By Elvis Reyes, CAPP

The service industry is made up of multiple areas that all should have a common goal in common. Providing the best service possible to consumers that will leave them with a memorable experience and will leave them thinking how and when they can return to relive that experience. When we think of hospitality the first thought that comes to mind is hotels, entertainment venues and restaurants. All these also share one major factor that affects almost every single City in the world. Parking.

We as parking professionals serve as the first and last experience a consumer has when they visit these types of locations. Providing a hospitable and welcoming experience is key to ensuring a guest experience gets off on the right foot. I was once asked if an individual with a hospitality degree and years of experience in the hotel industry can successfully transition into the parking industry? My answer to that question was an emphatic yes. It’s experiences that tailors an individual to offer a warm welcome with the ability to lead with yes. All the attributes that every parking professional should have in my opinion. Forbes training standards are an excellent resource for our industry leaders to promote with front line staff and operations teams on this topic.

Elvis Reyes, CAPP, is the General Manager for The Car Park. Elvis can be reached at ereyes@thecarpark.com.