Dive into Episodes 19 and 20 of the Our Parking Industry Podcast as Fed Revolte and the TPN hosts explore how municipalities are navigating frictionless parking, curb management, EV policies, and the power of clear communication. Hear how Tampa’s approach to innovation, community engagement, and customer service is shaping the future of modern municipal parking.

As technology, AI, and customer expectations evolve, the parking industry faces rapid change. This article explores the need for standardization—creating stable, predictable systems that enhance efficiency, reduce confusion, and allow innovation to thrive without sacrificing user experience or operational consistency.

At NPA 2025, I discovered how easily misconceptions can shape our understanding—from LPR reliability to the real pace of AI and EV adoption. The convention reminded me that sound decisions come from questioning assumptions, seeking data, and letting evidence—not opinion—guide progress.

This month on the Our Parking Industry Podcast, hosts Krista Olien, Leigh Thomas, and Clyde Wilson explore the innovations driving parking forward—from AI and EV charging to cybersecurity and community. Hear insights from SWTCH’s David Weber, Scheidt & Bachmann’s Mike Lauder, and the TPN team’s reflections from NPA 2025 in Indianapolis.

As parking shifts from cash to digital transactions, audits remain essential. TPN’s financial and operational reviews safeguard digital revenue streams, uncover losses in e-commerce feeds, and hold vendors accountable. Cash may be gone, but revenue loss is alive and well—hidden in third-party rate structures and disconnected systems. The question isn’t whether audits are relevant; it’s whether you can afford to skip them.

Bangor, Maine is making headlines with bold parking initiatives. From launching ParkMobile and a month-long parking amnesty to adopting the Barnacle windshield enforcement system, the city is prioritizing compliance and revenue to maintain its facilities. TPN applauds Bangor’s three-pronged approach—clear regulations, communication, and consistent enforcement—to improve parking management and support local businesses.

Parking technology is showing up in surprising places — even public restrooms. From digital stall counters to guidance systems, concepts once unique to parking are reshaping high-traffic facilities. While visibility improves flow and confidence, both industries face the same challenge: accuracy. As technology and expectations evolve, predictive analytics and AI promise to enhance travel and mobility experiences even further.

This October on the Our Parking Industry Podcast, we explore how technology, cybersecurity, and standardization are reshaping parking with special guest Mike Lawter, CTO of Scheidt & Bachmann. Across two episodes, our hosts dive into cloud and hybrid systems, AI’s growing role in data security, the shift from cash to digital payments, and how understanding regulations and customers can drive operational excellence. Listen now: https://linktr.ee/tpnconsulting

The parking industry is undergoing a digital transformation that demands adaptability, innovation, and stronger customer communication. From PARCS data to direct engagement, understanding who parks in your facilities—and why—is now vital to success. Lessons from companies like Blockbuster, Kodak, and Nokia remind us that ignoring change risks failure. At TPN, we help operators use customer insights to improve service, maximize revenue, and prepare for the future.

This month’s Parking Professional Spotlight shines on John Van Horn—industry veteran, founder of Parking Today, and now co-host of the new Grumpy Garage podcast. With 47 years in parking, John shares his journey from Secom to publishing, his candid insights on audits and operations, and advice for young professionals: get out of the office and into the garage. A true industry voice, his story is both inspiring and refreshingly honest.

This month on Our Parking Industry Podcast, we feature Kendra Petty—an industry trailblazer with 30+ years of experience. From operations to technology, Kendra shares insights on leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and the future of parking. Across two episodes, we explore tech-driven growth, reducing fragmentation, and why service and diversity remain central to industry success. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/tpnconsulting

TPN is taking the stage at NPA! 🚗✨ Join us Monday, Sept. 8 at 4 PM for “Modernized Parking Audits & New Data Trends.” We’ll explore how industry-wide transformations are reshaping audits, operations, and the parker experience. From multi-channel payments to evolving access systems, complexity is rising—but with the right strategies, we can manage revenue, enhance customer experience, and navigate change with confidence.

The parking industry is evolving at lightning speed—cash is out, EVs are in, and solar electric vehicles (sEVs) are on the horizon. At TPN, we’re asking: are we adapting fast enough, and are our infrastructure plans future-ready? With innovation accelerating like Moore’s Law, flexibility is key. Instead of locking into today’s tech, we must prepare for tomorrow’s. The road ahead is solar, smart, and still unfolding—let’s stay ready for the next turn.

Managing change means respecting the past—but not letting it drive the bus. At TPN, we’ve learned to honor past lessons while embracing innovation, like evolving LPR tech. Progress requires understanding, adaptability, and the courage to move forward—even when comfort lies in old ways. Whether you’re leading a team or navigating new technology, let the past guide, not steer, your path forward. Keep learning, keep moving, and don’t forget to give the past a seat—not the wheel.

Over coffee, I learned about the Three Sisters garden—corn, beans, and squash growing in harmony. It reminded me of the parking industry, where collaboration across sectors, and within operations, drives success. Like the garden, a thriving parking system needs support, nourishment, and protection. And sometimes, it needs a fourth sister—an expert. If you’re heading to NPA in Indianapolis, come find us—we’d love to talk about what’s growing in your operation.

TPN is excited to welcome two new team members: Kim DeKold and Tory Benner. Kim brings analytical strength and a passion for learning, while Tory adds creativity and a service-driven mindset. Their diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives enrich our team as we continue growing in a transforming parking industry. With Clyde’s mentorship and our collaborative culture, we’re thrilled for what’s ahead at TPN.

From cashier to Director, Joaquin Rojas’s journey reveals how empathy, training, and high standards drive modern parking leadership. In Episodes 11 and 12 of Our Parking Industry Podcast, our hosts explore how frontline experience, operational readiness, and people-first strategies shape the future of parking. With insights from hospital and valet operations to gate-less tech, these episodes highlight the balance of innovation and human connection.

The parking industry is transforming rapidly, blending decades of operational wisdom with new technologies and talent. As fresh ideas pour in from academia and tech, TPN reflects on the importance of balancing innovation with the industry’s service-driven roots. With evolving user experiences and growing complexity, the call for standardization and accountability has never been louder. How do we embrace change without losing the core values that make parking work?

Meet Krista Olien, our featured Parking Professional! From high school math teacher to TPN President, Krista’s journey is defined by her love of data, strategic thinking, and passion for solving complex parking challenges. Since joining TPN in 2018, she’s embraced mentorship, mastered operations, and now leads us into a bold new chapter. We’re proud to spotlight Krista and celebrate her impact on the industry!

A recent trip to Fort Worth highlighted how perceived safety can matter just as much as actual safety. A simple rolling gate in a condo parking garage transformed feelings of unease into comfort. Garage operators should note that features like good lighting, cleanliness, visible cameras, and security measures can greatly impact how safe a customer feels. Small changes can make a big difference in choosing where to park.