Our Parking Industry®

Hosted by TPN - The Parking Network

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Oct 2026

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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!

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November 5, 202648 min

Parking Experience Meets Technology: Bridging the Gap with Joe Dudek and Jason Scott

Episode Overview In Episode 28 of Our Parking Industry Podcast, Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas welcome Joe Dudek and Jason Scott, Managing Partners of JD Enterprises, to discuss parking operations, technology, mentorship, and industry experience. Joe and Jason share their unexpected paths into parking, lessons from managing complex operations, and why understanding the fundamentals remains essential as technology evolves. From missing transactions and revenue opportunities to AI, enforcement, and data privacy, they explore how to bridge the gap between parking expertise and new technology. Why This Matters Parking technology is advancing, but better systems don't always mean better operations. Joe and Jason explain why hands-on experience, accurate reporting, and understanding each facility's needs are essential to making technology work. What You'll Learn Why mentorship and operational experience matter How to identify missed revenue and operational gaps What to consider when selecting parking technology How enforcement, automation, and privacy affect parking Key Takeaways Technology is only as valuable as the people using it Walking the garage reveals what dashboards may miss Solutions must fit each facility's needs Curiosity and communication strengthen operations Episode Breakdown 00:25 Meet Joe Dudek and Jason Scott 01:06 Career paths into parking 05:10 Mentorship and industry experience 09:09 Bridging technology and parking expertise 13:42 Missing tickets, metrics, and revenue 18:15 Choosing the right technology 23:02 Enforcement and customer experience 27:47 License plate data and privacy 31:59 Transitioning LAX operations in two weeks 34:55 Career advice and lessons learned 38:52 The future of parking technology 45:49 Introducing Encompass Parking About the Guests Joe Dudek Managing Partner at JD Enterprises with over 30 years of parking operations and consulting experience. Jason Scott Managing Partner at JD Enterprises with nearly 20 years of experience in parking operations and technology. About the Hosts Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and podcast host. Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting, specializing in data 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 and podcast updates.

October 22, 20269 min

Inside The Lane Featuring PayByPhone

Inside The Lane Featuring PayByPhone Episode Overview In Episode 27 of Our Parking Industry Podcast, Leigh Thomas welcomes Anthony Cashel, COO of PayByPhone, to discuss how technology is making parking easier, from finding a space to completing payment. Anthony shares how PayByPhone is moving beyond digital payments to address one of parking's biggest frustrations: finding an available space. Through a partnership with Upsity, PayByPhone is using AI-powered sensors and real-time occupancy data to help drivers find parking faster. The conversation explores PayByPhone’s pilot program in Paris, demonstrating how AI-powered technology and real-time parking availability can help drivers find spaces more efficiently, reduce time spent searching, and improve the overall parking experience. Why This Matters Finding parking can be just as frustrating as paying for it. Drivers waste time searching for spaces, adding congestion and unnecessary stress to their journeys. By combining real-time parking availability with digital payments, cities and operators can improve the customer experience while making better use of existing parking spaces. What You'll Learn How PayByPhone is simplifying the parking experience How AI sensors identify available parking spaces Why real-time occupancy data can reduce congestion How cities and operators benefit from digital parking solutions Key Takeaways Finding parking is a major source of driver frustration Real-time availability helps drivers make better decisions AI technology can improve parking without collecting personal data Better parking information can reduce traffic and improve efficiency Episode Breakdown 00:34 Introducing Anthony Cashel and PayByPhone 01:09 PayByPhone's mission and global reach 01:48 Solving the challenge of finding parking 03:43 How parking searches contribute to congestion 04:13 Launching space availability technology in Paris 04:42 AI sensors, occupancy data, and privacy 05:38 How drivers see real-time parking availability 06:29 Early results and reduced traffic 07:17 Who benefits from PayByPhone's solutions 08:03 How cities and operators can connect with PayByPhone About the Guest Anthony Cashel COO of PayByPhone, a global parking technology company focused on simplifying journeys through digital payments, parking availability, and connected services. About the Host 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 PayByPhone Visit: https://www.paybyphone.com Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights and podcast updates.

October 15, 202652 min

NPA Voices, Part 2: AI, Integration & Parking’s Next Chapter

Episode Overview Our Parking Industry Podcast continues its live recording from the National Parking Association's 75th Anniversary Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas ask five parking professionals the same questions about industry challenges, emerging technology, impactful decisions, what parking needs to stop doing, and bold predictions. Part 2 features Amanda Duffy (TagMaster North America), Tanner Mason (Flash Parking/ParkWhiz), Brian Wolff (Parker Technology), Andrew Sachs (Gateway Parking Services), and Roamy Valera (Reimagined Parking). From AI-powered customer service to data transparency, parking reservations, and autonomous vehicles, these conversations explore parking's next chapter. Why This Matters Technology is advancing quickly, but successful innovation requires more than new systems. Industry leaders must balance automation with customer service, improve data accessibility, and prepare for changing transportation demands while keeping people and operational performance at the center. What You'll Learn How AI is changing parking operations Why data integration and transparency matter How technology improves customer experience What autonomous vehicles mean for parking's future Key Takeaways Technology should simplify parking AI supports efficiency, but people remain essential Data sharing improves operations Collaboration will shape parking's future Episode Breakdown 00:27 Amanda Duffy on vehicle identification, integration, and AI 06:11 Tanner Mason on reservations, visibility, and customer fees 13:38 Brian Wolff on voice AI, customer support, and data sharing 23:24 Andrew Sachs on positive friction, AI, and industry growth 35:32 Roamy Valera on data transparency and autonomous vehicles 51:10 Closing thoughts from NPA About the Guests Amanda Duffy National Sales Manager at TagMaster North America, specializing in vehicle identification and parking technology. Tanner Mason Digital Sales Manager for ParkWhiz at Flash Parking and 2026 NPA 40 Under 40 recipient. Brian Wolff President and CEO of Parker Technology, focused on parking customer service and AI. Andrew Sachs President of Gateway Parking Services and creator of Parkonomics. Roamy Valera President of Reimagined Parking with more than 35 years of industry experience. About the Hosts Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and podcast host. Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting, specializing in 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 and podcast updates.

October 8, 202646 min

NPA Voices, Part 1: People, Purpose & Smarter Parking

Episode Overview For the first time, Our Parking Industry Podcast goes live from the National Parking Association Conference & Expo. Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas sit down with parking professionals from across the industry, asking each guest the same five questions about today's challenges, emerging technology, impactful ideas, what the industry should stop doing, and bold predictions for the future. Part 1 features Rico Henderson (TEZ Technology), Nick Nicholas (California Police Captain), Sarah Blouch (Campus Parc), Sam Medile (Parking Management Company), and Frank Ching (UC Santa Barbara). Together, they share perspectives on customer experience, frontline safety, AI, technology, leadership, and the future of parking. Why This Matters Parking is changing quickly, but the industry's greatest strength remains its people. This live episode brings together leaders from operations, technology, higher education, consulting, and public safety to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping parking today. What You'll Learn The biggest challenges facing parking today How AI is influencing parking operations Ways technology can improve the customer experience What industry leaders believe should happen next Key Takeaways Customer experience remains the top priority AI should support people, not replace them Better data leads to better decisions Collaboration will shape the future of parking Episode Breakdown 00:27 Welcome from the NPA Conference & Expo 01:30 Rico Henderson on seamless customer experiences and AI 07:40 Nick Nicholas on frontline safety and compliance 14:05 Sarah Blouch on data, integration, and customer experience 21:50 Sam Medile on creating opportunities and "Parking for Good" 34:12 Frank Ching on strategy, data, and parking's future 46:02 Preview of Part 2 About the Guests Rico Henderson Regional Sales Manager at TEZ Technology and NPA 40 Under 40 recipient. Nick Nicholas Police Captain specializing in parking management, enforcement, and frontline safety. Sarah Blouch President and CEO of Campus Parc at The Ohio State University. Sam Medile Parking entrepreneur and founder of Slice Parking. Frank Ching Parking executive with experience in private operations, municipalities, transit, and higher education. About the Hosts Krista Olien President of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast. Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting, specializing in 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 and podcast updates.

September 24, 202612 min

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.

September 17, 202626 min

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.

September 10, 202642 min

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.

August 27, 202625 min

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.

August 20, 202633 min

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.

August 13, 202634 min

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.