Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks, host Brian Wolff sits down with Jeff Pinyot – the President of ECO Parking Technologies.  Jeff’s journey started in Pittsburgh and evolved from air conditioning sales to pioneering lighting solutions – and finally to developing the world’s first fully integrated wireless parking guidance system. With multiple patents, a knack for invention (yes, even soda packaging), and a passion for helping others grow, Jeff opens up about the risks, the pivots, and the purpose that drive his work.  This conversation is packed with practical wisdom on engineering innovation, entrepreneurial perseverance, and the power of staying focused when the world says to diversify.  Key Takeaways: How failure, tariffs, and COVID unlocked ECO’s best years The value of in-person collaboration in tech innovation What Google saw in ECO Parking Tech – and why they bet on it Leading with faith, humility, and a problem-solver’s mindset  Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Meet Jeff Pinyot – president, engineer, and ECO Parking Tech founder [00:02:00] From Pittsburgh to Pitt to patents – Jeff’s early life and path [00:03:30] Launching Level Solutions and discovering the future in lighting [00:05:10] The pivot to parking: listening to the market, but building it better [00:06:45] How tariffs and Chinese imports forced a strategic shift [00:08:00] Going wireless: the thinking behind Falcon Vision [00:10:10] The power of being in-person: collaboration as a secret weapon [00:13:30] LED isn’t magic – it’s math and laser-like focus [00:14:30] Patents, IP strategy, and why software is the soul of the product [00:16:00] The “two-can” patent – and a (literally) sticky pitch to Pepsi [00:18:00] Leadership style: deep-end learning and leading by watching [00:20:00] Winning Fountainbleu with humility – and bringing his son [00:22:00] Writing 150+ “Marketing Minutes” – and why his first kiss article stands out [00:26:30] Jeff’s approach to faith, business values, and ethical competition [00:28:30] Working with Google and building the backbone for national parking tech [00:31:30] Pittsburgh pride, the Steelers, and what it means to stay loyal  About Jeff Pinyot: Jeff Pinyot is the president and co-founder of ECO Parking Technologies, creators of the Falcon Vision guidance system – the world’s first wireless, integrated light-based parking guidance solution. A civil engineering graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, Jeff is a serial innovator, author of over 150 articles, and a proud family man. His faith-driven leadership style and collaborative mindset have helped ECO grow through adversity into one of the most respected names in parking tech.  Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com Contact: getstarted@parkertechnology.com 

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks, host Brian Wolff is joined by Kenzie Coulson, Parking and Mobility Consultant at Walker Consultants, known for leading high-stakes projects like Park City's paid parking rollout and Salt Lake City's City Creek parking overhaul. Kenzie shares behind-the-scenes stories about transforming emotionally charged parking environments, navigating complex municipal politics, and balancing leadership with vulnerability. Listen in to learn why "parking is never just about parking," and how understanding human dynamics can drive operational success. Key Takeaways: How to successfully introduce paid parking despite public resistance Navigating politics and internal silos within municipal projects Balancing decisive leadership with openness and vulnerability Strategic planning tactics to define clear measures of success How to empower your team by connecting daily actions to larger goals Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Meet Kenzie Coulson – parking innovator and mobility consultant [00:02:31] Kenzie's unexpected start in parking management in Alaska [00:05:18] Leading transportation logistics for Sundance Film Festival [00:08:25] How Park City launched paid parking amid heavy resistance [00:11:13] Overhauling City Creek's massive 13,000-space facility [00:13:22] Navigating the challenge of introducing emotionally charged change [00:16:06] Effective strategies for breaking down organizational silos [00:18:09] The surprising power of vulnerability in leadership [00:20:07] Frameworks for successful strategic planning and implementation [00:22:37] Defining success in parking: deciding what matters most [00:26:06] Techniques to reduce negativity and boost team morale [00:32:30] Why great leaders redefine timelines and success metrics [00:34:25] Leadership vs. management – and why you need both [00:36:44] Empowerment in action: connecting frontline decisions to the big picture [00:42:08] Lightning Round About Kenzie Coulson: Kenzie Coulson is a Parking and Mobility Consultant at Walker Consultants, with over 25 years of experience transforming complex parking operations. She led groundbreaking projects including Park City Municipal’s paid parking implementation and Salt Lake City’s City Creek parking facility overhaul. Known for her strategic acumen and empathetic leadership style, Kenzie empowers municipalities and private operators nationwide to turn parking challenges into success stories. Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com Contact: getstarted@parkertechnology.com 

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks, host Brian Wolff is joined by the extraordinary Sue Malone - the first woman to operate a parking garage in the U.S., and the nation’s most prolific small business lender. After being denied a loan for her own business, Sue took matters into her own hands. The result? Over 41,000 SBA loans funded to date - with a mission to reach 100,000. She shares unfiltered stories from her early parking days (car thefts, Bondo, and FBI calls), her journey into small business advocacy, and why she’s built a career on empowering veterans, women, and underrepresented entrepreneurs. This conversation is a masterclass in grit, civic leadership, and the power of saying “yes” when the world says “no.” Key Takeaways: Turning Loan Rejection into a Scalable Lending Model Identifying Underserved Markets at Scale Building Infrastructure for Capital Access Strategic Investment in High-Impact Startups Influencing Policy for Entrepreneurial Growth Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Meet Sue Malone - SBA legend & parking pioneer [00:02:36] Childhood obsession with how business works [00:04:08] Running garages & launching a nonprofit ice cream stand [00:05:00] Russian car thieves and the “Killer Car” story [00:06:13] Denied a loan - and built a lending movement [00:09:00] Collaborating with local banks to expand access [00:10:56] SBA loans: What they are & why they matter [00:11:16] How she discovered Ocra and fought for their spot [00:15:40] Appalachia success stories: looms, knitwear, Greek food [00:17:34] Launching businesses for veterans - including a tattoo shop [00:19:40] Sue’s philosophy on fear - and how it limits us [00:21:16] Getting bipartisan legislation passed behind the scenes [00:23:32] Pushing to fix the R&D tax credit [00:25:00] Queen of Bondo: wild garage stories & labor negotiations [00:28:00] Her biggest missed deal - and why she’ll never play it safe again [00:30:24] Civility in business: competitors, kindness & professionalism [00:33:41] Lightning Round About Sue Malone: Sue Malone is President of Strategies for Small Business and one of the most impactful SBA lenders in America. Since 2001, she has funded over 41,000 loans and helped entrepreneurs across all 50 states - with a mission to support underserved, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. She is also the founder of NationalLienLaw.com, co-founder of VetPower.org, and sits on national boards including the Long Beach Accelerator, Ocra, and the National Forum on Diversity in Construction. A former commercial real estate executive and parking operator, Sue holds an MBA from St. Mary’s College and is a fierce advocate for entrepreneurs who are willing to work for their dreams. Resources: Strategies for Small Business National Lien Law VetPower.org Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com Contact: getstarted@parkertechnology.com    

In this special live episode recorded at PIE25, Brian welcomes Andrew Bess, Managing Director at TrueNorth Capital Partners. With over two decades of experience in strategic advisory and corporate finance, Andrew has advised industry-shaping companies like Icon Parking, The Car Park, Oobeo, Valet Manager, On Air Parking, and CurbTrac.  He shares why parking is far more complex than most outsiders realize—from its operational intricacies to the data and tech gaps that still challenge operators today. Whether you're a municipal leader, tech innovator, or operator navigating consolidation, this episode delivers deep insights into the evolving world of urban mobility and smart city infrastructure.   Key Takeaways The Real Complexity of Parking: Why 80% of the business is accounting—and how that drives tech adoption. From Geology to Deal-Making: Andrew’s fascinating route from mobile labs in Europe to New York boardrooms. Why Tech is Still Catching Up: Parking’s fragmentation is a barrier—but also a massive opportunity. Trends Reshaping the Industry: Curb management, EV charging, AI, and what the next wave of change looks like. Smart Growth Through Consolidation: Why private operators are being scooped up—and what buyers are really looking for.   Episode Highlights [00:00:20] Welcome from PIE25 – Brian introduces Andrew and kicks off the live podcast. [00:02:55] Andrew’s career journey: from geology to investment banking to parking tech. [00:05:05] Running cross-border deals, founding firms, and falling in love with negotiation. [00:06:50] Inside the Icon Parking transaction—and how it exposed a massive tech opportunity. [00:09:20] Why most of parking is accounting—and how that complicates software. [00:12:50] Real-world complexity: one person, three parker identities in a day. [00:14:20] Parking tech: where we are now and what the next evolution looks like. [00:17:30] AVs, Waymo, and how autonomous trends intersect with Gateless and LPR. [00:21:30] The curb is calling: congestion pricing, regulations, and infrastructure gaps. [00:24:50] Tech consolidation and the inflection point for small providers. [00:26:20] Why small private operators are ripe for acquisition—and what’s driving the wave. [00:29:20] The role of generational change in ownership transitions. [00:31:20] Parking demand isn’t dying—why trips still require a place to park. [00:32:50] The truth about EV charging: it’s an amenity, not a cash cow. [00:34:35] AI in parking: real innovation or just a fancy label for BI? [00:36:50] Lightning Round: running the Grand Canyon, favorite phrases, and what Andrew’s most proud of. [00:42:20] Audience Q&A: dynamic pricing, RFP bottlenecks, and the power of standardization.  Subscribe and Stay Connected Never miss an episode of Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube  Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com Contact: getstarted@parkertechnology.com  

Recorded live from the PIE 2025 Show Floor, this special episode of Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered brings you 18 unique voices from across the parking industry. Host Brian Wolff and producer Courtney Cooper team up to capture candid conversations with parking pros from across the country — covering everything from on-the-ground challenges to big-picture trends. You’ll hear directly from the people shaping the future of the industry — and get a fast-paced, honest look at what it really takes to keep parking moving. What You’ll Learn: The biggest operational headaches — and how companies are adapting How leaders approach staffing and workforce retention in a changing labor market What new technology is exciting (and what’s overhyped) How people are thinking about AI, LPR, and customer communication What keeps parking professionals motivated — and why they stay in the industry Featured Guests & Timestamps: [00:01:05] David Weber – Umojo [00:03:32] Elliot Uhlenhaker – Parking Today [00:07:46] Emma Ulmer – Offstreet [00:11:48] Sarah Choops – CampusParc [00:16:48] Kevin Uhlenhaker – Parking Today [00:25:55] John Conway – PRRS [00:34:12] Nick Nicholas – Seal Beach Police Department [00:39:54] Raf Abanilla – Parking Concepts Inc [00:47:16] Fonda Moyers – Bird X [00:52:09] Brian Wolff – Parker Technology [01:00:56] Amanda Zimmer – IPS Group [01:06:12] Garrett Hofeld – Risetek Global [01:10:46] Serena Pollack – Interstate Parking [01:15:07] Heidi Barber – Parker Technology [01:18:00] Jordan Weiss – Umojo [01:22:47] Amanda Duffy – TagMaster North America [01:26:37] Robert Wilson – Parking Pin [01:32:33] Wes Bain – FAAC Subscribe and Stay Connected: Subscribe to Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube  Connect with Parker Technology: Delivering exceptional customer experiences is what we do best. Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com  

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered, Brian Wolff sits down with Rob Zuritsky, President and CEO of Parkway Corporation, and Chairman of the Board of the National Parking Association (NPA). Rob shares how he’s carrying forward a 100-year family legacy while pushing Parkway into its next chapter through billion-dollar real estate projects, parking innovation, and bold leadership at the NPA.  From childhood shifts in garages to billion-dollar towers and nationwide partnerships, Rob gets real about what it takes to lead in both the parking and real estate industries.  Rob also opens up about family business dynamics, his vision for elevating the image of parking nationwide, and why the next ten years will be pivotal for the industry.  Key Takeaways from this Episode: From Garage to Boardroom: How growing up in the business shaped Rob’s leadership today. Strategic Tech Transitions: Lessons from moving Parkway to a single, modern platform. Legacy & Leadership: What it takes to keep a third-generation family business thriving. Changing the Narrative: Rob’s mission to reshape the public image of the parking industry. What’s Next for Parkway: Land carry funds, real estate reinvention, and national expansion.  Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Meet Rob Zuritsky: CEO, legacy leader, and real estate visionary.   [00:02:47] Parkway’s origin story: From film reels to parking lots.   [00:06:20] Building billion-dollar projects on old parking sites.   [00:10:31] Family business dynamics and generational leadership.   [00:16:00] Standardizing tech: How Parkway chose a unified platform.   [00:22:27] Gateless vs gated: Where the industry is heading (and why context matters).   [00:24:03] Rob’s 10-year mission to rebrand parking through NPA.   [00:30:08] Best practices, policy, and elevating the conversation.   [00:33:23] Real estate outlook: Parkway’s new fund and what’s ahead.   [00:35:57] Lightning round: Poker, pride, and parking frustrations.  Subscribe and Stay Connected: Subscribe to Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube   Connect with Parker Technology: Delivering exceptional customer experiences is what we do best. Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com  Or email us: getstarted@parkertechnology.com  

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered, our host Brian Wolff sits down with Joe Galeas, CEO of the Parking Solutions Division of Scheidt & Bachmann (S&B), and Hector Miranda, VP of Product and Marketing at S&B.  With a combined 40+ years in the parking industry, Joe and Hector break down how Scheidt and Bachmann, a 150-year-old global leader, is shaking up parking with data-driven leadership, digital transformation, and open-system integrations.  Throughout the show, Joe Galeas shares how analytics and process optimization are driving S&B’s future. Hector, a parking veteran and S&B’s first U.S. employee, reflects on how the company has evolved from closed systems to an open, customer-first approach.  They also discuss the biggest shifts in parking technology, the push for frictionless experiences, and the leadership principles that turn teams into powerhouses.  Key Takeaways from this Episode: Data-Driven Leadership: How numbers drive better business decisions. The Evolution of Parking Technology: From closed to open systems. Customer Expectations Are Changing: The rise of frictionless parking. Culture & Longevity Matter: Why S&B thrives after 150 years. The Future of Parking: AI, automation, and smarter integrations.  Episode Highlights:  [00:00:00] Introduction to Joe & Hector. [00:02:22] Joe’s journey from telecom to parking. [00:06:52] Hector’s 30-year career at S&B. [00:10:56] S&B’s growth and company culture. [00:15:26] Data-driven leadership and decision-making. [00:20:06] Mentorship, collaboration, and company success. [00:26:28] Digital transformation and customer expectations. [00:31:38] Open systems and industry partnerships. [00:37:02] The future of parking technology. [00:42:10] Lightning round: leadership, hobbies, and home renovations.  Subscribe and Stay Connected:  Subscribe to Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube  Connect with Parker Technology:  Delivering exceptional customer experiences is what we do best. Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com or email us at getstarted@parkertechnology.com. 

 In this special episode of Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered, host Brian Wolff, CEO of Parker Technology, welcomes Heidi Barber, VP of Marketing at Parker Technology, and Courtney Cooper, Events & Community Manager at Parker Technology, to discuss FUSION25 - Parker Technology’s first-ever user conference.  Heidi and Courtney share the vision behind FUSION25, how it was designed to bring customers, partners, and industry leaders together, and what attendees can expect from this highly curated, customer-focused experience. Unlike traditional conferences, FUSION25 built around real-world learning, innovation, and community, offering actionable insights into getting the most out of Parker Technology’s solution. Attendees will engage in expert-led sessions, hands-on technology deep dives, and networking opportunities - all designed to elevate the role of customer experience in parking operations.   Key Takeaways from this Episode: The Origins of FUSION25 What Makes FUSION25 Unique Session Highlights & Keynotes The Future of FUSION25  Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction to Heidi Barber and Courtney Cooper [00:02:00] How Heidi & Courtney started their careers in parking and marketing [00:08:00] The vision for FUSION25 and what sparked the idea [00:15:00] The importance of customer engagement and creating a valuable experience [00:22:00] What makes FUSION25 different from other parking conferences [00:28:00] Key sessions a FUSION25 [00:35:00] Fun networking events: Speed networking, customer awards, and exclusive social gatherings [00:42:00] The broader impact of FUSION25 on the parking industry [00:48:00] Looking ahead: The future of FUSION and what to expect in the coming years  Register for FUSION25 – Special Code for Podcast Listeners Parker Technology invites customers and partners to FUSION25 on May 27-29, 2025, in Indianapolis, IN. Listeners of this podcast can save 25% on registration with the promo code HTIL at checkout.  🔗 Register now at www.parkertechnology.com/Fusion25  Subscribe and Stay Connected 🎧 Subscribe to Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube  Connect with Parker Technology: Delivering exceptional customer experiences is what we do best. Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com or email us at getstarted@parkertechnology.com. 

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered, Brian Wolff sits down with Cindy Campbell, Senior Training Development Specialist at the International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI). With over 40 years of experience spanning law enforcement, parking, and training, Cindy shares her inspiring journey from policing to becoming one of the parking industry's most passionate educators.  Cindy’s story is one of resilience, humility, and growth - her candid reflections on her career on this episode mirror the authenticity she’s known for in the industry… one of the many reasons she’s widely respected and admired by those who learn from her experiences.  Key Takeaways from this Episode: Lessons in humility: recognizing when you’re the problem and how to grow from it. Why active listening and empathy are essential in customer service. The role of parking professionals as “chaos preventers” and their impact on public perception. Strategies for managing difficult customer interactions with professionalism.  Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction to Cindy Campbell and her role at IPMI. [00:02:00] Cindy’s beginnings in law enforcement and her unexpected shift to parking. [00:05:30] Early challenges and misconceptions about parking enforcement. [00:14:30] The pivotal moment that reshaped Cindy’s approach to customer service. [00:24:45] Tips for handling rude or abusive customers with grace and professionalism. [00:35:10] Observations on post-pandemic shifts in customer behavior. [00:44:00] Advice for young and mid-career professionals in parking: never stop learning and always listen actively.  Subscribe and Stay Connected: Subscribe to Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music  Connect with Parker Technology: While delivering an excellent customer experience is indeed harder than it looks, we’re the experts. It’s all we do, every day, and we’re darn good at it. If you’d like to learn more about how we make managing the parking experience look easy, visit our website at www.parkertechnology.com, or shoot a note to getstarted@parkertechnology.com 

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered, host Brian Wolff welcomes Kevin Uhlenhaker, CEO and Publisher of Parking Today Media. Kevin’s remarkable journey spans from his early days as a developer to becoming a pivotal voice in the parking industry, with two successful company exits and the recent acquisition of Parking Today Media.  Kevin shares his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the challenges of reshaping the narrative around parking. This episode dives into his passion for fostering innovation, the importance of standards in the industry, and the exciting future of the PIE 2025 Conference under his leadership.  Key Takeaways from this Episode: The value of understanding industry nuance for business success. Leadership lessons: empowering teams and navigating tough decisions. The role of AI in reshaping parking and media industries. Kevin’s vision for transforming Parking Today into a digitally-forward platform while honoring its legacy.  Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction to Kevin Uhlenhaker and his diverse background in parking and technology. [00:01:20] Kevin’s journey from Texas Tech University to co-founding NuPark and OmniPark. [00:08:00] Building and selling successful parking technology companies: Challenges and lessons learned. [00:15:30] The acquisition of Parking Today Media: Kevin shares the story behind the deal and his plans for modernizing the publication. [00:25:00] Embracing AI in parking and media: Kevin discusses the tools and opportunities shaping the future of both industries. [00:32:00] Standards and connectivity in parking: Why creating industry-wide standards is critical for innovation and growth. [00:42:00] Behind the scenes at PIE 2025: Kevin teases the exciting new format, activities, and opportunities attendees can expect. [00:47:00] Reflections on parking's future: Kevin explains how the industry will become more connected and seamless while maintaining its critical role. [00:52:00] Kevin’s personal journey and leadership lessons: Insights on empowering teams, overcoming challenges, and maintaining a family-work balance.  Upcoming Event – PIE 2025 Conference Highlights: The Parking Industry Expo (PIE) 2025 Conference is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for anyone in the parking industry. Under Kevin’s leadership, PIE 2025 has been reimagined as the friendliest and most forward-thinking show in parking. Here’s a taste of what you can expect: Innovative Tracks and Sessions ParkFlix – A Parking Film Festival Networking Opportunities Galore Live Podcast Row Real Talk Sessions Accelerate – The Parking Pitch Competition  Subscribe and Stay Connected: Subscribe to Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music  Connect with Parker Technology: Delivering exceptional customer experiences is what we do best. Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com or email us at getstarted@parkertechnology.com.