even among the third generation of his families.
"Many come back for christening, confirmation and graduation invitations." I notice one wall of his shop is covered with wedding, baby, and other themed snapshots. This is quite an honor, to have so many pictures, because mothers don't give away their children's photos to strangers.
He and wife Ceil have been married for 40 years. They have three children: John, Maria and Danny, and four grandchildren, Vanessa, Angelina, Santino and Francesca.
Soon after, I run into Saverase at The South Philadelphia Business Association dinner at The Waterfall Room. Executive Secretary Eddie Wright gives Saverase a big bear hug and looks me straight in the eye. "Maria, John goes above and beyond to help us. He prints all the certificates, invitations and more. He does it at no cost to us. He likes to give to us, so we may give to others."
Petal Pusher owner John Vacca knows his neighbor well. "He definitely is the most personable person on the block."
For a man whose trade goes back to Johannes Gutenberg�s press of 1436 and Ben Franklin's press of 1729, it's a relief to know the important dates will remain timeless with a Presto invitation.
Here is a video I shot of John Saverase discussing his wedding invitations.
Presto Printing
2509 S Broad Street
(215) 468-0111
Presdent of SPBA Lou Lozzi and wife Reggie Lozzi
Here is a video I shot of Sister Paula, Eddie Wright and Pat Scioli
Maria Filippello and
Founder, Sister Paula
A delicious Italian Rum Cake makes for a Happy Birthday.
Lou Lozzi and Reggie Lozzi
Vince DeFino Esq., President Lou Lozzi,
Treasurer Reggie Lozzi, Executive Eddie Wright
A Capella Doo Wop group, Street Corner 5
Hired by Reggie Lozzi and John Saverase
