For our first Parking Profesional Spotlight, I thought we should highlight one of my favorite experts in the parking industry: TPN’s Clyde Wilson. Clyde is the Founder and President of The Parking Network, Inc., also known as TPN Consulting. Clyde responded with two things when asked what he currently does at TPN. First, he looks at the financial side of the parking industry and how it is managed. Secondly, he works to understand the revolutionary changes we are having in this industry so that we can figure out and discuss how we manage those changes. I would also add that Clyde is an industry mover and shaker! He likes to see the industry evolve and improve and has played a pivotal role in the industry’s evolution. He has worked in parking for a whopping 45 years. During his 45 years in parking, he has gained experience in many different aspects of the industry, from operations to financial reviews.

If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Clyde, you’ll know he has a passion for everything related to parking. When asked what his favorite role as Founder and President of TPN was, he quickly responded, “helping everybody learn this business.” I loved this answer because it shows a glimpse of his passion for the industry.

Clyde thinks parking professionals do a great job in this difficult business even though the resources and support are limited. However, he believes the industry could improve by attracting young people and training them well in the details of this business.

During his career, Clyde has endeavored to understand all the intricate details of the parking industry. As most people in this industry know, that is no small feat. When asked if there was anything else he wanted people to know, he said that this industry plays a significant role in the community and the country and continues to be a rewarding business. For him, it has been fulfilling to constantly improve what we produce and develop multiple genuinely groundbreaking products like Focus Point, Flow Thru, and a program we still use today at TPN called Performance Monitoring.

Clyde’s passion, dedication, and forward-thinking approach make him a true pioneer in the parking industry, inspiring all of us to strive for excellence and innovation in our own roles.