Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks Parking Uncovered, host Brian Wolff sits down with Bob Murray, CTO at CampusParc, and James Paden, Chief Product Officer at Parker Technology. These tech veterans share their experiences transitioning into the parking industry and offer insights on how outside expertise is driving innovation in parking operations. Bob and James discuss the challenges of integrating modern technology into legacy parking systems, the potential of AI in improving customer service, and why pairing tech innovators with parking industry veterans is crucial for success. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of parking technology and operations. Key Takeaways:1. Pairing outside tech talent with parking industry veterans is essential for successful innovation2. The parking industry still relies on outdated technologies, creating challenges for modernization3. AI implementation should be problem-focused, not just adopted for the sake of being trendy4. Integration between parking vendors remains a significant challenge due to incompatible systems5. Data quality and governance are critical for successful AI implementation in parking operations Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] Introduction and guest backgrounds[00:03:41] The importance of pairing outside talent with parking expertise[00:04:10] Technology gaps and legacy systems in parking[00:06:22] Integration challenges between parking vendors[00:13:00] Managing gaps between parking solutions[00:18:05] AI implementation philosophy and strategies[00:20:00] Ohio State's complex parking system as an AI use case[00:24:00] James's AI experimentation and platform changes[00:27:42] Business cases for AI in parking operations[00:35:28] Optimism about parking technology's future"If you're the parking person, get the non-parking person. If you're the non-parking person, think about getting a parking person. Really that combination can help us grow." - Bob Murray For more information, visit www.parkertechnology.com 

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks Parking Uncovered, host Brian Wolf sits down with Greg Brewer, the newly appointed President and CEO of Amano McGann, Inc. Greg shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to leading one of the parking industry's top technology providers. He offers insights on authentic leadership, company culture transformation, and balancing technological innovation with essential human interaction in parking operations.  Key Takeaways: Authentic leadership rooted in diverse industry experience builds credibility and relatability Unifying company culture requires breaking down silos between branches and corporate Empower employees to make customer-centric decisions based on empathy While technology streamlines operations, human interaction remains crucial for customer satisfaction Personal and professional growth comes from embracing mentorship and new challenges  Episode Highlights: [00:02:29] Greg's childhood and early career path [00:08:00] Entering the parking industry under mentor Henry Allen [00:14:00] Joining Amano McGann and rising through the ranks [00:18:00] Navigating company restructuring and COVID-19 challenges  [00:20:00] Vision for continuous improvement as new CEO [00:28:00] Balancing innovation and customer experience [00:39:00] Community involvement with Bridge of Unity nonprofit [00:46:00] Lightning round questions on leadership and life  Notable Quotes: "Nothing happens till somebody sells something." - Greg's signature phrase  "When the magic really happens is when folks that aren't on your payroll start selling for you." - On building customer advocacy  Resources Mentioned: - Amano McGann, Inc. (AMI) - www.amanomcgann.com - Bridge of Unity nonprofit About Greg Brewer: Greg Brewer is the President and CEO of Amano McGann, Inc., a leading provider of parking access and revenue control systems. With over 20 years of experience in the parking industry, Greg has worked his way up from service technician to sales roles to executive leadership. He is passionate about authentic leadership, continuous improvement, and giving back to his community.  Contact Information: Email: greg.brewer@amanomcgann.com LinkedIn: Greg Brewer  To learn more about Parker Technology, visit parkertechnology.com 

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks, host Brian Wolff is joined by James Paden, Chief Product Officer at Parker Technology. With 25 years of software experience, James shares his insights on the rapidly evolving world of AI in the parking industry. From the challenges of implementing voice AI to the future of customer service, this conversation explores how parking is both leading and adapting to technological change. Guest: James Paden, Chief Product Officer at Parker Technology Key Takeaways: AI is transforming parking, but still faces hurdles, especially in voice/audio applications Parking is surprisingly cutting-edge in some AI applications like license plate recognition AI will augment rather than fully replace human customer service in parking Successful AI implementation requires balancing speed, accuracy, and user experience Rapid technological change in parking is creating new opportunities for innovation  Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Introduction to James Paden and his background [00:04:08] James' journey to Parker Technology [00:07:00] The unique position of Parker in the AI landscape [00:11:24] Challenges of implementing voice AI in parking environments [00:15:40] The state of AI in the parking industry [00:21:16] How AI is changing software development and business operations [00:25:00] The future of license plate recognition and ticketing [00:30:24] Will AI replace customer service reps? [00:33:41] Lightning Round Q&A [00:54:13] James' vision for improving parking garages [00:58:46] The importance of company culture in retention Notable Quotes: "AI's not going to replace you, but somebody else using AI will." "I think people overestimate what AI can do today when they talk about sprinkling magic AI fairy dust on top of things. And then simultaneously there's a whole bunch of people who underestimate what is actually possible and where that technology is." "We're uniquely placed to be able to do that. And yes, I think AI will get to a point where AI can assist with 80% of frontline parking problems someday. You know, or, or maybe it's 60% or maybe it's 90, I don't know, right? But a high percentage. But what that means is there's still a decent chunk left over and you have to have a person to assist with that." Contact James Paden: Email: james.paden@parkertechnology.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamespaden/ Learn more about Parker Technology: Website: www.parkertechnology.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parker-technology-llc/ 

In this special episode, recorded live on the expo hall floor at IPMI 2025, Brian Wolff, Heidi Barber, Tina Gray, and Courtney Cooper talk to 9 parking leaders about what’s working, what’s not, and what they’d change with a magic wand. From drones and data to broken gates and customer confusion - it’s a rapid-fire tour of the industry's most pressing challenges. Key Takeaways AI, LPR, and cashless tech are gaining momentum Small operators are creating big impact with service and speed Public education is key to addressing parking complaints Drones, signage strategy, and predictive analytics are shaping the future Featured Guests: 00:54 – Tiffany Wells (Bethlehem Parking Authority) 03:16 – Larry Cohen, PTMP (Lancaster Parking Authority) 11:03 – Haas Khalfan (Signs and Decal Corp)  14:50 – John Morgan (PMT Consulting) 25:40 – Corinne Zurcher (Pivot Parking) 29:14 – James McDyre, MPA, PTMP (Penn State) 30:39 – Luke Anderson (Penn State) 33:46 – Gabe Mendez, PTMP (UW-Madison, IPMI Board) 40:14 – Marlene Cramer, PTMP (Cal Poly SLO, IPMI Board) 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, 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