Episodes
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Ethan Glass is a self-proclaimed parking nerd who helped build a centralized management platform for parking operators. In the parking industry, it’s ambitious to even attempt to build one single place for parking operators to log in to do all of their tasks. But that’s what Ethan and his team at Ocra have done.
In this episode, your hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway, and their guest Ethan, get into:
* Starting a parking app business and transitioning to B2B software.
* Parking management and the challenges of managing multiple disparate technologies.
* The need for a unified platform to manage inventory and maximize revenue, which led Dani and John to partner with Ethan and his team at Ocra.
* How the Ocra platform allows for centralized management of inventory and data from different channels, providing a single dashboard for parking operators.
* John’s frustration with the lack of data sharing in the parking industry.
* Visualizing parking data in Ocra.
* The challenges with integrating with other companies, including lack of open API infrastructure and unwillingness to admit limitations.
* Staying in one's lane as an entrepreneur.
* The value of mentorship and dividing tasks to achieve growth.
* The flywheel effect of using information from outside the business to grow the business.
* Acquisition opportunities and pass-ups, with a running joke about almost every week someone offers to acquire Ocra.
* Setting realistic expectations for a parking startup's growth.
* Ethan shares that Ocra has been cautious in selecting investors who are aligned with the business's goals and values, and have turned down money from investors who are not the right fit.
* The challenges of integrating parking reservation systems with existing hotel systems.
Thanks to Ethan Glass for being on the show!
* Connect with Ethan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanglass/
* Learn about Ocra, the Centralized Management Platform for Parking Operators: https://getocra.com/
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this show:
* Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
* Asura Technologies, an automated license plate recognition (ALPR) and video analytics company: https://asuratechnologies.com/
* Parking Whisperer: https://parkingwhisperer.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts:
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Which cutting-edge innovations in the parking industry are worthy of our time and money? And which so-called innovations are just hoopla that we should ignore?
In this episode, your hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway do a deep dive into which innovations are effective in operations. Some of what they get into include:
* Innovation alone can replace the value of an operator’s knowledge and experience about the parking industry.
* The shift from cash-based parking to digital payments with innovations like pay stations. Yet some operations managers still only accept cash.
* Some operators want to be more innovative, but they don’t yet have knowledge about all of the various options.
* The difficulty operators face with not always understanding various parking technologies.
* Focusing on what a business is good at, rather than trying to be a jack-of-all-trades in the complex parking industry.
* AI in the parking industry.
* The lack of signage and directions at some parking garages.
* Using technology to identify issues with parking payments.
* Using camera technology and behavioral data to improve pricing and enforcement, allowing for more seamless and efficient parking experiences.
* The future of interactions between businesses and parking operations in mountain towns.
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this show:
* Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
* Asura Technologies, an automated license plate recognition (ALPR) and video analytics company: https://asuratechnologies.com/
* Parking Whisperer: https://parkingwhisperer.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParkingTalkwithDaniJohn-hb9ku
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkingtalk-com/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/parkingtlk
This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.
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Missing episodes?
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How can parking operators optimize their technology and operations?
In this episode, Kevin Uhlenhaker of SLS Insights and your hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway get into:
* Accelerate, a parking pitch competition that will be held at Parking Industry Expo (PIE) 2024.
* Kevin co-founding a parking management platform back in 2013 that was later sold to T2 Systems.
* The evolution of parking enforcement software.
* The importance of a "parking dictionary" for standardizing terminology across different software platforms.
* How customers were initially skeptical of camera enforcement but have since become more comfortable with it.
* The future of the parking industry, with a focus on AI and entrepreneurship.
* Kevin believes that innovation is necessary to push the industry forward and improve customer service.
* Kevin explains that the Accelerate program will be at this year’s PIE show (the Parking Industry Expo), where judges and mentors will help companies refine their pitches. The program is designed to help companies reach the next level of success in the industry, regardless of their size or funding.
* The exposure and potential investment opportunities for the top six companies in the parking industry Accelerator program.
* Potential partnerships with companies in the mobility industry, including those that are big in Europe but not in the US.
* Operators moving towards in-house technology to add value and differentiate themselves from competitors.
* How operators must adapt to market changes and new technologies to remain relevant.
* Autonomous vehicles and intermodal transportation.
Thanks to our guest, Kevin Uhlenhaker of SLS Insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-uhlenhaker/
Apply to the Accelerate program: https://www.accelerateparking.com/
The Parking Industry Expo (PIE) 2024: https://www.pieshow.parkingtoday.com/
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this show:
* Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
* Asura Technologies, an automated license plate recognition (ALPR) and video analytics company: https://asuratechnologies.com/
* Parking Whisperer: https://parkingwhisperer.com/
* Conway Parking
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify:
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Joe Leung returns to the show to again interview our hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway.
In this episode, Dani, John, and Joe get into:
* The importance of diversity in a team, recognizing that different skills and perspectives are necessary for success.
* Data collection and data sharing in the parking industry: what's working, what's not?
* Some parking operators don’t want to share data, and that can hinder progress and innovation in the industry.
* John talks about misses the thrill of winning deals and watching his company's logo go up on a sign.
* Chris Connolly, a mentor to both Joe and John, is cited as an example of someone who has a well-rounded skill set and can play their part on the team effectively.
* Using Concur for expense reports.
* The importance of creating a safe space for women.
* Ways to promote diversity in the parking industry, including highlighting successful women in the field.
* Dani shares strategies for women to assert themselves in male-dominated industries.
Connect with Joe Leung on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-leung/
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this show:
* Asura Technologies, a new generation ALPR and video analytics company: https://asuratechnologies.com/
* Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
* Parking Whisperer. https://parkingwhisperer.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* YouTube - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-YouTube
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkingtalk-com/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/parkingtlk
This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
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Today’s a special show because our guest, Joe Leung, interviews our hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway.
Today’s guest interviewer is Joe Leung, Vice President of Parking and Mobility Services for OVG360, which is part of Oak View Group. Leung has two decades of experience with some of the most well-known parking companies, and experience which spans ballparks, arenas, theaters, and live events facilities. In this role with OVG360, he uses industry best practices to evaluate each venue’s unique parking process to help identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and revenue generation.
In this episode, Dani, John, and Joe get into:
* Growing up in small towns.
* John discusses pursuing a career in parking partly because of financial stability for his family.
* John and Dani discuss their passion for parking and their close relationship with their family and colleagues.
* Dani reflects upon getting into the parking industry "accidentally."
* Attracting new people to the parking industry, including bringing in people without experience.
* The evolution of the parking industry, including the role of technology.
* Living by the quote "Get it f*****g done" and emphasizing the importance of doing the work with no excuses.
* Dani’s hidden talent: she can walk on stilts.
* John’s hidden talent: he can juggle basketballs.
This show is sponsored by Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
Connect with Joe Leung on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-leung/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* YouTube - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-YouTube
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkingtalk-com/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/parkingtlk
This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
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When we fly, many of us prefer to fly with a particular airline. We say things like, “I only fly United,” or, “I only fly American.” With parking, is there that kind of loyalty? Do people who park their cars say things like, “I only park at LAZ Parking”? Or, “I only park at AmeriPark”? In this episode, we do a deep dive into brand loyalty with parking management companies.
In this episode, your hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway, and their surprise guest Bill Anderson who pops in part way through the episode, get into:
* John’s ideas that the parking industry is a B2B business, with little brand loyalty among operators.
* How people prioritize convenience, price, and safety when choosing a parking location.
* The differences between brand loyalty at the national level and brand loyalty at a local level.
* How price and convenience impact parking decisions at airports.
* Bill’s comments on how convenience, price, and safety influence his parking decisions.
This show is sponsored by:
* Parking Whisperer, the best and most innovative parking solution for you: https://parkingwhisperer.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* YouTube - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-YouTube
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkingtalk-com/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/parkingtlk
This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
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In this episode, your hosts Dani and John talk with Tony DiPaolo about communities coming together in incredible ways to support some amazing causes.
Tony DiPaolo is the Senior Vice President at LAZ Parking.
Dani, John, and Tony get into:
* How Tony got into parking, from growing up in New Mexico to working in sports and to being advised by his parents to get into the parking industry.
* LAZ Parking hosting their 11th Annual Golf Tournament benefiting Special Olympics Chicago.
* LAZ Parking's charitable efforts go beyond just writing checks, they take it to another level.
* The power of giving back and the impact of charitable efforts on employees and communities.
* The enormous effort that goes into successfully pulling off a charitable event.
* The inverted pyramid structure of LAZ Parking’s organization, with the CEO at the bottom and frontline employees at the top, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership and communication.
* The Second Chance program, where companies like LAZ Parking provide job opportunities to people recently released from prison.
This show is sponsored by Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
Learn more about Tony DiPaolo: https://www.lazparking.com/our-company/about/executive-profiles/antonio-p.-dipaolo
Connect with Tony DiPaolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-dipaolo-27a0135
Learn more about LAZ Parking’s Charitable Foundation: https://www.lazparking.com/our-company/about/charitable-foundation
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-Google-Podcasts
* YouTube - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-YouTube
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkingtalk-com/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/parkingtlk
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
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In this episode, Dani Crain and John Conway engage in a candid conversation about leadership, the impact of bad bosses, and the importance of fostering a culture of growth in the parking and mobility industry.
In this episode:
* Both John and Dani acknowledge that encountering bad bosses is a common experience, so it’s important not to let a bad boss deter you from your career path and growth opportunities.
* Dani shares her journey of transitioning between operations and tech, often seeking positions that foster development.
* John discusses the need for leaders in the parking industry to create an environment where employees feel comfortable providing honest feedback without fear.
* Dani expresses her passion for mentoring and empowering her team members, helping them develop their skills and contribute more effectively to the organization.
This show is sponsored by Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-Google-Podcasts
* YouTube - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-YouTube
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkingtalk-com/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/parkingtlk
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
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In this episode, John Conway, Dani Crain, and special guest Kendra Petty discuss Kendra's remarkable journey in the parking industry, her experiences with trauma and resilience, and her recently published memoir, "I Can't Believe I'm Not Dead."
Kendra Petty is an Executive Vice President at LAZ Parking with decades of parking industry experience. Having survived—and thrived—in male-dominated industries, she is a public speaker, negotiator, dealmaker, and author of “I Can’t Believe I’m Not Dead Yet.” She loves fast cars, traveling, bouldering, and scrambling. (For those who don’t know, bouldering is a form of rock climbing, and scrambling is a form of mountaineering.)
In this episode, guest Kendra Petty and hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway get into:
* How Kendra’s memoir changed her life.
* The biggest story in Kendra’s book, which was extremely traumatic and affected her health for 12 years.
* How Kendra got started in the parking industry, including her first company, Central Parking System, in Los Angeles.
* How Kendra gets out of toxic situations (and you can, too).
* Women in leadership roles in the parking industry.
* LAZ Parking being the first woman-led company in the parking operations world.
Get a free preview of Kendra’s memoir from her website: https://kendrapettyofficial.com/
Buy Kendra Petty’s memoir from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952491509
The full title of Kendra Petty’s memoir is: "I Can't Believe I'm Not Dead: Escaping Abuse, a Cult, Attempted Murder and Other Insanities...A Story That Cannot Be True, But Is."
Connect with Kendra Petty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-petty-0b872366/
This show is sponsored by Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-Google-Podcasts
* YouTube - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-YouTube
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkingtalk-com/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/parkingtlk
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
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Imagine if the parking industry could share data with other industries not just here in the U.S. but also around the world. We’re a long way off from that being a reality. But there are a bunch of intelligent parking professionals working on trying to make that happen.
In this episode your hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway discuss the Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS) and explore the importance of the parking industry being able to share data with itself and with other industries.
Some of the topics that Dani and John explore include:
* In some locations across the U.S., there are specific addresses related to licensing, which is why addresses—and parking data standards—are important.
* APDS’s push is to get a standard so that everyone who shares data in the industry can connect to the rest of the world in a common way.
* Finding common definitions for the parking industry.
* All the things that need to come together in order to create a smart city parking landscape, including public transportation, EV charging, micromobility, and other things.
* Focusing on being innovative and coming up with great ideas, and not being bogged down with all money, time, and resources.
* Placement of locations versus placement of equipment and services.
This show is sponsored by Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-Google-Podcasts
* YouTube - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-YouTube
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkingtalk-com/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/parkingtlk
The Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS) was co-founded by:
* British Parking Association (BPA).
* European Parking Association (EPA).
* International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI).
Learn more about the Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS): https://www.allianceforparkingdatastandards.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
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Scott Souder founded Mountain Parking Equipment almost thirty years ago and recently retired. A legend in the Denver parking industry, Scott talks with hosts Dani and John about all things parking, including going above and beyond when serving your customer, and selling the company he built from the ground up.
In this episode, Dani, John, and Scott get into:
* Being on vacation, yet still researching and analyzing parking facilities owned by competitors.
* The difficulties of building a parking company from scratch.
* The joy of working in the parking industry with your family.
Thanks to our guest, Scott Souder.
Connect with Scott:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-souder-b51716b/
This show is sponsored by Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Subscribe, like, and follow:
* Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-Google-Podcasts
* YouTube - https://bit.ly/Parking-Talk-YouTube
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkingtalk-com/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/parkingtlk
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
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Today, we delve deep into the world of parking operations and the crucial role they play in ensuring safety and customer satisfaction.
From the daily tasks of trash removal and property inspections to the critical issue of addressing hazards, garage managers and operators face the challenge and responsibility of ensuring the safety of both customers and staff.
In this episode, your hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway get into:
* Safety, safety, safety - who should take the lead?
* Are parking conferences worth it?
* Brand loyalty and why we should care
This show is sponsored by:
* Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
Like and Subscribe!
* Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/44KScHB
* Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rKBJVn
* Youtube - https://bit.ly/3DuxvDW
This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
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Welcome to the first episode of All Things Parking with Dani and John! If you want to know what’s happening in the parking industry, meet the who’s who, and learn about the technology and innovations happening in parking and mobility, you’re in the right place.
Dani Crain is a small-town girl from New Mexico, a consultant, an entrepreneur, a parking operations expert, and a parking technologist. Committed to changing the world one parking space at a time, Dani is also a travel enthusiast, an avid reader, and a wine aficionado.
John D. Conway is a parking industry veteran with almost three decades of experience in transportation and parking operations. John is the Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President of Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), the industry's leading compliance and data analytic services provider.
In this episode, your hosts Dani Crain and John D. Conway get into:
* a champagne toast!
* sneak peek into their own parking industry journey
* their love of variety within the parking industry, from fixing gates to meeting with mayors and being involved in major roadway projects
* so much more!
This show is sponsored by:
* Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), bringing you a new standard in parking compliance: https://www.parkingprrs.com/
Connect with the hosts:
* http://www.parkingtalk.com
* Dani Crain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-crain-3754a3178/
* John D. Conway - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-conway-b55a7025/
This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out PRRS Today
Visit www.parkingprrs.com
