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.

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.

Drip pricing hides mandatory fees until late in the purchase process, manipulating consumers and frustrating price comparisons. This deceptive tactic is common in travel and online services, leading to emotional and financial stress. New regulations in California and from the FTC aim to stop these hidden costs by requiring clear, upfront pricing. Consumers and honest businesses alike benefit from transparency—and it’s time to demand more of it.

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!