WINTER 2020
DIAMOND DIALOG
GROWING TOGETHER
Diamond Lands “Coolest Place to Park in the Nation”
We hope you enjoy reading our latest newsletter
NOW - Sinking Ship parking garage, 2nd & Yesler in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square
Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain
Hailey Mattson, Diamond’s Senior Director of Business Development, states that winning the business was based on family, and trust with a dash of persistence thrown into the mix. “I would call the owners every couple of years asking if we could help in any way. Last fall, we were invited to submit a proposal to manage the parking.” Like Diamond Parking, notes Hailey, the garage itself is family owned. “This was very appealing to them. We invited them to meet “our family” — from President Jon Diamond to members of our executive team — at our Corporate office in Seattle. It was an important step to build trust in our relationship.” It certainly didn’t hurt that Diamond’s conference room, where the families met, looks directly at the Sinking Ship Garage. “I think they felt that we would quite literally, always have our eyes on the property,” adds Hailey.
Photo: Jmabel - CC BY-SA
Seattle’s iconic Sinking Ship Garage, in historic Pioneer Square, is now under Diamond management. The multi-story parking garage was built in 1961. Its architectural design conveys the illusion of a ”sinking ship” which was key in being crowned last summer as “The coolest place to park in the nation.” The contest was created by an architecture and design publication out of the UK. Ten garages, across the US, were nominated based on factors including sustainability, historical elements and artistic design.
THEN - Hotel Seattle, built in 1890 after the Great Seattle Fire.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE - Coolest Place to Park - Diamond to Launch New Website - Send Us Your Diamond Stories
- Diamond’s Annual Seminar: EVOLVE 2020 - Recognizing Award Winners
Diamond Launches New Website Design By the end of 2020, it is estimated that there will be over 270 million smart phones in the US. A whopping 92.8 percent of mobile phone users will own and use their devices to text, email, shop, travel, recreate, and to park. The list of uses seems endless and grows almost daily. In redesigning Diamond Parking’s new website, improving the ease, access and convenience of finding parking via a smartphone was, a top priority, states Stephanie Keller, Diamond’s Director of Marketing & Operations. “Our parking customers want to connect and find what they’re looking for quickly. We’ve made it much easier for customers to locate parking stalls at surface lots and garages with our improved find parking page. By implementing an improved mapping feature, we have made it much easier for customers to search for a parking stall near an address, event, or restaurant they are going to. If you’re not optimized for mobile, you can’t offer your customers immediate service,” Stephanie adds. The new website, diamondparking.com boasts a fresh, modern design that communicates Diamond’s strengths, values, and brand attributes. It caters not only to parking customers but also to landlords, property owners and managers. “We want to showcase the Diamond story as the oldest family owned parking company nationwide and why our
www.diamondparking.com
clients and parking customers should choose us over our competitors.” Stephanie concludes that in todays digital age, brand reputation is everything. A mobile-friendly, contemporary, cutting-edge website, where navigation is simple and easy across all digital channels, directly helps Diamond build credibility with its customers, clients, and influencers throughout the business marketplace.
100 Years of Service Greetings friends, family and team members, We are reaching out to you today for assistance with a project we are putting together to commemorate Diamond Parking Services 100 years. We are looking for any photos, articles, and even brief stories you might have about Diamond Parking’s history, growth and milestones. If you have anything you can share with us, we would very much appreciate your help! Please send to: Kiyomi.tamura@diamondparking.com.
100
1922
YEARS
2022
AHEAD OF THE CURVE FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK As we enter a new decade, technology is the driving force in our industry. It is redefining many aspects of our business. As a result, our parking customers are demanding a Jon Diamond seamless stress free parking experience while our landlords, property managers and developers are relying on us to maintain and increase parking revenues by implementing proven and new
“We have to keep up and stay ahead.” Jon Diamond, President, Diamond Parking
innovative solutions. Evolve 2020 was grounded in the understanding that we operate in a dynamic environment and that we need to recognize and act on trends that affect our growth. As a result, I believe that the moment to advance and evolve is now, and by taking action in the following areas, we will capitalize on opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. Define your current operating model. Identify what you and your team are best at delivering. Understand what drives value for your clients and customers. Decide what your market needs are, where new growth pockets exist, and how you can create more value relative to competitors. Formulate a detailed go-to-market strategy that relies on our success as the oldest family owned parking company nationwide. Invest in a business engagement model to meet new clients, listen to their needs, and learn their motivations,
In 2020 and beyond our mission is clear — Think on our feet. Remain vigilant. Solve problems. Stay ahead.
And the winner of this years President’s Award is… Chuck Harvison Sitting in the audience, Chuck said he was stunned. “I was wondering who was going to get the award. It Chuck Harvison, Regional Manager Oregon, took a second to sink in that receives the 2020 Presidents Award from President Jon Diamond it was me.” In announcing the award, Jon Diamond, pointed out that Chuck is one very, creative “scrappy guy” that knows how to look in every nook and cranny for business opportunities. “I am constantly searching for what I call ‘different pockets” where growth is happening,” says Chuck. For example, he says buildings are always being bought and sold. “I never assume that a vacancy means that revenue stops. Why not meet with the property owner and write a new lease agreement to continue the parking on the property while they search for a new tenant? Truth is, many leases remain in place once the new business opens back up because the parking revenue keeps coming to the landlord.” Chuck also points to building relationships as his number one tool. He says getting to know landlords and property managers, whether through breakfast and lunch meetings, or simply making the rounds, gives him ideas on innovative ways to add revenues in the markets that he oversees. Always looking forward, Chuck says one goal in 2020 is to become a bigger player in the Portland market. “The city of Portland and the broader metro area (which includes Vancouver, Hillsboro, and Portland’s suburbs) continue to expand. Taking advantage of new business growth will give us the opportunity to diversify our revenue streams. It’s both great and humbling to be honored for a job I love so much.”
“It was a great experience learning different challenges from each city, and taking away plays and tactics that I could implement in my city for success.” Edward Chuo, City Manager, Calgary, Alberta Diamond Parking Services
EVOLVE 2020 Evolve 2020 - Planning for a Future of opportunity Evolve 2020, Diamond Parking’s annual Business Development and Operations Seminar, was held at the newly renovated Palms Resort Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 22 - 24th, 2020. This years theme, stated Diamond President Jon Diamond, “Was understanding that we operate in a dynamic environment and that we need to recognize and act on trends that affect our business.” Joining Jon at the seminar, was Joel Diamond, Chairman of the Board, along with Regional Vice Presidents and Directors, City Managers and Real Estate and Business Development Managers from the US and Canada. The focus of the seminar was to share proven methods, to maintain and acquire new clients, and to explore innovative approaches that address a fast changing business environment, influenced by technological, economic and social change.
Evolving to Paperless For the first time, explains seminar planner, Executive Administrative Assistant, Kiyomi Tamura, this years event was completely paperless. “Jon Diamond came up with the idea of having a paperless system early on in our planning. He wanted to save on printing and shipping costs, streamline access to conference documents, and be more eco-friendly.” Kiyomi adds that seminar attendees really jumped in to utilize the digital app. “From the moment their plane landed, they could view shuttle and hotel logistics, access the seminar agenda as well as the list of presenters and their topics. Another plus, when the conference ended, they could download specific outlines and review with their team when they returned to their cities. Everyone seemed very engaged and excited that we went paperless.”
“The business environment is rapidly being affected by technology and we need to change our business practices to meet those changing demands. Mobile payment apps and PCI compliance requirements are two examples.” Mike Poirier, Vice President of Operations Diamond Parking Ltd., British Columbia
2020 AWARD WINNERS Presidents Award Chuck Harvison
Special Achievement Award Operations Greg Harrison Matt Samuel John Cole Sheila Irish
Special Recognition Award
Special Achievement Real Estate (10+) Monty McAlpine Victor Quintana Mindip Janda Mike Poirier Nicole Nakano Sheila Irish Todd Kosloski
Edward Chuo
Outstanding Achievement Real Estate
Outstanding Achievement Operations
Jeff Sandborn Patrick Seward
Jason Terada Tammy Halvorson Jim Cary Joe Koontz Tom Malone Chuck Harvison Wally Placido Sandi Makaiau Jasmine-Victoria Crusat Mike Poirier
Real Estate Development Manager of the Year Hailey Mattson-25 locations
Manager of the Year Andrea Pierce Dan Geiger
Prospector Award Bob Duprie Todd Kosloski Peter Sanderson Alex Isvanca
“Networking and bouncing ideas off of each other was the best take away this year. The new legalities are always interesting and keeps us aware of possible challenges and industry disrupters.” Jasmine-Victoria A. Crusat, (R)S, CPP Diamond Parking Service-Kona, HI
DIAMOND ANNIVERSARIES We want to congratulate those employees who are celebrating 10 or more years with Diamond Parking. Thank you for your dedication! 15+ Years Paul R. Lopez
Santa Ana
Donny D. Everett
Bremerton
14
Ahmed A. Farah
Seattle Attended
14
Rodney D. Larsen
Salt Lake City Airport
14
Heather A. Pillig-Rodriguez Medford
14
Helen D. Yofthaye
Seattle Attended
14
Henock Y. Gebremedhin
United Parking
13
Ismail Hariff
Vancouver BC
13
Joseph Koontz
Seattle Self Park
13
Alfred S. Olsen V
Spokane Downtown
13
Andrea R. Pierce
Spokane Downtown
13
Jason Terada
Parking Services Canada
13
Negesty G. Egziabher
Seattle Attended
12
Peggy L. Huebner
Tacoma
12
Ashenafi A. Mohammed
United Parking
12
Michael Murray
Vancouver BC
12
Mokaddes A. Sk
Vancouver BC
12
Dennis M. Thompson
Bremerton
12
Tekle A. Zerasion
Seattle Attended
12
Indra Banes
Vancouver BC
11
Cheryl R. Coleman
Honolulu
11
Paul F. Fekete
Salt Lake City Airport
11
Romal Hafizi
Vancouver BC
11
Charles G. Jenkins
Seattle Attended
11
Abdissa M. Milki
United Parking
11
Mary L. Nielson
Salt Lake City Airport
11
Bacnhan Y. Ngo-Garrison
Seattle Attended
11
Noorullhuda Noor
Vancouver BC
11
Adelina P. Clemente
Honolulu
10
Christopher D. Graddon
Bellevue
10
Todd Kostopoulos
Bellevue
10
Sergey N. Lunin
Spokane Downtown
10
Thomas J. Malone
THANK W&W Corporate
10
YO U
Spokane Downtown
10
Parking 10 CO NUnited G R A Yuji Nagano Honolulu T U L A T I O10N S Thu-Hoa T. Nguyen Santa Ana 10 Daniel G. Meshesha
We welcome your comments: Diamond Dialog is published by Diamond Parking. For comments and suggestions please write to us at: dialog@diamondparking.com.
15
10+ Years
David M. Maimon
DIAMOND FEEDBACK
Celia Patel
Kona
10
Wondu T. Woleda
Seattle Attended
10
To learn more about the Diamond Difference visit www.diamondparking.com
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Diamond Parking is a full-service parking operator which prides itself on the quality of its employees. We do everything possible to accommodate our clients and make sure each and every client is satisfied. Such exceptional service can only be delivered by hiring the brightest and hardest working people in the industry. If you are interested in joining Diamond Parking, please visit www.DiamondParkingCareers.com. Diamond Parking is an equal opportunity employer.
ACTIONLINE WHAT DO YOU THINK? Your observations, ideas and opinions are very important to us. Whether you are a landlord, customer or employee, you can use Actionline to provide comments, suggestions or observations; to ask questions, voice concerns, report situations, or to forward information that you feel may need attention. Actionline is served by an independent communication services firm. Through this service, you may provide your personal contact information and receive a response directly from Diamond Parking. Or, you may provide your personal contact information, request to remain anonymous to the company, and receive a reply through the Actionline service. You may contact Actionline by e-mail at ask@actionline.com, by telephone at 1-800-426-0426 (day or night, toll-free) or by using a postage-paid mailer available at any Diamond Parking field office.
In Our Next Issue— A closer look at Diamond’s 2020 Operations Seminar and upcoming Business EXPO’s
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PARTNERING WITH CLIENTS TO MAXIMIZE THEIR PARKING POTENTIAL FOR OVER 95 YEARS
Bring us your parking challenge. We’ll find the best solution. EXPERIENCED. We draw on the substance and depth of decades of experience to assist property owners and building managers to develop comprehensive plans for maximizing their parking potential.
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. From parking facilities in every conceivable size of commercial buildings to major hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, sports arenas, multilevel garages and ‘Park N Fly’ facilities – we’ve done it. And we can excel for you too. For more information on how we can manage your lot email: info@diamondparking.com
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CANADA
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148,691 stalls
In 47 cities
At 1,914 locations
www.DiamondParking.com | 605 First Avenue, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104 | 1-800-340-PARK