Inside The Lane featuring Automotus

We Want to Hear From You!Help shape Our Parking Industry Podcast! Take our quick listener survey and tell us what you'd like to hear more about.Listener Survey: https://tinyurl.com/3jxffznkEpisode OverviewWhat do delivery drones, changing transportation habits, and parking data have in common?In this episode, Krista Olien, Leigh Thomas, and Clyde Wilson revisit their conversation with Joe Dudek and Jason Scott of JD Enterprises before exploring how emerging technology could impact parking.Clyde shares his experience discovering Zipline's drone delivery operations and how fewer neighborhood vehicle trips could influence traffic and downtown parking demand. The team also discusses autonomous vehicles, changing transportation patterns, and the challenges of predicting the future.The conversation then turns to TPN's newest innovation, PAQS (Parking Adaptability Quotient Software), and how it transforms complicated parking data into meaningful operational insights.Why This MattersParking doesn't operate in isolation. Transportation and technology influence how people travel and where they park. Understanding these changes, along with what's happening inside your garage, helps parking professionals make better decisions.What You'll LearnHow drone delivery could influence parking demandWhy transportation trends matter to parkingHow PAQS simplifies complex parking dataWhy customer groups, rates, and transactions matterKey TakeawaysTransportation innovations can influence parking demandHistorical data and future trends both matterData should tell a clear operational storyPAQS supports informed decisions and collaborationEpisode Breakdown00:25 Revisiting JD Enterprises02:38 Clyde discovers Zipline delivery drones06:47 Transportation and parking's future10:43 Autonomous vehicles and changing demand11:52 How drone delivery works13:43 Why parking must watch transportation trends15:00 Introducing PAQS17:03 Turning parking data into insights18:05 Understanding a garage in minutes20:17 Every Rate. Every Customer. Every Transaction.21:53 PAQS demos and what's nextAbout the HostsKrista OlienPresident of TPN Consulting and podcast host.Leigh ThomasTPN Project Manager specializing in data and operations.Clyde WilsonFounder of TPN Consulting with decades of parking industry experience.Learn More About PAQSUnderstand customer behavior, facility performance, and opportunities for improvement.Schedule a demo: https://www.paqs.io/Listen & FollowFind Our Parking Industry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Connect with TPN Consultinghttps://www.parkingnetwork.comFollow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Episode OverviewIn Episode 28 of Our Parking Industry Podcast, Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas welcome Joe Dudek and Jason Scott, Managing Partners of JD Enterprises, to discuss parking operations, technology, mentorship, and industry experience.Joe and Jason share their unexpected paths into parking, lessons from managing complex operations, and why understanding the fundamentals remains essential as technology evolves.From missing transactions and revenue opportunities to AI, enforcement, and data privacy, they explore how to bridge the gap between parking expertise and new technology.Why This MattersParking technology is advancing, but better systems don't always mean better operations.Joe and Jason explain why hands-on experience, accurate reporting, and understanding each facility's needs are essential to making technology work.What You'll LearnWhy mentorship and operational experience matterHow to identify missed revenue and operational gapsWhat to consider when selecting parking technologyHow enforcement, automation, and privacy affect parkingKey TakeawaysTechnology is only as valuable as the people using itWalking the garage reveals what dashboards may missSolutions must fit each facility's needsCuriosity and communication strengthen operationsEpisode Breakdown00:25 Meet Joe Dudek and Jason Scott01:06 Career paths into parking05:10 Mentorship and industry experience09:09 Bridging technology and parking expertise13:42 Missing tickets, metrics, and revenue18:15 Choosing the right technology23:02 Enforcement and customer experience27:47 License plate data and privacy31:59 Transitioning LAX operations in two weeks34:55 Career advice and lessons learned38:52 The future of parking technology45:49 Introducing Encompass ParkingAbout the GuestsJoe DudekManaging Partner at JD Enterprises with over 30 years of parking operations and consulting experience.Jason ScottManaging Partner at JD Enterprises with nearly 20 years of experience in parking operations and technology.About the HostsKrista OlienPresident of TPN Consulting and podcast host.Leigh ThomasProject Manager at TPN Consulting, specializing in data and operational performance.Listen & FollowCatch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Connect with TPN ConsultingVisit: https://www.parkingnetwork.comFollow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights and podcast updates.

We Want to Hear From You!Help shape the future of Our Parking Industry Podcast! Take our quick listener survey to tell us what you enjoy, what you'd like to hear more about, and how we can improve.Take our listener survey: https://tinyurl.com/3jxffznkEpisode OverviewIn this special bonus episode of Our Parking Industry Podcast, we're turning the tables on the team behind the microphones!Throughout our NPA Voices series, we asked parking professionals five questions about industry challenges, technology, meaningful ideas, needed changes, and predictions for the future. Now, TPN Consulting's Krista Olien, Leigh Thomas, Trina Tutor, and Clyde Wilson share their perspectives.From data quality and customer service to AI, license plate recognition, and operational accountability, the team discusses where parking stands and what needs to happen next.Why This MattersParking has more technology and data than ever, but having information isn't the same as knowing how to use it.These conversations reinforce the importance of education, transparency, operational integrity, and keeping customers at the center of parking decisions.What You'll LearnWhy data quality and reporting standards matterHow customer behavior can guide better decisionsWhat AI, LPR, and privacy concerns mean for parkingWhy operational experience remains essentialKey TakeawaysData creates value when it informs decisionsTechnology should solve real problemsCustomer service must remain a priorityTraining and accountability will shape parking's futureEpisode Breakdown00:28 Introducing NPA Voices: TPN Takes the Mic01:05 Trina Tutor on data, mentorship, and customers03:30 Leigh Thomas on complacency and reporting05:48 Space value and customer behavior08:04 Data standards and industry challenges10:27 Krista Olien on education and PAQS12:41 LPR, privacy, and regulation17:39 The impact of the OPI Podcast19:25 Integrity and serving asset owners22:09 Clyde Wilson on audits and missing transactions26:11 AI and autonomous vehicles29:08 Becoming better technology buyers30:56 Advice for future parking professionalsAbout the GuestsTrina TutorTPN Consulting's Manager of Analytics and Insights, specializing in data analysis and operational reviews.Leigh ThomasTPN Consulting Project Manager, focused on coordination, data, and operational improvement.Krista OlienPresident of TPN Consulting, advancing education, accountability, and better parking management.Clyde WilsonFounder of TPN Consulting with decades of parking operations and auditing experience.About the EpisodeRecorded during the National Parking Association's 75th Anniversary Conference & Expo, this bonus episode concludes our NPA Voices series.Listen & FollowCatch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Connect with TPN ConsultingVisit: https://www.parkingnetwork.comFollow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights and podcast updates.

Inside The Lane Featuring PayByPhone Episode Overview In Episode 27 of Our Parking Industry Podcast, Leigh Thomas welcomes Anthony Cashel, COO of PayByPhone, to discuss how technology is making parking easier, from finding a space to completing payment. Anthony shares how PayByPhone is moving beyond digital payments to address one of parking's biggest frustrations: finding an available space. Through a partnership with Upsity, PayByPhone is using AI-powered sensors and real-time occupancy data to help drivers find parking faster. The conversation explores PayByPhone’s pilot program in Paris, demonstrating how AI-powered technology and real-time parking availability can help drivers find spaces more efficiently, reduce time spent searching, and improve the overall parking experience. Why This Matters Finding parking can be just as frustrating as paying for it. Drivers waste time searching for spaces, adding congestion and unnecessary stress to their journeys. By combining real-time parking availability with digital payments, cities and operators can improve the customer experience while making better use of existing parking spaces. What You'll Learn How PayByPhone is simplifying the parking experience How AI sensors identify available parking spaces Why real-time occupancy data can reduce congestion How cities and operators benefit from digital parking solutions Key Takeaways Finding parking is a major source of driver frustration Real-time availability helps drivers make better decisions AI technology can improve parking without collecting personal data Better parking information can reduce traffic and improve efficiency Episode Breakdown 00:34 Introducing Anthony Cashel and PayByPhone 01:09 PayByPhone's mission and global reach 01:48 Solving the challenge of finding parking 03:43 How parking searches contribute to congestion 04:13 Launching space availability technology in Paris 04:42 AI sensors, occupancy data, and privacy 05:38 How drivers see real-time parking availability 06:29 Early results and reduced traffic 07:17 Who benefits from PayByPhone's solutions 08:03 How cities and operators can connect with PayByPhone About the Guest Anthony Cashel COO of PayByPhone, a global parking technology company focused on simplifying journeys through digital payments, parking availability, and connected services. About the Host Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting with a background in mathematics, data analysis, and operational performance. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with PayByPhone Visit: https://www.paybyphone.com Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights and podcast updates.

Episode OverviewOur Parking Industry Podcast continues its live recording from the National Parking Association's 75th Anniversary Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas ask five parking professionals the same questions about industry challenges, emerging technology, impactful decisions, what parking needs to stop doing, and bold predictions.Part 2 features Amanda Duffy (TagMaster North America), Tanner Mason (Flash Parking/ParkWhiz), Brian Wolff (Parker Technology), Andrew Sachs (Gateway Parking Services), and Roamy Valera (Reimagined Parking).From AI-powered customer service to data transparency, parking reservations, and autonomous vehicles, these conversations explore parking's next chapter.Why This MattersTechnology is advancing quickly, but successful innovation requires more than new systems.Industry leaders must balance automation with customer service, improve data accessibility, and prepare for changing transportation demands while keeping people and operational performance at the center.What You'll LearnHow AI is changing parking operationsWhy data integration and transparency matterHow technology improves customer experienceWhat autonomous vehicles mean for parking's futureKey TakeawaysTechnology should simplify parkingAI supports efficiency, but people remain essentialData sharing improves operationsCollaboration will shape parking's futureEpisode Breakdown00:27 Amanda Duffy on vehicle identification, integration, and AI06:11 Tanner Mason on reservations, visibility, and customer fees13:38 Brian Wolff on voice AI, customer support, and data sharing23:24 Andrew Sachs on positive friction, AI, and industry growth35:32 Roamy Valera on data transparency and autonomous vehicles51:10 Closing thoughts from NPAAbout the GuestsAmanda Duffy National Sales Manager at TagMaster North America, specializing in vehicle identification and parking technology.Tanner Mason Digital Sales Manager for ParkWhiz at Flash Parking and 2026 NPA 40 Under 40 recipient.Brian Wolff President and CEO of Parker Technology, focused on parking customer service and AI.Andrew Sachs President of Gateway Parking Services and creator of Parkonomics.Roamy Valera President of Reimagined Parking with more than 35 years of industry experience.About the HostsKrista Olien President of TPN Consulting and podcast host.Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting, specializing in data analysis and operational performance.Listen & FollowCatch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Connect with TPN ConsultingVisit: https://www.parkingnetwork.comFollow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights and podcast updates.

Episode OverviewFor the first time, Our Parking Industry Podcast goes live from the National Parking Association Conference & Expo.Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas sit down with parking professionals from across the industry, asking each guest the same five questions about today's challenges, emerging technology, impactful ideas, what the industry should stop doing, and bold predictions for the future.Part 1 features Rico Henderson (TEZ Technology), Nick Nicholas (California Police Captain), Sarah Blouch (Campus Parc), Sam Medile (Parking Management Company), and Frank Ching (UC Santa Barbara). Together, they share perspectives on customer experience, frontline safety, AI, technology, leadership, and the future of parking.Why This MattersParking is changing quickly, but the industry's greatest strength remains its people.This live episode brings together leaders from operations, technology, higher education, consulting, and public safety to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping parking today.What You'll LearnThe biggest challenges facing parking todayHow AI is influencing parking operationsWays technology can improve the customer experienceWhat industry leaders believe should happen nextKey TakeawaysCustomer experience remains the top priorityAI should support people, not replace themBetter data leads to better decisionsCollaboration will shape the future of parkingEpisode Breakdown00:27 Welcome from the NPA Conference & Expo01:30 Rico Henderson on seamless customer experiences and AI07:40 Nick Nicholas on frontline safety and compliance14:05 Sarah Blouch on data, integration, and customer experience21:50 Sam Medile on creating opportunities and "Parking for Good"34:12 Frank Ching on strategy, data, and parking's future46:02 Preview of Part 2About the GuestsRico Henderson Regional Sales Manager at TEZ Technology and NPA 40 Under 40 recipient.Nick Nicholas Police Captain specializing in parking management, enforcement, and frontline safety.Sarah Blouch President and CEO of Campus Parc at The Ohio State University.Sam Medile Parking entrepreneur and founder of Slice Parking.Frank Ching Parking executive with experience in private operations, municipalities, transit, and higher education.About the HostsKrista Olien President of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast.Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting, specializing in data analysis and operational performance.Listen & FollowCatch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Connect with TPN ConsultingVisit: https://www.parkingnetwork.comFollow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights and podcast updates.

Episode Overview In this episode of Inside The Lane, Leigh Thomas sits down with Jordan Justus, Co-Founder and CEO of Automotus, to discuss how curb management is changing as cities, airports, delivery services, rideshare companies, and autonomous vehicles compete for limited curb space. Jordan explains how Automotus uses cameras, computer vision, and automated curb management tools to help cities and airports better understand activity at the curb, reduce traffic, improve access, and enforce policies more effectively. From airport congestion to commercial loading zones and bus terminals, the conversation shows how curb management is becoming a critical part of the transportation experience. Why This Matters The curb is no longer used primarily for traditional parking. Delivery drivers, rideshare vehicles, commercial fleets, buses, autonomous vehicles, and private drivers are all competing for the same space. Cities and airports need better tools to understand that demand and create policies that improve safety, traffic flow, and access. What You’ll Learn How Automotus uses computer vision to manage curb activity Why changing transportation habits are creating new curb challenges How automated curb management can reduce congestion at airports Why successful curb programs require both technology and strong policy Key Takeaways The curb has become one of transportation’s most contested spaces Technology can help cities understand and manage short-term commercial activity Better curb management can improve traffic flow and customer experience Effective programs must adapt to local policies, users, and stakeholders Episode Breakdown 00:33 Introducing Jordan Justus and Automotus 01:30 How Automotus began 02:45 Why curb demand has changed 03:20 Automating curb payment and enforcement 04:25 Solving airport congestion 06:45 Adapting technology to customer needs 07:30 Philadelphia’s smart loading zone program 09:00 CurbPass and intercity bus management 09:55 Building a smart curb program in Miami 11:00 Who can benefit from Automotus About the Guest Jordan Justus Co-Founder and CEO of Automotus. Jordan and his team work with cities and airports to improve curb management through computer vision, automated payment and enforcement, and policy-driven technology designed to reduce congestion and improve access. About the Host Leigh Thomas Project Manager at TPN Consulting with a background in mathematics, data analysis, and operational performance. She co-hosts Our Parking Industry Podcast and conversations focused on improving the parking industry through better information and resources. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights, podcast updates, and more.

Episode OverviewIn Episode 23, Krista Olien, Leigh Thomas, and Clyde Wilson reflect on their conversation with Keith Jones, Executive Chairman and Owner of ACE Parking, and what his perspective reveals about the direction of the parking industry.The team discusses hidden fees, transaction-based business models, customer service, operational accountability, and the challenges traditional parking operators face as new technology companies enter the market.They also explore why transparency matters during the RFP process, why asset owners need to understand where parking revenue goes, and why the fundamentals of parking remain essential as technology evolves.Why This MattersParking is changing quickly, but the industry's core responsibilities have not.Asset owners still need strong operations, customers still expect good service, and every transaction should be accounted for. This episode asks whether new business models improve operations or simply create new fees.What You'll LearnWhy transaction fees deserve greater scrutinyHow new business models affect customer service and asset performanceWhy transparency matters during operator selectionHow mentorship and operational knowledge protect the industry's futureKey TakeawaysKnow where every parking dollar is goingLow fees do not always mean greater value for the asset ownerTechnology should support parking, not replace its purposeStrong operators stay focused on customers, transactions, and performanceEpisode Breakdown00:26 Reflecting on Keith Jones and ACE Parking02:45 Parking as an economic bellwether04:35 Customer service, management, and hidden fees06:30 Are transaction-based companies still in the parking business?08:35 Protecting the fundamentals of parking11:25 What transaction fees really mean for owners13:25 Rate sensitivity and lost customers15:15 Customer service in the return-to-office era16:25 Transparency and ownership of parking revenue18:05 What asset owners should ask during an RFP20:15 Mentorship and preserving industry knowledge22:00 Preparing for EVs, autonomy, and future change23:40 Is your company improving the parking industry?About the HostsKrista OlienPresident of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast.Leigh ThomasProject Manager at TPN Consulting with a background in mathematics, data analysis, and operational performance.Clyde WilsonFounder of TPN Consulting with more than four decades of experience in parking operations and financial performance.Listen & FollowCatch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Connect with TPN ConsultingVisit: https://www.parkingnetwork.comFollow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights and podcast updates.

Episode OverviewIn Episode 22, Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas welcome Keith Jones, Executive Chairman and Owner of ACE Parking, for a conversation about leadership, transparency, customer service, and the future of parking.Keith shares how growing up in a third-generation family business shaped his leadership style and why parking can serve as an indicator of economic activity. The discussion explores accountability, operational data, customer ownership, technology, and the importance of authentic partnerships.Keith also shares how ACE uses its Deep Blue dashboard to improve visibility and decision-making while keeping people at the center of the operation.Why This MattersTechnology is changing parking, but innovation alone does not guarantee better outcomes.This episode explores why operators must know their numbers, remain transparent with owners, invest in strong managers, and use technology to support customer service rather than replace it.What You'll LearnWhy parking can reflect broader economic activityHow transparency strengthens owner-operator relationshipsWhy technology should support people, not replace themHow better data helps managers make stronger decisionsKey TakeawaysKnow your numbers before making operational decisionsCustomer experience should remain a priorityTransparency builds trust with asset ownersInnovation works best when paired with accountabilityEpisode Breakdown00:27 Keith's family history in parking 02:10 Parking as an economic indicator 05:30 Knowing your numbers 07:40 Looking beyond revenue 12:20 Transparency and hidden technology costs 16:40 Deep Blue and operational dashboards 21:10 Accountability through real-time data 24:00 Why managers and mentors still matter 28:20 Customer service as a competitive advantage 31:00 Predictions that missed the mark 34:40 Today, Tomorrow, and Tomorrowland 39:00 Authentic innovation and parking's futureAbout the GuestKeith JonesExecutive Chairman and Owner of ACE Parking. Keith represents the third generation of family leadership at ACE and focuses on operational excellence, customer service, technology, transparency, and long-term asset owner partnerships.About the HostsKrista OlienPresident of TPN Consulting and host of the podcast.Leigh ThomasProject Manager at TPN Consulting with a background in mathematics, data analysis, and operational performance.Listen & FollowCatch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Connect with TPN ConsultingVisit: https://www.parkingnetwork.comFollow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for industry insights, podcast updates, and more.

Episode Overview In this episode of Inside The Lane, Krista Olien sits down with Bob Andrews, CEO of Zevtron, to discuss how EV charging can become a seamless part of the parking experience instead of a separate technology that creates new operational challenges. Bob explains how Zevtron approaches EV charging from a parking-first perspective by integrating with parking operators, PARCS platforms, and facility workflows. Rather than treating charging as a standalone service, Zevtron helps owners, operators, and customers enjoy a single, streamlined parking and charging experience. From dynamic energy management to campus credentials and airport charging strategies, this conversation explores how EV charging can improve customer service while creating long-term value for parking assets. Why This Matters Electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, but many charging deployments create operational complexity instead of improving the customer experience. This episode highlights how parking operators can integrate EV charging into existing operations, simplify payment, improve asset performance, and prepare facilities for the future. What You'll Learn Why EV charging should be built around parking operations How integrated payment improves the customer experience The value of dynamic energy management for airports and campuses Why parking operators play a critical role in successful EV deployments Key Takeaways EV charging should enhance, not complicate, parking operations. Integration with parking systems creates a smoother customer experience. Different parking environments require different charging strategies. Future-ready parking assets begin with flexible, scalable technology. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introducing Zevtron 01:00 A parking-first approach to EV charging 05:45 Choosing the right facilities for EV deployment 08:00 Destination charging and the future of parking 09:30 Supporting universities, airports, and mixed-use facilities 14:30 Dynamic charging and energy management 16:50 The customer experience from arrival to departure 20:35 Why parking operators are essential partners 23:25 Zevtron's vision for the future of EV charging About the Guest Bob Andrews is the CEO of Zevtron, an EV charging solutions company focused on integrating charging infrastructure into parking operations. His team works alongside parking operators and technology providers to deliver customer-focused charging experiences, simplify operations, and help facilities prepare for the future of electric transportation. About the Host Krista Olien is President of TPN Consulting and host of Our Parking Industry Podcast, where she explores the people, technology, and ideas shaping the future of parking. Listen & Follow Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Connect with TPN Consulting Visit: https://www.parkingnetwork.com Follow TPN on LinkedIn and Instagram for podcast updates, industry insights, and new episodes.