Marketing Your Parking

The parking business is very competitive. Facility owners and operators need to be proactive to compete for customers in this ever changing environment. If you are just sitting back waiting for customers to show up… they won’t!

Effective marketing can help ensure your parking operation is profitable. This blog post will briefly discuss creating a strategic marketing plan for your parking facility, using public relations to increase parkers and building relationships with social media.  

• Strategic Marketing Plan
• An effective plan will develop awareness of your brand/facility – who you are, what you do and why customers should use your service over others
• Your plan must identify the audience(s) you intend to target, activities you intend to undertake, a detailed budget of those activities, how you are going to measure success and who will be responsible for each task
• Public Relations
• Good PR campaigns can build relationships with your customers and community, create good perceptions towards your service and help introduce new services
• Communications vehicles include:
• Press releases, Articles, Newsletters, Customer Testimonials, Letters to the Editor and Event Sponsorship's
• Social Media
• Thinking of utilizing social media for your parking operation? The first step is to figure out where your customers are virtually socializing (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Flickr etc.) The next step is to build a relationship with your customers using these channels
• Customers use social media to get news, promotions and to leave feedback – often in the form of complaints
• Social media is not about advertising, it’s about building relationships and growing communities. It’s about having a conversation and developing relationships with your customers
• Monitoring of and quick replies are very important when dealing with social media. These quick responses can quickly turn negative complaints into positive marketing

When PSI starts or transitions a new account, we implement a strategic marketing plan to maximize your facility’s capacity – and maximize your bottom line.  Some of our most successful marketing activities include:

• Online advertising
• News releases
• Referrals
• Newsletters
• Partnerships
• Social media
• Validation programs
• Frequent parker and commuter programs
• Coupon and flyer distribution
• Corporate discounts for volume purchase

PSI understands the marketplace for parking services. We will analyze your market and your pricing strategy, review your operational attributes, and continue to seek opportunities to maximize your revenue.

Contact us today to learn more. 

Parking Solutions partners with Charleston Area Medical Center

Parking Solutions (PSI) is proud to announce partnership with Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC). PSI has been awarded a multiyear contract to manage CAMC’s parking, valet and ambassador services starting April, 2014.

The operation will consist of 6 parking facilities, 3 valet locations and 2 greeter/ambassadors adding 40 employees to our team.

“PSI is very proud of this new partnership and look forward to getting started,” said PSI President Aaron Shocket, “Our front line team will offer outstanding service to CAMC’s patients, visitors and guests.”  

Winterizing Your Parking

Managing for snow and ice whether for Valet, Garage & Lots or Shuttle is very challenging. It can expose a property owner to a substantial degree of risk if not planned for properly. 

To help reduce that risk, we'd like to share a few tips and tricks we've learned over the last 23 years in the parking services industry.

Always make sure you have a plan! The plan should include: 

• Response Procedures
• Execution and Responsiveness
• Quality Control
• TIP: Know where you're going to plow snow before the big storm hits. This is especially important in garages. If needed, it's always a good idea to designate and block off certain areas for this reason. 
• Safety, Liability and Risk Management
• Equipment and Usage Procedures, Certifications, Standards, Safety and Education
• TIP: Proper training such as snow shoveling mechanics can save your staff from serious injury.
• Communications and Record Keeping
• Documentation and Verification
• TIP: Communication to your customers is very important. Let them know what to expect during a snow storm. 

A true parking partner, Parking Solutions listens to our clients and tailors each experience to meet their needs. Please feel free to contact us for a free quote/consultation or if you just want to chat about parking. 

www.ParkingSolutionsInc.com | Sales@parkingsolutionsinc.com | 888.469.7690

PSI Checks Into A New Hotel

PSI began service at Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle hotel on Tuesday, April 30th. The new site, led by Neal Kaufman, is open 24/7/365.

Photo above: Valet, Eric Blackman

Welcome to PSI!

Parking Solutions Welcomes Duke University Hospital

On March 4^th, Parking Solutions began operations of all valet parking for Duke University Hospital. Valet parking is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“We are proud of this new partnership,” said PSI President Aaron Shocket, “Our team at the front door will extend the outstanding care of Duke University Hospital to every patient, visitor and guest.”

Our CLE Valets in The Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Cleveland Plain Dealer highlighted the excellent convenience and service of PSI's Curbsidevalet operation at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Click here to read the full article.

Manager Zach Wentzel and Valet Damon Beard were quoted in the piece welcoming all Cleveland-area travelers to experience the curbside service. Beard notes that we typically see business travelers; however, "the service can be handy if you're picking someone up or have an elderly or handicapped family member." Valet Osman Ali is featured in an action-shot photo.

To learn more about Curbsidevalet parking at CLE, click here or call 216-267-7275.

Inaugural Safety Hall of Fame Inductees

Congratulations to the team at Nationwide Executive Car Wash, led by Site Manager Danny McCloud, for their induction to PSI's Safety Hall of Fame.

 

The team at Nationwide has an extraordinary 1,368 days (that's almost four years!) and counting as a safe work environment. This means there have been no accidents - either of cars or employees, no reports of damage to vehicles or any other unsafe activity at the site. McCloud attributes the success to a watchful eye, constant training and selection of the most-qualified team member to drive cars. He also ensures everyone continues to take pride in their excellence by posting a board at the garage featuring the number of days they've stayed safe (the team has the company's longest safety streak).

 

To celebrate their success, McCloud and rising star Jeremy Baugus received a monetary bonus and lunch with President Aaron Shocket and Safety Manager Rob Jones.

 

PSI's Nationwide Executive Car Wash service began in 2007. Our team provides car wash services with safety and excellence always top of mind.

 

Pictured above left to right is Columbus Area Manager Kevin Paris, Nationwide superstar Jeremy Baugus, President Aaron Shocket, Site Manager Danny McCloud and Safety Manager Rob Jones.

PSI's New Corporate HQ

Parking Solutions has a new home. Our new Corporate HQ address is:
 

Parking Solutions, Inc.

353 W. Nationwide Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43215

It's only a few miles away from our old location in the exciting Arena District.

Come for a visit and maybe we can catch a Columbus Clippers ball game - we're right across the street from Huntington Park!

For more information about PSI or directions to the new space, please click here.

Welcome Lima Memorial

PSI is proud to partner with Lima Memorial Hospital. We will provide exceptional care at the curb for patients, guests and visitors.

For more information about our healthcare valet services, click here.

PSI's finest receives Eagle Eye Award @ CMH

The Columbus Airport Police gave an Eagle Eye Award to Abdul Rahim today for helping capture a luggage thief at Port Columbus International Airport.  

PSI came out to support and honor Abdul - pictured above, left to right: Rudy Touvell (Business Development), Abdul (hero), Jesse Beckett (PSI Manager), Mary Tromp (PSI Regional Manager). Pictured below is President Aaron Shocket with Abdul and Jesse.

PSI Safety: Backing Techniques

One out of every four accidents can be blamed on poor backing techniques, according to the National Safety Council. PSI employees are acutely aware that poor backing can result in costly damage, serious injury or even fatality. Our staff is trained to recognize that backing accidents are always preventable if the driver is properly trained – and prudent.

Our drivers are taught that those who practice defensive driving will never take any situation for granted, but will observe and judge each parking requirement on its own. Even though backing into a particular parking spot a dozen times, PSI drivers look and evaluate the same spot each time to be sure of clearances and to make certain no new obstacles are in the way.

Tips for backing techniques:

• -      Practice, practice, practice
• -      Be aware of the big blind spot – use all your mirrors
• -      Move backwards at a “crawl”
• -      If needed, get out of the car and walk around to inspect any hazards
• -      Have a co-worker (or passenger) help you maneuver

Many accidents can be avoided if drivers practice defensive parking. For more information about Parking Solutions’ safe drivers, visit www.ParkingSolutionsInc.com. 

PSI @ Pelotonia

Congratulations to the PSI Peloton Members (Rudy Touvell, Chris Gaile, Jeremy Robinson pictured above) that collectively raced nearly 640 miles! Moreover, our Peloton has raised $10,324 to support Pelotonia's ONE GOAL: END CANCER. Donations are still being accepted - click here to show your support!

Pictured above are warriors Jesse Beckett and Jeremy Robinson who joined PSI's President Aaron Shocket in riding the 2-day ride of 180 miles! Congratulations!

PSI has a new Website!

Parking Solutions is proud to unveil a new Web site that highlights the innovation that we strive to bring to our parking partners.

Check out www.ParkingSolutionsInc.com and let us know what you think.

Thanks to Horizons Companies for their work on this project!

Reading Partnership Renewed

Parking Solutions is proud to announce the renewal of our valet services for The Reading Hospital and Medical Center in Reading, PA. Since 2009, PSI has complemented the high-quality, compassionate care of TRHMC.

For more information about TRHMC, please visit: http://www.readinghospital.org/

Parking Solutions New Ticket Sponsor

Parking Solutions is proud to showcase a new ticket sponsor for all Columbus, Ohio hospitality locations – Capitol Cadillac. When supporting the community at a special event or parking with PSI as a guest of one of our parking partners, make sure to check out the new tickets!

About Capitol Cadillac Formerly known as Hummer of Columbus, Capitol Cadillac still specializes in selling pre-owned Hummer H2's and H3's as well as a variety of other makes and models.  All inventory is pre-owned in which is acquired from trade-ins, lease returns, and local auto auctions. Please visit www.capitolcadillacs.com for more information.

CurbsideVALET unveiled at Port Columbus!

Parking Solutions is proud to announce the renewal of the CurbsideVALET service at Port Columbus International Airport.

For over 11 years PSI has managed the Port Columbus CurbsideVALET parking operation, dedicated to providing great customer service to the travelers in the greater Columbus, Ohio area. 

“We are fortunate to have such a long-standing relationship with a keystone of the Columbus community,” says Aaron Shocket, PSI President, “Our valet service provides service-driven excellence and complements the Airport’s commitment to connecting Columbus’ business and leisure travelers around the world.”

For more information about Parking Solutions’ airport valet service, please click here.

For more information about Port Columbus International Airport, please click here.

Charge your car @ INDy airport

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers using the Indianapolis International Airport now have a convenient way to ensure a fully charged ride home, with the installation of three new GE Energy EV charging stations in the airport parking garage. GE WattStation(TM) Wall Mount EV charging stations can be used at no cost to travelers who use the airport's valet parking services. (read more here)