[Dec 18, 2024] Tech Leadership with Mike Simmons & The Future of Parking AI with James Paden

In this episode, Brian interviews Mike Simmons, the Chairman and CEO of Tez Technology, discussing his remarkable journey from a farm kid in Indiana to leading significant technology transformations in the parking industry. Mike shares insights from his early career at IBM, PepsiCo, and GM, and provides a unique perspective on his successful ventures, including founding T2 Systems.

In Segment 2, Brian switches gears to talk with Parker’s new Chief Product Officer, James Paden. James discusses the future of parking technology and how AI can enhance customer service. He highlights the evolution of the parking industry, the importance of integrating various systems, and the role of generative and agentic AI in providing proactive solutions.

[Dec 4, 2024] Proving Pivot’s Purpose with Brandon Lauterbach and the Pursuit of New Perspectives with Wade Hiner

In segment one, Brandon Lauterbach, CPP, Co-founder and EVP of Pivot Parking, talks about his extensive experience, career journey, and the growth of Pivot Parking. Brandon shares insights into the importance of technology, employee satisfaction and diversification.

Brian switches gears to talk with Wade Hiner, President of Destiny Homes, who shares powerful stories about the unexpected life lessons learned.

[Nov 20, 2024] Leading with Vulnerability: Max Yoder & Tiffany Sauder on Life’s Toughest Choices

In segment one, Max Yoder (author, entrepreneur, and CEO) shares his repertoire of experiences, from co-founding Lessonly in 2012, to sharing personal stories.

Brian switches gears to talk with Tiffany Sauder, CEO of Element Three and host of Scared Confident.

[Oct 23, 2024] How Nicole Hankins Embraces Change & Opportunity, and Anti-Poaching in Africa with Ava Wettrick

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Hankins, a Women in Parking Impact Award recipient who has lived all around the contiguous and non-contiguous United States! She shares her transformative career journey, underscoring the importance of team collaboration, people-centric leadership and diversity initiatives.

In Segment 2, we sit down with rising entrepreneur Ava Wettrick, who offers insights into overcoming challenges and creating networks through curiosity and persistence.

[Oct 9, 2024] Smart Cities & Purposeful Leadership with Alex Argudin and Lifelong Advocacy with Barby McDaniel

In this episode, Alejandra ‘Alex’ Argudin, MBA, CAPP, discusses her rise from a young city worker to leading Miami Parking Authority as the CEO, as well as becoming Chair of IPMI, tackling challenges like the pandemic, advancing parking technology, and being a woman in a male-dominated industry.

In segment two, We then speak with Barby Valdes McDaniel, Associate Director of the WOW Center, who brings her 30-year career to light, advocating for adults with special needs.

[September 18, 2024] Parking Pros and Marketing Must Knows with Dani Crain, John Conway and Kyle Lacy

To kick off the episode Brian invites Dani Crain and John D. Conway, industry legends and podcast hosts of ‘All Things Parking with Dani and John,” to share their experiences, hot industry takes, and diversity and supporting women in parking.

In Segment 2, Heidi Barber, our VP of Marketing, sits down with Kyle Lacy, CMO of Jellyfish, who shares his journey in marketing growing and scaling leading tech companies.

[September 4, 2024] Big Ten Parking with Ross Allanson & Female Fleet Leadership with Kathy Wellik

In segment one of this episode, Brian sits down with Ross Allanson, CAPP, CPP, Director of Parking at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Ross is an industry veteran, having been in parking since 1989. He shares his wisdom on alternative transportation, micro-mobility and event parking.

Then in Segment two we invite Kathy Wellik, CAFM and Senior Client Success Manager of Agile Fleet to talk about her experience in fleet management.

[August 21, 2024] Equity, Engagement, and Enneagrams: Kenyata Smiley & Nikki Miller on Public and Personal Leadership

In segment one, we welcome Kenyata Smiley, Transportation Planning Department Manager at HNTB, who shares her inspirational journey from Chattanooga to leading multimodal transportation projects, emphasizing strategic planning, equity, and community engagement.

In segment two, Nikki Miller, Executive Coach at Kairos Consulting, explores Enneagram types and insights on executive coaching, personal growth, and maintaining a growth mindset. 

[August 7, 2024] Unveiling Parking Challenges with Brandy Stanley, CAPP and Cross-Sector Innovations with Toph Day

Brandy, with over 30 years in the parking industry, shares her journey from a valet to a VP role at FLASH, discussing industry challenges, technological advancements, and community importance.

In segment two, Toph Day highlights Rally. He also shares insights into cross-sector collaborations, education shifts, and Indiana’s new growth-stage fund supporting scaling companies.

[July 24, 2024] Championing Allyship & Equity with Joseph R Madison II and Servant Leadership with Todd Firestone

Joseph brings his urban planning expertise to the table, discussing how he manages parking for over 43,000 students and staff, and how he connects students with new opportunities. We also dive into his involvement with IPMI’s Allyship and Equity Advisory Group.

In our second segment, we talk golf with Todd Firestone, Head Golf Professional at Meridian Hills Country Club. Todd shares his approach to servant leadership.

[July 11, 2024] Knowing Who to Hire with Joaquin Rojas and Call Center Expectations with Steve Morrell

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of the parking industry and the entrepreneurial world. We first sit down with Joaquin Rojas, Director of Parking for Bal Harbour Shops and owner of Parking Guy consultancy.

In segment two, we explore the entrepreneurial landscape with Steve Morrell, Managing Director of ContactBabel, a leading research and analysis firm for the contact center industry. 

[June 5, 2024] Hard Truths of Parking Innovation with Roamy Valera and the Power of Customer Voices & Data with Amy Brown

In this episode, we sat down with parking veteran Roamy Valera, the President of Automotus, and Amy Brown, the CEO of the fastest-growing privately held company in Indiana, Authenticx.

[May 15, 2024] Tackling Challenges of Concession Agreements with Sarah Blouch and Customer-Centric Advocacy with Jyo Shukla

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of tackling concessions with Sarah Blouch, CEO of CampusParc, and speak with Jyo Shukla, author of “Customer Success Mindset.”

[May 1, 2024] Introducing: The Parketing Collective and Ultra Distances with New Shoe Day

In this episode, we announce the creation of the “Parketing Collective” – and our three guests provide a masterclass in parking marketing or “Parketing.”

In part two, we sit down with Casey Crouse to dive into the intricacies of Ultra Marathons and New Shoe Day.

[April 17, 2024] Bridging the Lone Star State of Parking Confusion with Walt Gray and Celeste Ching

Everything is bigger in Texas – including the parking. In Episode 11, Walt and Brian discuss the difficulties of balancing limited parking resources and the emotional aspects of relocating employees for space optimization.

In part two, we talk with Celeste Ching, who joins us to talk about two things that are both harder than they look: starting a company and homeschooling four kids. 

[Mar 20, 2024] Theater to Parking: Andrew Sachs’ Unlikely Path to Industry Leadership

Andrew Sachs is not your typical parking industry professional. With a background that spans commercial real estate, venture capital investment, and digital media, Andrew brings a unique perspective to the table.

In part two, Nate Spangle shares his journey to becoming the head coach of the varsity wrestling team at Bishop Chatard and the influence of his wrestling coaches.

[Feb 21, 2024] License Plate Lessons: Parking Enforcement Innovations

We sat down with Isaiah Mouw, president of PAVE Mobility, who delves into the complexities, untapped potential, and innovations around gateless parking and automated enforcement in the parking industry.

In part two, Larry Cohen, CAPP talks about his decision to self-publish, the process of writing his follow-up book, and his ambitions of turning his parking adventures into a comedy TV show.

[Jan 25, 2024] Unveiling the Complexity of Curb Management

This episode features a conversation with Mary Catherine Snyder, a veteran parking strategist with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). We discuss the complexities and importance of efficient curb management, the dynamic challenges of parking policy and enforcement, as well as the role of technology in streamlining on-the-go parking and promoting greener, more sustainable urban mobility.

Also featuring Tammy Baker about a job we all know is harder than it looks, customer service in the parking industry.

[Dec 20, 2023] Driving Innovation: From Valet to Visionary in Parking Tech

Today’s guest is Ethan Glass, the Co-Founder and CEO of Ocra, a parking management platform. We discuss Ethan’s journey from parking cars to building software for the parking industry. Ethan shares the challenges they faced in the early days of their business, such as inventory allocation and communication issues.

Also featuring Ethan’s father Dan Glass and insights around creating and running a business.

[Nov 29, 2023] The Permits to Technology: The Evolution of Parking Operations

We sat down with Marlene Cramer, the Director of Transportation and Parking Services for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. We discuss the complexities of the parking industry, the challenges of promoting sustainable transportation, and the importance of technology in improving efficiency.

Also featuring Andy Witham and the process of winning an Emmy.

[Oct 25, 2023] Parking and Politics: How Maria Irshad Gets All the Stakeholders at the Table

We interviewed Maria Irshad, Deputy Director for Park Houston and discussed various topics related to curbside management, public stakeholder engagement, time management, and Maria’s journey in the parking industry. Maria shares her story of how she unexpectedly got into the parking industry and became passionate about it.

Also featuring Tim Maginn who discusses the hardest aspects of hiking to Mt. Everest Base Camp.

[Sep 28, 2023] Empowering Employees: Leadership Lessons in Parking with Don Charley

In this episode, we sat down with Don Charley, the Assistant Vice President of Parking Service Line for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Hospital Division. We discuss various topics including thriving in an ever-changing environment, managing diverse parking customers in a healthcare setting, and the importance of personalizing parking.

Also features two Parker CSRs who discuss the hardest aspects of their jobs.

[Aug 23, 2023] The Parking Puzzle: How Texas A&M University Cracks the Code with Peter Lange

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Lange, Associate Vice President of Transportation Services at Texas A&M University College Station. We discuss topics such as hiring employees based on their previous work, managing manpower, motivating millennial student workers, and implementing parking solutions.

Featuring Lynda Black who shares her strategies for managing frontline workers at Parker Technology’s Indy-based call center.

[Aug 23, 2023] Unleashing the Power of Customer Service in the Parking Industry with Julie Dixon

We’re thrilled to share with you the latest episode of Harder Than it Looks where we had the pleasure of hosting Julie Dixon, the founder and owner of Dixon Resources Unlimited. Julie’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to customer service.

Features Kent King, who shares the mental challenges that triathletes face.

[Aug 23, 2023] Parking Pioneers: Unveiling the Secrets of Success with Brett Harwood

In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Brett Harwood, a renowned figure in the parking industry. Brett’s journey from lawyer to business executive, and his experiences in growing his family business, are nothing short of inspiring.