Mentorship is essential in an industry without formal pathways. In parking, learning happens through experience, observation, and guidance from those who’ve lived it. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to value menteeship—the willingness to listen, ask questions, and learn from real-world stories. As our industry evolves, mentorship bridges the past and the future, shaping not just better professionals, but stronger leaders.

As Season Two of the Our Parking Industry Podcast comes to a close, Episodes 21–23 reflect on where the industry has been and where it’s headed. From thoughtful conversations on enforcement, policy, and predictability to reflections on collaboration, communication, and standardization, these episodes underscore a central truth: modern parking is as much about people, purpose, and policy as it is about operations and technology.

The parking industry is buzzing with futuristic ideas, but most facilities still rely on fundamentals that matter today. While LPR, EVs, and micromobility will shape tomorrow, managers must stay focused on identifying every car, collecting every dollar, and running efficient operations now. Preparing for the future starts with mastering the basics in the present.

As smart cities blur the lines between public, private, and government data control, Dubai’s new MoU between Dubai Police and Parkin PJSC highlights the growing integration of mobility, technology, and privacy. With IoT adoption accelerating globally, the parking industry sits at the center of a major transformation — one that raises urgent questions about efficiency, accountability, and the future of connected urban infrastructure.

Richard Easley’s journey—from college dropout to national ITS leader—reveals the power of grit, awareness, and humility. His career shows how transportation, parking, and technology are deeply interconnected, and why diversity and listening to others matter. Richard’s message is simple: stay curious, know what you don’t know, and design systems that work for everyone.

A simple design mistake showed why “knowing your numbers” matters—especially in Texas, where big trucks require bigger drive-thru lanes. From vehicle dimensions to performance metrics, getting the details right prevents costly errors and leads to smarter decisions. At TPN, it’s why Clyde Wilson’s Rule #3 remains essential: success isn’t about guessing, it’s about knowing.

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.

When a developer reverse-engineered San Francisco’s parking ticket system, it exposed sensitive enforcement data and sparked cybersecurity concerns. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the parking industry to strengthen data protection, review protocols, and prepare for future digital threats.

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.

This month’s Parking Professional Spotlight features Trina Tutor, TPN Senior Data Analyst. With sharp attention to detail, relentless curiosity, and a love for problem-solving, Trina transforms parking data into insight. Her journey from speech therapy to parking analytics reflects adaptability, diligence, and passion for learning.

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.

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.

This month’s Parking Professional Spotlight honors Terrence (Terry) McGann, a pioneer who transformed parking management software. Founder of McGann Software Systems, later acquired by Amano, Terry’s innovations improved transaction data quality and shaped the industry’s evolution. His drive, adaptability, and big-picture thinking continue to inspire parking professionals today.

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.

During the BOMA Conference in Boston, our TPN team witnessed a surprising sight: a freshly paved Seaport District parking lot being torn up just days after striping. This sparked a deeper dive into the site’s history and raised a bigger question: where will all the cars go in this booming neighborhood? As towers rise and demand grows, this moment reminded us that strategic parking planning isn’t optional—it’s essential for access, circulation, and customer experience.

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.