Our Parking Industry® | Podcast on RSS.com

Our Parking Industry®

Our Parking Industry®

by TPN - The Parking Network

Management Marketing

Season 3

Inside The Lane featuring Automotus

Episode Overview In this episode of Inside The Lane, Leigh Thomas sits down with Jordan Justus, Co-Founder and CEO of Automotus, to discuss how curb management is changing as cities, airports, delivery services, rideshare companies, and autonomous vehicles compete for limited curb space. Jordan explains how Automotus uses cameras, computer vision, and automated curb management tools to help cities and airports better understand activity at the curb, reduce traffic, improve access, and enforce policies more effectively. From airport congestion to commercial loading zones and bus terminals, the conversation shows how curb management is becoming a critical part of the transportation experience. Why This Matters The curb is no longer used primarily for traditional parking. Delivery drivers, rideshare vehicles, commercial fleets, buses, autonomous vehicles, and private drivers are all competing for the same space. Cities and airports need better tools to understand that demand and create policies that improve safety, traffic flow, and access. What You’ll Learn How Automotus uses computer vision to manage curb activity Why changing transportation habits are creating new curb challenges How automated curb management can reduce congestion at airports Why successful curb programs require both technology and strong policy Key Takeaways The curb has become one of transportation’s most contested spaces Technology can help cities understand and manage short-term commercial activity Better curb management can improve traffic flow and customer experience Effective programs must adapt to local policies, users, and stakeholders Episode Breakdown 00:33 Introducing Jordan Justus and Automotus 01:30 How Automotus began 02:45 Why curb demand has changed 03:20 Automating curb payment and enforcement 04:25 Solving airport congestion 06:45 Adapting technology to customer needs 07:30 Philadelphia’s smart loading zone program 09:00 CurbPass and intercity bus management 09:55 Building a smart curb program in Miami 11:00 Who can benefit from Automotus About the Guest Jordan Justus Co-Founder and CEO of Automotus. Jordan and his team work with cities and airports to improve curb management through computer vision, automated payment and enforcement, and policy-driven technology designed to reduce congestion and improve access. About the Host Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting with a background in mathematics, data analysis, and operational performance. She co-hosts Our Parking Industry Podcast and conversations focused on improving the parking industry through better information and resources. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights, podcast updates, and more.

Who Are We Really Serving in the Parking Industry?

Episode Overview In Episode 23, Krista Olien, Leigh Thomas, and Clyde Wilson reflect on their conversation with Keith Jones, Executive Chairman and Owner of ACE Parking, and what his perspective reveals about the direction of the parking industry. The team discusses hidden fees, transaction-based business models, customer service, operational accountability, and the challenges traditional parking operators face as new technology companies enter the market. They also explore why transparency matters during the RFP process, why asset owners need to understand where parking revenue goes, and why the fundamentals of parking remain essential as technology evolves. Why This Matters Parking is changing quickly, but the industry's core responsibilities have not. Asset owners still need strong operations, customers still expect good service, and every transaction should be accounted for. This episode asks whether new business models improve operations or simply create new fees. What You'll Learn Why transaction fees deserve greater scrutiny How new business models affect customer service and asset performance Why transparency matters during operator selection How mentorship and operational knowledge protect the industry's future Key Takeaways Know where every parking dollar is going Low fees do not always mean greater value for the asset owner Technology should support parking, not replace its purpose Strong operators stay focused on customers, transactions, and performance Episode Breakdown 00:26 Reflecting on Keith Jones and ACE Parking 02:45 Parking as an economic bellwether 04:35 Customer service, management, and hidden fees 06:30 Are transaction-based companies still in the parking business? 08:35 Protecting the fundamentals of parking 11:25 What transaction fees really mean for owners 13:25 Rate sensitivity and lost customers 15:15 Customer service in the return-to-office era 16:25 Transparency and ownership of parking revenue 18:05 What asset owners should ask during an RFP 20:15 Mentorship and preserving industry knowledge 22:00 Preparing for EVs, autonomy, and future change 23:40 Is your company improving the parking industry? About the Hosts Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast. Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting with a background in mathematics, data analysis, and operational performance. Clyde Wilson Founder of TPN Consulting with more than four decades of experience in parking operations and financial performance. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights and podcast updates.

Know Your Numbers: Keith Jones on Better Parking Leadership

Episode Overview In Episode 22, Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas welcome Keith Jones, Executive Chairman and Owner of ACE Parking, for a conversation about leadership, transparency, customer service, and the future of parking. Keith shares how growing up in a third-generation family business shaped his leadership style and why parking can serve as an indicator of economic activity. The discussion explores accountability, operational data, customer ownership, technology, and the importance of authentic partnerships. Keith also shares how ACE uses its Deep Blue dashboard to improve visibility and decision-making while keeping people at the center of the operation. Why This Matters Technology is changing parking, but innovation alone does not guarantee better outcomes. This episode explores why operators must know their numbers, remain transparent with owners, invest in strong managers, and use technology to support customer service rather than replace it. What You'll Learn Why parking can reflect broader economic activity How transparency strengthens owner-operator relationships Why technology should support people, not replace them How better data helps managers make stronger decisions Key Takeaways Know your numbers before making operational decisions Customer experience should remain a priority Transparency builds trust with asset owners Innovation works best when paired with accountability Episode Breakdown 00:27 Keith's family history in parking 02:10 Parking as an economic indicator 05:30 Knowing your numbers 07:40 Looking beyond revenue 12:20 Transparency and hidden technology costs 16:40 Deep Blue and operational dashboards 21:10 Accountability through real-time data 24:00 Why managers and mentors still matter 28:20 Customer service as a competitive advantage 31:00 Predictions that missed the mark 34:40 Today, Tomorrow, and Tomorrowland 39:00 Authentic innovation and parking's future About the Guest Keith Jones Executive Chairman and Owner of ACE Parking. Keith represents the third generation of family leadership at ACE and focuses on operational excellence, customer service, technology, transparency, and long-term asset owner partnerships. About the Hosts Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast. Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting with a background in mathematics, data analysis, and operational performance. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights, podcast updates, and more.

Inside The Lane featuring ZEVTRON

Episode Overview In this episode of Inside The Lane, Krista Olien sits down with Bob Andrews, CEO of Zevtron, to discuss how EV charging can become a seamless part of the parking experience instead of a separate technology that creates new operational challenges. Bob explains how Zevtron approaches EV charging from a parking-first perspective by integrating with parking operators, PARCS platforms, and facility workflows. Rather than treating charging as a standalone service, Zevtron helps owners, operators, and customers enjoy a single, streamlined parking and charging experience. From dynamic energy management to campus credentials and airport charging strategies, this conversation explores how EV charging can improve customer service while creating long-term value for parking assets. Why This Matters Electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, but many charging deployments create operational complexity instead of improving the customer experience. This episode highlights how parking operators can integrate EV charging into existing operations, simplify payment, improve asset performance, and prepare facilities for the future. What You'll Learn Why EV charging should be built around parking operations How integrated payment improves the customer experience The value of dynamic energy management for airports and campuses Why parking operators play a critical role in successful EV deployments Key Takeaways EV charging should enhance, not complicate, parking operations. Integration with parking systems creates a smoother customer experience. Different parking environments require different charging strategies. Future-ready parking assets begin with flexible, scalable technology. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introducing Zevtron 01:00 A parking-first approach to EV charging 05:45 Choosing the right facilities for EV deployment 08:00 Destination charging and the future of parking 09:30 Supporting universities, airports, and mixed-use facilities 14:30 Dynamic charging and energy management 16:50 The customer experience from arrival to departure 20:35 Why parking operators are essential partners 23:25 Zevtron's vision for the future of EV charging About the Guest Bob Andrews is the CEO of Zevtron, an EV charging solutions company focused on integrating charging infrastructure into parking operations. His team works alongside parking operators and technology providers to deliver customer-focused charging experiences, simplify operations, and help facilities prepare for the future of electric transportation. About the Host Krista Olien is President of TPN Consulting and host of Our Parking Industry Podcast, where she explores the people, technology, and ideas shaping the future of parking. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for podcast updates, industry insights, and new episodes.

Parking Has Plenty of Data. Now What?

Episode Overview In this roundtable episode, Krista Olien, Leigh Thomas, and Clyde Wilson reflect on their conversation with Graham Haldeman, CEO and General Manager of HUB Parking Technology. The discussion focuses on a recurring challenge across the parking industry: technology is advancing quickly, but the goal should still be simple operations, strong customer service, and useful information. The team explores what happens when disconnected technology creates more complexity, why AI should support judgment rather than replace it, and why having more data does not automatically lead to better decisions. The conversation also turns to parking conventions, vendor selection, and how operators and asset owners can move past sales pitches to find solutions that actually address the challenges in their facilities. Why This Matters Parking technology should make operations easier, not more complicated. As operators gain access to more software, analytics, AI, and integrations, leaders must understand which information actually matters and how technology supports the basic goals of parking: serve customers, collect revenue, and operate efficiently. What You’ll Learn Why simplicity should remain a priority as parking technology grows How AI and data should support operational judgment Why facility-level details matter more than high-level reports alone How to approach conventions and vendors with specific operational needs Key Takeaways More technology does not automatically create a better parking experience Data becomes valuable only when someone understands how to interpret and apply it AI should support people, not replace operational expertise Know your facility’s problems before shopping for solutions Episode Breakdown 00:00 Reflecting on Graham Haldeman’s episode 01:30 Simplicity, collaboration, and customer experience 03:00 Keeping operations at the center of technology 05:20 Data, AI, and the importance of interpretation 09:00 What parking data is actually useful 10:45 Looking beyond top-line revenue and expenses 13:00 Technology versus the fundamentals of parking 18:20 How parking conventions have changed 20:00 Technology vendors entering the industry 26:45 Finding meaningful conversations at industry events 29:00 Knowing your facility before looking for solutions 32:00 Why operational details matter About the Hosts Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast, leading conversations around strategy, transparency, data, and parking performance. Leigh Thomas Project Manager with a background in mathematics and data analysis, focused on improving operational clarity through better questions and better information. Clyde Wilson Founder of TPN Consulting, bringing more than four decades of experience in parking operations, technology, audits, and financial performance. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights, podcast updates, and more.

Beyond Gates and Tickets Featuring Graham Haldeman

Episode Overview In Episode 19, Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas sit down with Graham Haldeman, CEO and General Manager of HUB Parking Technology North America, to discuss his journey from valet operations to parking technology leadership. Graham shares how experience across hospitality, universities, healthcare, airports, and parking operations shaped his approach to leadership and technology. The conversation explores connected platforms, integrations, AI, clean data, customer choice, and why people must remain at the center of every solution. Graham also shares his vision for an industry that extends beyond gates, tickets, and payments toward a more connected customer and operational experience. Why This Matters Parking technology is advancing quickly, but more tools do not always create a better experience. Disconnected systems, poor data, and overly complicated solutions can create new challenges. This episode explores why technology should simplify operations, improve customer service, and support better decisions. What You’ll Learn How Graham advanced from valet operations to technology leadership Why connected systems and vendor collaboration matter Where AI helps and where human judgment is still essential How leadership and customer service influence successful organizations Key Takeaways Technology should simplify the parking journey AI is only as useful as the data supporting it Open integrations preserve customer choice Strong leadership listens to employees at every level Episode Breakdown 00:25 Graham’s parking career 02:10 Mentors and industry relationships 04:35 Technology’s growing role 06:30 Vendor collaboration and integration 09:00 Customer choice and disconnected systems 10:20 AI, machine learning, and clean data 13:50 Turning data into useful information 17:50 Customer service and technology 18:45 HUB’s connected-platform approach 20:05 FAAC and HUB’s global perspective 21:30 Building industry collaboration 25:05 Global parking trends 30:10 Leadership and employee engagement 33:20 Graham’s vision for parking About the Guest Graham Haldeman CEO and General Manager of HUB Parking Technology North America. Graham began his career as a valet and has held roles across parking operations, hospitality, healthcare, universities, airports, and technology. He now leads HUB’s North American organization with a focus on connected technology, customer experience, and collaboration. About the Hosts Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast. Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting with a background in mathematics, data analysis, and operational performance. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights, podcast updates, and more.

Inside The Lane featuring The Tire Tag

Episode Overview In this Inside the Lane episode, Krista Olien sits down with Bart Christenson, President of The Tire Tag, to discuss a modern approach to parking enforcement that improves compliance while minimizing frustration for both operators and parkers. Bart explains how Tire Tag’s lightweight, self-release immobilization device helps private parking operators achieve significantly higher citation payment rates than traditional paper tickets. The conversation explores how simplicity, customer experience, and operator efficiency have shaped the product’s growth across more than 40 states. From self-release technology to nationwide partnerships and future municipal integrations, this episode provides a practical look at how enforcement technology is evolving. Why This Matters Parking enforcement should encourage compliance without creating unnecessary conflict. Tire Tag demonstrates how simple technology, clear communication, and streamlined payment processes can improve collections, reduce operational burden, and help parkers resolve violations quickly. What You’ll Learn How Tire Tag’s self-release immobilization system works Why physical immobilization increases citation payment rates How Tire Tag supports operators, property managers, and asset owners Where the technology works best and how it’s expanding Key Takeaways Simple enforcement creates a better experience for operators and parkers Compliance, not punishment, is the goal of effective enforcement Analog hardware paired with digital payments keeps operations reliable Partnerships and integrations are expanding Tire Tag’s capabilities Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction to Tire Tag 00:20 What Tire Tag does and who it serves 01:05 Improving citation compliance through immobilization 02:20 The self-release customer experience 04:00 Where Tire Tag is used today 05:50 Future growth and municipal integration 06:45 Connectivity, analog technology, and customer support 08:45 Applications beyond passenger vehicles 09:40 Deployment recommendations for operators 11:00 Enforcement partnerships and nationwide coverage 12:00 How to connect with Tire Tag About the Host & Guest Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast, leading conversations about innovation, operations, and the future of parking. Bart Christensen President of Tire Tag, a citation management and vehicle immobilization platform helping parking operators improve compliance through self-release enforcement technology. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights, podcast updates, and more.

What Parking Leaders Should Demand from Technology Vendors

Episode Overview In this roundtable episode, Krista Olien, Leigh Thomas, and Clyde Wilson reflect on their conversation with Trent Prior, Manager of Business Services for the Town of Victoria Park in Western Australia. The team discusses how customer choice, vendor integration, communication, and strategic planning helped Vic Park modernize its parking program. They also explore why parking leaders should define their operational needs before beginning the RFP process rather than relying on vendors to shape the solution. From building a clear blueprint to setting high expectations, this episode offers practical guidance for municipalities, universities, property owners, and parking managers selecting new technology. Why This Matters Parking technology should solve operational challenges, improve customer experience, and support long-term goals. Too often, organizations select from available products instead of defining what they truly need. This conversation highlights the value of planning, communication, collaboration, and holding vendors accountable. What You’ll Learn Why every parking project should begin with a blueprint How customer choice and vendor integration improve operations What questions to ask technology providers during an RFP Why communication is essential to successful parking leadership Key Takeaways Build the operational plan before selecting technology Technology should adapt to the facility, not the other way around Strong vendor collaboration produces better outcomes Clear communication earns stakeholder support Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and recap 00:40 Customer choice and integration 02:00 Communicating operational needs 07:30 Building a better RFP 11:00 Creating a parking blueprint 15:00 Vendor collaboration and customization 18:00 Communication and leadership 21:00 Lessons from Vic Park 27:00 Presenting to stakeholders 30:00 Closing thoughts About the Hosts Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast, leading conversations around strategy, transparency, and the future of parking operations. Leigh Thomas Project Manager with a background in mathematics and data analysis, focused on improving operational clarity and performance through data-driven insights. Clyde Wilson Founder of TPN Consulting, bringing over four decades of industry experience and insight into parking operations, contracts, technology, and financial performance. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights, podcast updates, and more.

Customer Choice and Smarter Parking with Trent Prior

Episode Overview In this episode, Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas sit down with Trent Prior, Manager of Business Services for the Town of Victoria Park in Western Australia, to discuss innovation, customer choice, and the future of municipal parking. Trent shares how Vic Park transitioned away from cash payments, introduced dual pay by phone platforms, and reduced reliance on parking meters while improving the customer experience. The conversation explores how vendor partnerships, staff buy-in, data, and long-term planning helped modernize the town’s parking program. From payment technology to LPR, occupancy data, and community engagement, this episode offers practical lessons for municipalities looking to improve parking operations. Why This Matters Municipal parking must balance customer service, technology, revenue, and community expectations while making the best use of limited resources. Vic Park demonstrates how data-driven decisions, collaboration, and thoughtful innovation can improve operations while creating a better experience for both staff and parkers. What You’ll Learn Why Vic Park adopted dual pay by phone platforms How staff and vendor buy-in supported major technology changes How LPR and occupancy data improve parking management Why customer choice remains central to the town’s strategy Key Takeaways Innovation succeeds when staff, vendors, and leadership work together Data leads to better decisions than assumptions alone Customer choice can improve adoption of new technology Education-first parking management builds stronger community trust Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Trent’s background 02:00 Victoria Park and Albany Highway 05:00 Dual pay by phone strategy 07:45 Vendor integration and customer choice 10:30 Measuring success through data 13:00 Staff buy-in and organizational change 17:00 Building a technology roadmap 21:00 Collaboration across Australian municipalities 24:00 Residential permits and transportation goals 29:00 Community response to payment changes 31:00 Using data to guide enforcement and planning 35:00 Parking strategy and community outcomes 39:00 Closing thoughts About the Hosts & Guest Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast, leading conversations around strategy, transparency, and the future of parking operations. Leigh Thomas Project Manager with a background in mathematics and data analysis, focused on improving operational clarity and performance through data-driven insights. Trent Prior Manager of Business Services for the Town of Victoria Park in Western Australia, leading initiatives in parking technology, customer choice, and municipal parking innovation. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights, podcast updates, and more.

Inside The Lane Featuring Truck Parking Club

Episode Overview In this Inside The Lane episode, Leigh Thomas sits down with Evan Shelley, Founder and CEO of Truck Parking Club, to discuss one of transportation’s biggest challenges: the shortage of truck parking in the United States. Evan explains how Truck Parking Club connects drivers, fleet managers, and carriers with property owners who have available parking space. Through its marketplace platform, the company helps drivers find and reserve parking while creating new revenue opportunities for parking operators, warehouses, trucking companies, churches, and other property owners. The conversation explores the truck parking shortage, what makes a property suitable for truck parking, and how underutilized parking assets can generate additional income. Why This Matters There is only one truck parking space available for every eleven trucks operating in the United States. As freight demand continues to grow, drivers need reliable parking options while many property owners have vacant or underused land. This episode highlights how technology can connect those needs and create value for both sides. What You’ll Learn Why truck parking remains a major industry challenge How Truck Parking Club’s marketplace works What types of properties are ideal for truck parking How property owners can create new revenue streams from unused space Key Takeaways Truck parking demand significantly exceeds available supply Underutilized parking assets can often support commercial vehicles Successful truck parking operations do not always require amenities Technology can simplify reservations, payments, reporting, and customer service Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and guest welcome 00:38 The truck parking shortage explained 03:41 Property members and trucker members 05:59 Ideal properties for truck parking 09:29 Monetizing underutilized parking assets 11:33 Amenities and driver expectations 13:42 Getting started with Truck Parking Club 14:43 Closing remarks About the Host & Guest Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting, bringing a data-driven perspective to parking operations, strategy, and industry innovation. Evan Shelley Founder and CEO of Truck Parking Club, a nationwide marketplace helping drivers and property owners solve truck parking challenges while creating new revenue opportunities. Contact the Vendor Website: https://www.truckparkingclub.com Property Owner Information: https://www.addtruckparking.com About Inside The Lane Inside The Lane is a special segment of Our Parking Industry Podcast that highlights vendors, innovators, and organizations serving the parking and transportation industries. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Stay connected for more conversations shaping the future of parking and transportation.

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