Today marked the CEO forum as Herb Anderson of Royal Parking moderated a panel consisting of Debra Fogel, Expert Parking, Jed Hatfield, Colonial Parking, Tim Leonoudakis, City Park, and Mark Pratt of Denison Parking held forth on leading parking operators.
The exhibit hall was hopping. Even before the doors opened, group networked in the foyer. Green Parking tended to be the order of the day. Should operators give away electricity to vehicles needing charging in their garages or charge for the service? The subject was complicated by yours truly when I noted that if a person over stays the time it takes to charge their car, how would the next person in line be able to charge up. I recommended a “electric valet”. (No that’s not related to an electric monk, for you Douglas Adams fans.)
The valet produces an entirely new set of problems for the operator with staffing, training, insurance and the like adding to the cost. Herb Anderson saved the day.
“Give it away until the volume requires extra expense, then charge.” Seems reasonable.
JVH
