Thinking beyond Parking Management

Some traditional projects include building a new parking garage and converting an old parking garage from permit only to permit and visitors. Some of the non-traditional projects include piloting a real-time occupancy system and getting bidding out a parking guidance system.

4. What are some of the points of discussion that go on in your leadership panel? What are the strategic points that you go by to steer the company forward?

The main point leadership discusses is do we need to build more parking and when will the demand for parking start to decrease. It is very costly to build parking and you are going to have to pay for the deck over the next 30 years. Will parking demand still be the same in 10, 20 or 30 years? We are already seeing the impact of TNCs and other micro mobility on parking. It is critical that we utilize parking management and transportation demand management to ensure that we can get the most out of our existing parking before spending more dollars on another parking space.

5. Can you draw an analogy between your personality traits, hobbies and how they reflect on your leadership strategy?

I am a huge cyclist and before I head out for a long ride I like to be prepared by ensuring my bike is tuned up and I have my technology ready to go so that I can measure my performance. This is very much the way I approach my leadership strategy. It is critical that each and every day the parking decks and lots are tuned up and ready to go as customers arrive and that we use technology and data throughout the day to measure performance so that we can make changes as needed.

6. How do you see the evolution of the Parking Management arena a few years from now with regard to some of its potential disruptions and transformations?

I expect there to be a lot less friction paying for parking. This has already started to occur with applications that allow people to pay with their phones. But, in the future, I see phone-based applications going away and built-in onboard system and gate less parking garages that not only allow you to pay for your parking but to pay for other auto-related services. I also see applications that help customers find the most cost and time efficient way to get somewhere that may or may not include an automobile.

7. What would be the single piece of advice that you could impart to a fellow or aspiring professional in your field, looking to embark on a similar venture or professional journey along the lines of your service and area of expertise?

Have fun, if you are not having fun then do something else.