Our Parking Industry®

TPN - The Parking Network
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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!

  1. 5H AGO

    Human at the Wheel: Keeping Service at the Center of Tech

    Summary In this episode of the Our Parking Industry Podcast, Krista Olien, Clyde Wilson, and Leigh Thomas discuss the key themes from their interview with Rafael Abanilla from Parking Concepts Incorporated. They explore the importance of a people-centric philosophy in parking management, emphasizing customer service and the evolution of the industry from lease management to technology-driven operations. The conversation also highlights the significance of mentorship and the challenges posed by partnerships with equipment vendors. The hosts reflect on the future of parking solutions and the personal growth that comes from stepping away from work to recharge. Takeaways The parking industry benefits from a people-centric philosophy. Customer service is crucial in technology-driven businesses. Valet parking experience shapes successful leaders in the industry. Management styles differ significantly between lease and management contracts. Mentorship plays a vital role in career development in parking. Technology should enhance, not replace, customer service. Partnerships with equipment vendors can complicate operations. A full stack solution could streamline parking management. Understanding customer needs is essential for success. Taking breaks can improve job performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to People-Centric Philosophy 05:18 Lease vs. Management: Understanding the Business Models 09:31 The Evolution of Parking Operations and Technology 14:45 The Future of Parking Operations 28:34 Our Parking Industry Podcast Wrap-Up

    29 min

  2. MAR 12

    Leadership Built from the Frontline with Rafael Abanilla

    Summary In this episode of the Our Parking Industry podcast, host Leigh Thomas and Clyde Wilson engages with industry veteran Rafael Abanilla to explore the evolution of the parking industry. Raf shares his journey from a valet to a senior VP, emphasizing the importance of frontline experience in management. The conversation delves into the balance between technology and customer service, the significance of mentorship, and the common pitfalls young professionals face. They discuss the industry's current challenges and opportunities, the future of parking technology, and the need for collaboration among operators. The episode concludes with reflections on work-life balance and the passion that drives them in their careers. Takeaways Raf Abanilla has 25 years of experience in the parking industry. Frontline experience is crucial for effective management. Technology should enhance, not replace, customer service. Choosing the right vendors is essential for success. Mentorship plays a significant role in professional growth. Young professionals often overlook the importance of relationships. The parking industry is facing challenges in delivering consistent experiences. Collaboration among industry players is necessary for progress. Work-life balance is vital for long-term success. Passion for the industry drives innovation and improvement. Chapters 00:00I ntroduction to the Parking Industry Podcast 01:25 Raf Abanilla's Journey in Parking 04:37 Clyde Wilson's Early Experiences 09:11 The Core of the Parking Business 16:55 Customer Experience in Valet Services 20:19 Technology vs. Customer Focus 22:54 The Role of Facial Recognition in Parking 24:10 Collaboration in the Parking Industry 26:10 Shifts in Business Focus Over Decades 28:10 The Evolution of Customer Communication 33:51 Our Parking Industry Podcast Wrap-Up

    34 min

  3. FEB 26

    Inside The Lane Featuring: Delaware Valley Paving

    Inside The Lane: Featuring Delaware Valley Paving Summary In this episode of Inside the Lane, Leigh interviews Adam Fisher from Delaware Valley Paving, a national company specializing in asphalt and concrete maintenance and construction. Adam discusses the company's history, services, and customer base, emphasizing their commitment to quality and innovation. He explains the onboarding process for new customers and highlights the use of advanced technology in project management. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to reach out for their paving needs. Takeaways Delaware Valley Paving is a national company, not just local. They handle a variety of projects from small repairs to large constructions. The company has been family-owned since 1989 and is now in its third generation. They work with property owners, management companies, and land developers. Emergency maintenance services are crucial after winter weather. They utilize advanced technology for project management and communication. The onboarding process involves a request for proposal (RFP) from customers. Project managers oversee jobs to ensure they meet client standards. The company is committed to staying ahead with new technology and practices. No project is too big or too small for Delaware Valley Paving. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Delaware Valley Paving 01:30 Services Offered by Delaware Valley Paving 03:08 National Reach and Major Projects 05:09 Onboarding New Customers 06:33 Technology and Communication in Services 07:43 Commitment to Innovation and Quality 08:31 Inside The Lane Wrap-Up

    9 min

  4. FEB 19

    Automation Without Alienation: Protecting the Customer in a Digital Parking World

    Summary In this episode of the Our Parking Industry podcast, Krista Olien, Clyde Wilson, and Leigh Thomas discuss the insights gained from their interview with Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrimetti. They explore the transformational changes in the parking industry, the emotional experiences of customers, the role of technology in customer service, and the challenges posed by gateless parking solutions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and rights, and the necessity of providing excellent customer service amidst technological advancements. Takeaways The parking industry is undergoing significant transformation due to new technologies. Understanding customer emotions is crucial in the parking experience. Customers often feel trapped in parking situations, which heightens their emotional responses. AI and technology should not replace human customer service entirely. Gateless parking solutions present unique challenges for customer service. It's essential to know your customers to provide tailored service. Legal and ethical considerations are vital in the parking industry. Generosity in customer service can enhance customer satisfaction. Communication strategies can impact customer perceptions and penalties. The parking industry must adapt to technological changes while prioritizing customer service. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Parking Industry Podcast 02:45 Transformational Changes in the Parking Industry 05:28 Understanding Customer Emotions in Parking Experiences 08:02 The Role of Technology and AI in Customer Service 10:28 Challenges with Gateless Parking and Penalties 12:58 Customer Service Lessons from Other Industries 15:27 The Importance of Knowing Your Customers 17:56 Legal Implications and Customer Rights 20:28 Conclusion and Future Considerations 25:31 Our Parking Industry Podcast Wrap-Up

    26 min

  5. FEB 12

    Consumer Protection Meets Parking: A Conversation with Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti

    Consumer Protection Meets Parking: A Conversation with Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti Summary In this episode, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti discusses the intersection of consumer protection and the parking industry, highlighting a significant settlement against Metropolis for deceptive practices. The conversation explores the importance of transparency in pricing, the role of technology in customer service, and the need for accountability in automated enforcement. The discussion emphasizes the impact of good parking on local economies and tourism, and the necessity for clear communication between parking companies and consumers. Takeaways Consumer protection is a priority for the Attorney General's office. Complaints about parking services often lead to legal action when transparency is lacking. Technology in parking must be accompanied by effective customer service. Clear pricing and transparency are essential for consumer trust. Automated enforcement requires robust accountability measures. Consumers need easy access to recourse when issues arise. The human element in customer service is crucial, even with technology. Clear communication helps distinguish parking companies from government entities. Good parking services can enhance local tourism and economic activity. The parking industry must adapt to local needs while implementing new technologies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Parking Industry Podcast 02:50 Consumer Protection in the Parking Industry 06:43 The Role of Technology in Parking 10:53 Transparency and Customer Experience 14:56 Accountability in Automated Enforcement 19:16 Distinguishing Communications in Parking 21:27 Impact of Parking on Tourism 22:39 Our Parking Industry Wrap-Up

    23 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    Season Two in Review: Growth, Challenges, and Industry Change

    Summary In this episode, Krista Olien, Clyde Wilson, and Leigh Thomas recap the key themes and highlights from Season Two of the Our Parking Industry podcast. They discuss the importance of collaboration, communication, and standardization in the parking industry, reflecting on how these themes have emerged throughout their interviews. The hosts share their favorite moments from the season, including impactful interviews and the lessons learned. They also outline their goals for Season Three, emphasizing the need for listener engagement and the desire to explore diverse perspectives within the industry. Takeaways Collaboration, communication, and standardization are foundational for success. Building, borrowing, or buying solutions can save time and resources. Thoughtful purchasing decisions are crucial in the parking industry. Standardization helps improve customer experience and compliance. Effective communication is essential for both parkers and stakeholders. Understanding the problem is key to finding the right solution. The parking industry is evolving with technology and customer expectations. Engagement with listeners is a priority for future podcast seasons. Reflecting on past episodes helps identify common themes and challenges. The hosts aim to enhance their communication skills and industry knowledge. Chapters 00:00 Season Two Recap and Key Themes 03:14 Collaboration: Building Solutions Together 06:05 Standardization: Navigating the Parking Landscape 08:41 Communication: Bridging Gaps in the Parking Industry 11:45 Reflections on Season Two: Insights and Growth 14:20 Looking Ahead: Goals for Season Three 31:08 Our Parking Industry Podcast Wrap-Up

    31 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    Forward-Thinking Parking: Challenges, Gaps, and What Comes Next

    Summary In this episode, Krista Olien, Clyde Wilson, and Leigh Thomas discuss their conversation with Julie, the founder of Dixon Resources Unlimited. They explore her journey in the parking industry, focusing on on-street parking, policy impacts, and the importance of compliance and predictability in parking operations. The discussion highlights Julie's entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges faced in the industry, and the need for a people-centric approach to parking management. Takeaways Julie emphasizes the need for parking to be predictable. Not all policies are beneficial; forward-thinking is essential. Parking has evolved into a people management challenge. Compliance is foundational for effective parking operations. Investing in compliance is crucial for parking success. Julie’s entrepreneurial journey inspires others to take risks. Neighborhood parking issues are often overlooked in policy discussions. Technological advancements are changing the parking landscape. Standardization in parking practices is still a challenge. A people-centric approach is necessary for solving parking problems. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Julie's Journey in Parking 02:42 The Evolution of Parking Policies 05:27 Julie’s Entrepreneurial Spirit and Impact 08:14 Challenges in On-Street Parking 11:05 The Importance of Compliance in Parking 13:02 Predictability in Parking Operations 15:50 Technological Advancements in Parking 18:28 Standardization in Parking Practices 21:07 People-Centric Approach to Parking 23:38 Conclusion and Reflections on the Episode

    27 min

  8. 12/04/2025

    Creating Smarter Parking Systems: Lessons from Julie Dixon 

    Summary In this episode of the Our Parking Industry Podcast, host Leigh Thomas engages with Clyde Wilson and Julie Dixon, exploring the evolution of parking enforcement, the impact of technology, and the challenges facing the parking industry today. Julie shares her journey into parking, the importance of compliance, and the need for balanced policies that address both parking and transportation needs. The conversation also touches on the role of bicycle infrastructure, curb management, and the future of parking as cities adapt to changing demands. Takeaways Julie Dixon's career in parking began as a community service officer in college. The importance of education in parking enforcement is paramount. Parking policies must adapt to technological advancements and community needs. The balance between parking availability and transportation options is crucial. Innovative solutions like transit passes can help mitigate parking issues. Bicycle infrastructure must be supported by secure parking options. Compliance in parking enforcement is essential for effective management. The need for predictable signage in parking areas is critical for user compliance. Collaboration among industry professionals is key to solving parking challenges. The future of parking requires a blend of technology, policy, and community engagement. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Parking Industry Podcast 02:13 Julie Dixon's Journey into Parking 06:42 The Evolution of Parking Enforcement 09:36 Dixon Resources Unlimited: A New Venture 15:26 Transformational Changes in the Parking Industry 21:37 Navigating Policy and Community Needs 25:14 Right-Sizing Parking Policies 27:56 Balancing Parking Solutions and Transit Options 33:49 The Challenge of Bicycle Infrastructure 38:50 Innovations in Curb Management 46:48 Navigating On-Street Parking Technology 52:28 Our Parking Industry Podcast Wrap-Up

    53 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    TPN - The Parking Network
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TPN - The Parking Network 2024
  • Show Website
    Our Parking Industry®