Know Your Numbers, Question the Norm & Rethink the Curb
What does it really take to move the parking industry forward?
Is it better data? More transparency? New technology? Better customer service? Or maybe, as we’re reminded in our latest episodes, it’s a little bit of all of the above.
Over the past month, Our Parking Industry Podcast has covered some great conversations about the fundamentals of parking, the changing role of technology, and even how the curb itself is becoming a much more complicated part of transportation.
If you haven’t caught the latest episodes yet, here’s what you’ve been missing!
We kicked things off with a great conversation between Krista Olien, Leigh Thomas, and Keith Jones, Executive Chairman and Owner of ACE Parking.
Keith comes from a third-generation parking family, so he brings a unique perspective on how the industry has changed and where it’s headed. One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation? Know your numbers.
But knowing your numbers means more than simply looking at revenue. Keith and the team talk about operational data, accountability, transparency, and how managers can use technology and dashboards to make better decisions.
And while technology is becoming a bigger part of parking every day, Keith makes an important point: technology should support people, not replace them.
How often do we get so focused on the newest technology that we forget about the people using it? What happens when we have all the data in the world but don't take the time to understand what it is actually telling us?
This episode also looks at customer service, owner-operator relationships, mentoring, and Keith’s idea of “Today, Tomorrow, and Tomorrowland.” There’s a lot to take away from this conversation, whether you’re an operator, owner, manager, or simply interested in where the industry is going.
After our conversation with Keith, Krista, Leigh, and Clyde Wilson took some time to reflect on the topics discussed in Episode 22.
And this one gets us thinking.
Who are we really serving?
As new technology companies and new business models continue to enter the parking industry, it’s worth taking a step back and asking whether innovation is actually improving the parking experience and the performance of an asset.
The conversation digs into transaction fees, hidden costs, customer service, RFPs, and transparency. Where is the money going? What should asset owners be asking when selecting an operator? And are lower fees always the best value?
The answer, of course, isn’t always as simple as it seems.
The episode also comes back to something that can sometimes get overlooked when we talk about the future of parking: the fundamentals still matter. Customers still expect good service. Owners still need accountability. Operators still need to understand their business.
Technology will continue to change the way we operate, but are we using it to make parking better, or are we simply finding new ways to do business?
That’s a question worth thinking about.
We also have a new Inside The Lane episode, and this time Leigh Thomas sits down with Jordan Justus, Co-Founder and CEO of Automotus.
If you’ve ever sat in traffic at an airport while watching cars, rideshares, buses, delivery vehicles, and everyone else compete for the same few feet of curb space, you already understand the problem.
The curb is getting crowded.
And traditional parking is only one small piece of the puzzle.
In this episode, Jordan explains how Automotus uses computer vision and automated curb management tools to help cities and airports understand what’s happening at the curb. The conversation covers everything from airport congestion and commercial loading zones to smart loading programs and intercity bus management.
But what I found especially interesting about this conversation is the idea that technology alone isn't the solution. Successful curb management also requires thoughtful policies that take into account the different people and businesses using that space.
As transportation continues to evolve, the curb is becoming an increasingly important part of the overall transportation experience.
So, what happens when the demand for curb space continues to grow but the curb itself doesn't?
That’s exactly the kind of question this episode explores.
Three episodes. Three very different conversations. But there’s a common thread running through all of them: parking is changing.
From understanding your numbers and building better relationships with asset owners, to questioning new business models and figuring out how technology can help us manage increasingly complex transportation environments, there is a lot happening in our industry.
If you haven’t listened to these episodes yet, now is a great time
to catch up.
Listen to Our Parking Industry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
And as always, if there’s a topic you’d like to hear us talk about on the podcast, let us know! We’re always looking for conversations that bring useful information, new perspectives, and a little more insight into the parking industry.
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