I have been having conversations with NPA members both yesterday and this morning and I get a common thread – good management and good service. Now let’s face it, we don’t usually put the words service and parking operators in the same sentence. But then, Why not.
From what I’m hearing, a good bottom line and good service and good management go hand in hand in hand. The companies that are profitable, that have stellar balance sheets, also have a reputation for good service. And from good management comes good service.
As I listen I hear a lack of something else — a reliance on technology. Is it important, yes, do operators use the cutting edge stuff — of course. But without good people and good management, all the technology in the world is useless. These operators know that.
A second theme I’m hearing is that the public sector is reaching out to the private for help. Lets face it, universities, cities and hospitals need money. Parking is a revenue source. Its strange, but its not the parking managers that are reaching out, but the finance directors and the chief administrators. I’m told here that more and more professional parking management companies are being asked for advice by cities and universities on profit maximization. Not just raising rates, but watching expenses, streamlining operations and the like.
There is a reason parking operators drool when they see ship shod municipal operations. They want to get the politics out and put the bottom line back in. But in doing so, ensure that service and support is set at the maximum. It can happen. These folks are looking for business, and the public sector isn’t that far away.
More later — got to go sit on the dias while awards are handed out. They said the needed a place holder. I’m happy to oblige.
JVH
