Back in September, I ran into Rafael Abanilla on the showroom floor at the NPA Convention in Las Vegas. Rafael is currently the SVP of Operations & Innovation at Parking Concepts, Inc., and has been featured recently in various publications due to his vast and forward-thinking knowledge of our industry and his warm, approachable demeanor. Sarah Becherer wrote about Rafael in her March 2024 article in Ocra, “Despite being someone who is objectively tech-savvy, Raf sees himself sitting on the cusp of the ‘old school’ and ‘new school’ mentalities in the parking world. He understands and experiences both.” 

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I had the opportunity to visit with Rafael about his perspective of the parking industry and other things. Below are my questions and his thoughtful responses. I hope you enjoy learning from Rafael as much as I did! TPN hopes he will be a guest in the next season of Our Parking Industry podcast. 

What is a challenge you see in the current parking industry?  

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One of the key challenges in the parking industry is adapting to the rapid pace of technological advancements while ensuring that it enhances, rather than complicates, the user experience. As we see more integration of technology—whether it's in parking management systems or payment solutions—the challenge is in making sure that this transition is seamless for users and operators alike. Balancing the human element with technology remains critical for success. 

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 What advice do you have for those who are looking for a career in the parking industry?  

The parking industry is constantly evolving, and the best way to succeed is to be adaptable and forward-thinking. My advice is to become familiar with the technological side of things, from software to automation, but never lose sight of the core of the business, which is service. Building strong relationships and focusing on customer experience is essential. Also, stay informed about regulations and innovations within the sector because this industry is impacted by everything from urban planning to environmental policies. 

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 What are you advocating for to improve accountability or communication in our industry?  

Transparency and accountability are crucial, and I'm advocating for better use of data and reporting tools to give both operators and clients a clearer view of operations. It’s important to harness technology not only to improve efficiency but to provide real-time insights and solutions that promote trust. Better communication can be achieved through platforms that facilitate quick feedback and open dialogue between all stakeholders—from parking attendants to city officials and customers. 

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 What cool thing have you done recently with your family?  

Family is incredibly important to me, and we will be taking a trip to Japan next month around Thanksgiving. We like to go camping in our small travel trailer. During the pandemic, we were on the road for 8 months going to several states and National Parks. This past summer, we went to 9 different National Parks (see photo). Being able to share that experience with them was unforgettable. 

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Rafael is highly respected by his colleagues (check out the podcast episode with Paul Gnasso) and contributes in powerful ways to our industry. You can find him on LinkedIn! ​​​​