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“Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered” is our podcast that we use to facilitate connections and illuminate solutions to common problems within the parking and mobility industry.
We aim to do so by highlighting the voices of experts in the space, discussing trends and forward-looking technological innovations, and providing professional food for thought. All in an effort to help one another get better at what we know is harder than it looks…parking a car.
Today, we’re rewinding and recapping Episode 25: Tech Leadership with Mike Simmons & The Future of Parking AI with James Paden.
In segment one, Mike Simmons, the Chairman and CEO of Tez Technology, discusses 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 two, James Paden, Parker’s new Chief Product Officer 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.
Meet Our Guests:
Mike Simmons
Chairman and CEO of TEZ Technology
Mike is the Chairman and CEO of TEZ Technology, a leading provider of digital valet, selfparking
and monthly parking solutions based in Plano, TX.
Mike co-founded T2 Systems in 1994 and led the company in the role of president, CEO, and
Chairman, growing the company to 325 people and $60+ million in revenue when the
company was acquired by Thoma Bravo in 2016. T2 is a leader in providing mission-critical
software, hardware and infrastructure to the parking industry, and has been one of the
fastest growing companies in the US. Customers include some of the largest cities and most
prestigious universities in the US and Canada, as well as the largest parking operators in
North America.
James Paden
Chief Product Officer at Parker Technology
James Paden is the Chief Product Officer at Parker Technology, helping transform traditional parking operations through AI-enhanced customer service solutions. We’re exploring how empathy can be scaled and how to proactively solve problems before they even arise.
You Won’t Want to Miss These Clips:
Segment 1 with Mike Simmons:
- Mike Simmons’ Career Journey (00:26)
- Early Life and Engineering Passion (04:30)
- Transition to IBM and Sales (07:57)
- Entrepreneurial Ventures and T2 Systems (13:17)
- Philanthropy and Community Involvement (40:17)
- Passion for Cars and Silo Auto Club (43:25)
- Professional Challenges and Triumphs (48:55)
- Impact of the Pandemic on Parking (51:36)
- The Future of Parking Technology (53:14)
Segment 2 with James Paden:
- Introducing James Paden: New Chief Product Officer (59:06)
- James Paden’s Vision for Parker Technologies (01:01:16)
- Innovations in Parking (01:02:55)
- The Role of AI in Enhancing Customer Service (01:17:26)
- The Importance of Industry Knowledge (01:26:14)
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Katelyn Perman
Content Marketing Manager
Katelyn Perman has 3+ years of experience in marketing, specializing in social media strategy, email campaigns, graphic design and copywriting. She holds a B.S. in Strategic Communication and Human Communication Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University.