Finding My Place in Parking: Reflections on Three Years in an Amazing Industry

When I think back to the beginning of my journey in the parking and transportation world nearly three years ago, I can honestly say I had no idea what I was stepping into. Like many people in this industry, I did not grow up thinking, “I want to work in parking.” I found my way into it, and I am glad I did. Coming in new, I expected a learning curve. What I did not expect was how welcoming and supportive this industry would be. From day one, what stood out to me most was the people. There is a genuine willingness across this industry to help one another that you do not always see elsewhere. It does not seem to matter if you are a vendor, a municipality, or an operator. Everyone is working toward the same goal of moving the industry forward. One of the first things I noticed was how experienced professionals take the time to help those who are newer. There is no gatekeeping. People are willing to share what they know, explain how things work, and help you get up to speed. That made a huge difference for me early on.

How the Parking Community Helped Me Grow

In my first year, I was trying to absorb as much as possible. There is a lot to learn in this space. Operations, enforcement, technology, customer experience, and how all of those pieces fit together. What made that process manageable was not a manual or a training guide. It was people. I had conversations with operators who walked me through real-world challenges. Vendors who explained not just what their solutions do, but why they matter. Peers who shared tips that saved me time and helped me avoid mistakes. I was encouraged to ask questions, and more importantly, I never felt like I was asking the wrong ones. That is something I have come to really appreciate. This is an industry where people want to see you succeed, because when one of us improves, we all do.

Collaboration Over Competition

Another thing that has stuck with me is how collaborative this industry is. Through SWPTA events, forums, and day-to-day interactions, I have seen people openly share ideas, lessons learned, and even challenges they are still working through. These are not surface-level conversations. They are honest and practical. You see vendors helping municipalities. Operators learning from each other. Conversations that are less about selling and more about solving problems. That kind of environment makes it easier to grow, and it makes the work more meaningful.

Learning From Everyone

One of the biggest takeaways from my first few years is that you can learn from anyone in this industry. There is a lot of value in hearing from those who have been doing this for decades. At the same time, there is just as much value in learning from someone who is a few steps ahead of you and figuring things out in real time. It has reinforced something simple for me. Ask questions. Stay curious. Share what you learn when you can. That is how this industry continues to evolve.

Looking Ahead

Three years in, I still feel like I am just getting started. I am grateful for the people who have taken the time to help me along the way and for the opportunities I have had to learn and grow. Being part of this community has made a lasting impression on me. I am honored to serve on the SWPTA Board and look forward to contributing to the growth of our industry, supporting those coming up behind me, and continuing to push our profession forward together.