EP 28: Beyond the Page - Kevin Uhlenhaker on Parking Today’s Next Chapter and PIE 2025

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered, host Brian Wolff welcomes Kevin Uhlenhaker, CEO and Publisher of Parking Today Media. Kevin’s remarkable journey spans from his early days as a developer to becoming a pivotal voice in the parking industry, with two successful company exits and the recent acquisition of Parking Today Media.  Kevin shares his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the challenges of reshaping the narrative around parking. This episode dives into his passion for fostering innovation, the importance of standards in the industry, and the exciting future of the PIE 2025 Conference under his leadership.  Key Takeaways from this Episode: The value of understanding industry nuance for business success. Leadership lessons: empowering teams and navigating tough decisions. The role of AI in reshaping parking and media industries. Kevin’s vision for transforming Parking Today into a digitally-forward platform while honoring its legacy.  Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction to Kevin Uhlenhaker and his diverse background in parking and technology. [00:01:20] Kevin’s journey from Texas Tech University to co-founding NuPark and OmniPark. [00:08:00] Building and selling successful parking technology companies: Challenges and lessons learned. [00:15:30] The acquisition of Parking Today Media: Kevin shares the story behind the deal and his plans for modernizing the publication. [00:25:00] Embracing AI in parking and media: Kevin discusses the tools and opportunities shaping the future of both industries. [00:32:00] Standards and connectivity in parking: Why creating industry-wide standards is critical for innovation and growth. [00:42:00] Behind the scenes at PIE 2025: Kevin teases the exciting new format, activities, and opportunities attendees can expect. [00:47:00] Reflections on parking's future: Kevin explains how the industry will become more connected and seamless while maintaining its critical role. [00:52:00] Kevin’s personal journey and leadership lessons: Insights on empowering teams, overcoming challenges, and maintaining a family-work balance.  Upcoming Event – PIE 2025 Conference Highlights: The Parking Industry Expo (PIE) 2025 Conference is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for anyone in the parking industry. Under Kevin’s leadership, PIE 2025 has been reimagined as the friendliest and most forward-thinking show in parking. Here’s a taste of what you can expect: Innovative Tracks and Sessions ParkFlix – A Parking Film Festival Networking Opportunities Galore Live Podcast Row Real Talk Sessions Accelerate – The Parking Pitch Competition  Subscribe and Stay Connected: Subscribe to Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music  Connect with Parker Technology: Delivering exceptional customer experiences is what we do best. Learn more at www.parkertechnology.com or email us at [email protected].