In this podcast The Parking Network will go behind the scenes and talk to industry professionals about all things parking. From the horizon of evolving technology and even stories of the old days. We hope to encourage and inspire Operators and Property Managers alike to look at parking through a new lens!
Summary In this episode of the Our Parking Industry podcast, Krista Olien, Clyde Wilson, and Rick West discuss the current state and future of the parking industry. Rick West, the new CEO of Reimagine Parking, shares his extensive background in the industry, the challenges he has faced, and his vision for revitalizing the company. The conversation covers the impact of major events like 9/11 and COVID-19 on parking, the importance of understanding the nuances of the industry, and the future trends of electrification and digitalization in parking management. In this conversation, Clyde, Krista, and Rick discuss the evolving landscape of the parking industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by electrification, changing demographics, and the impact of technology. They explore the need for innovative solutions in parking management, the importance of leadership in driving change, and the role of personalization and navigation in enhancing the parking experience. The discussion highlights the industry's response to COVID-19 and the necessity for adaptation in a rapidly changing environment. Takeaways Rick West has a long history in the parking industry, starting from a family business. The off-airport parking sector presents unique challenges and opportunities. Major events like 9/11 and COVID-19 have significantly impacted the parking industry. Tourism plays a crucial role in the success of parking operations in urban areas. Understanding the nuances of the parking industry is essential for effective leadership. Rick emphasizes the importance of focusing on verticals beyond just downtown parking. Electrification and digitalization are key trends shaping the future of parking. The availability of power for EV chargers is a critical consideration for parking facilities. Fleets are moving towards electrification faster than individual consumers. Rick's mission at Reimagine Parking is to revitalize the company and the industry. Universities face challenges in electrifying their vehicle fleets. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize EV charging availability in housing. The parking industry must adapt to new technologies and management practices. Large parking infrastructures can serve as experimental grounds for innovation. Leadership is crucial for overcoming stagnation in the parking industry. COVID-19 has accelerated changes in parking demand and customer behavior. Marketing in parking is evolving to focus on unique user experiences. Technology like LPR and AI can transform parking management. Personalized navigation can enhance the user experience in large garages. The parking industry must embrace change to remain relevant. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Parking Industry and Rick West 00:48 Rick West's Journey in the Parking Industry 05:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Off-Airport Parking 09:49 The Impact of Major Events on the Parking Industry 15:04 Rick's Vision for Reimagine Parking 20:03 The Importance of Understanding the Parking Industry 25:15 Future Trends: Electrification and Digitalization in Parking 32:16 Challenges of Electrification in University Campuses 34:08 Demographics and EV Charging Needs 36:11 The Scale of Parking Infrastructure 37:34 The Future of Parking Management 39:56 Leadership and Change in the Parking Industry 42:02 Adapting to Change Post-COVID 48:55 The Role of Technology in Parking 50:51 Personalization and Navigation in Parking
Summary In this episode of the Parking Industry Podcast, Krista Olien and Clyde Wilson discuss their conversation with Colin Heffron Jr. from Barnacle, focusing on the evolution of parking enforcement towards a more customer-centric approach. They explore the impact of technology on the parking industry, the importance of an innovator mindset, and the influence of government on electric vehicle development. The discussion also highlights the changing roles of employees in the parking sector as technology advances, ultimately leading to improved customer service and operational efficiency. Takeaways The parking industry is evolving towards customer-centric enforcement. Technology is reshaping how parking enforcement is conducted. Innovators in the parking industry are driven by personal experiences. Government mandates can hinder technological advancement in the EV sector. The role of parking attendants is changing with technology. Customer service can improve as employees take on new roles. Understanding product development is crucial for industry growth. The future of parking will involve more technology and less manual enforcement. Innovative companies are essential for the industry's progress. The parking industry must adapt to remain relevant in a changing landscape. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Parking Industry Podcast 02:58 The Shift Towards Customer-Centric Enforcement 06:56 The Role of Technology in Parking 12:06 Innovator Mindset in the Parking Industry 19:43 Government Influence on Electric Vehicles 24:49 The Future of Customer Service in Parking 30:20 Conclusion and Reflections on Change
Summary In this episode, Krista Olien and Colin Heffron Jr. discuss the transformative changes in the parking industry, focusing on Barnacle's innovative approach to parking enforcement. They explore how technology is reshaping the industry, the unique features of Barnacle, and the importance of tailoring solutions to meet diverse parking needs. The conversation emphasizes the need for a customer-centric approach in parking enforcement, aiming to create a more positive experience for parkers while ensuring compliance. Takeaways The parking industry is experiencing a renaissance with rapid technology adoption. Barnacle's approach to parking enforcement is changing perceptions. Innovative technology can make parking enforcement less intrusive. Customer service is a key focus in the parking industry. Tailoring solutions to specific parking needs is essential. The visible nature of Barnacle serves as a deterrent for non-compliance. Understanding the unique challenges of different facilities is crucial. Effective communication and clear signage can improve compliance. The goal is to make the parking experience as painless as possible. Barnacle aims to empower clients with smart technology solutions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Barnacle and the Parking Industry 03:17 Colin Heffron Jr's Journey in Parking 06:00 Innovations in Parking Enforcement 08:48 The Unique Features of Barnacle 11:21 Understanding Client Needs for Barnacle 14:15 Barnacle's Approach to Enforcement and Compliance 16:32 The Future of Parking with Barnacle 24:14 The Renaissance of the Parking Industry 29:33 Real Experiences in Parking Enforcement 31:23 Our Parking Industry Wrap-up
Summary In this final episode of season one, the team reflects on their journey, sharing insights and key takeaways from their discussions and interviews throughout the season. They express gratitude for the learning experiences and mentorship gained from the podcast, highlighting the importance of customer service, accountability, and collaboration in the parking industry. Looking ahead to season two, they discuss their excitement for upcoming interviews and the exploration of new topics, including the role of e-commerce in parking. Takeaways The podcast served as a mentorship for newcomers in the industry. Customer service is a recurring theme and vital for success. Accountability is crucial in both public and private companies. Learning from industry professionals enhances understanding of operations. The importance of managing customer perceptions in parking facilities. Stories from the road provide valuable lessons and insights. The team values collaboration and communication in their work. E-commerce is a significant aspect of the parking industry. The podcast aims to provide knowledge and resources to listeners. Continuous improvement is a goal for future podcast seasons. Chapters 00:00 Season One Reflection and Growth 10:05 Key Takeaways and Insights from Season One 19:55 Looking Ahead: Season Two Expectations and Ideas
Summary In this episode, Krista Olien, Clyde Wilson, and Leigh Thomas reflect on their conversation with Paul Gnasso from PCI, discussing the importance of customer service, the impact of technology on the parking industry, and lessons learned from navigating challenges such as the pandemic. They emphasize the need for accessibility in customer service and the value of mentorship in the industry, while also considering the future of customer service as the industry evolves. Takeaways PCI navigated the pandemic by diversifying their services. Valuing customer service and staff retention is crucial. Patience and wisdom can lead to successful business practices. Technology should enhance, not replace, customer service. Accessibility in customer service is becoming increasingly important. Mentorship plays a vital role in industry knowledge transfer. Customer service experiences can vary greatly between companies. The parking industry must adapt to maintain service levels. Listening is key to effective customer service. The focus on serving customers must remain a priority. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to PCI and Industry Insights 02:55 Navigating Challenges: Lessons from the Pandemic 06:12 The Importance of Customer Service in Parking 08:55 Technology and Customer Proximity 11:52 Accessibility in Customer Service 15:12 Learning from Experience: Mentorship in the Industry 17:57 The Future of Customer Service in Parking 21:06 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections