It's Not What We Do,
It's How We Do It

Previously, I worked for many different companies, but the only thing we knew about the owners were their names. Here at LAZ, you get to see, talk and listen to them.

I joined LAZ on October 23, 2006 in Washington, DC. A big thank you to Mr. Tony DiPaolo for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to join the company. I got a chance to meet Mr. Lazowski in my first year working for the company. I will never forget the big LAZ hug he gave me that day. Previously, I worked for many different companies, but the only thing we knew about the owners were their names. Here at LAZ, you get to see, talk and listen to them. They share their stories and teach us not to give up - never ever give up! I started as a Project Manager and now am an Operations Manager. The core mission of LAZ is to create opportunities for our employees and I am a living example of just that. I like the principle of putting yourself in your client's shoes. I try to live the mission of creating value for our clients. LAZ believes in developing its people so much so that they created LAZ University. I am now a CPP (Certified Parking Professional) and indebted and honored to contribute to the growth of the company and thankful for the opportunities I've received.

The first part of our mission statement is "create opportunities for our employees" and I believe I am living proof of that.

I started as a temp working on a three-day project. I came in, worked hard, performed well and got offered a full time position as a closure agent. Through hard work and dedication I got offered a management position. LAZ has presented me with plenty of opportunities. LAZ continues its growth and I know there will be continued opportunities for me and everyone in the LAZ Family. Creating opportunities for our employees is The LAZ Way!!!

My mentors have not only influenced me to be a better manager, but an even better person.

I was young and didn't have any of my priorities in line. An incident occurred that to this day I am still very embarrassed about. I sat down with Jim Marzi and we discussed the importance of growing up and being responsible. After that discussion, I turned my negative into a positive. I have been given the greatest opportunity of my life and am forever grateful for my LAZ family. My mentors have not only influenced me to be a better manager, but an even better person.

I’ve had the pleasure of working at LAZ Parking since April 2009. I started as a Project manager then in December of 09 I was transferred to NJ. I supervised the opening of the Harrison Parking Center and managed the events during the first two years of the Reb Bull arena. In December of 2011 I was asked to manage the Grand Hyatt NYC. The experience I gained in that fast paced hotel environment and the relationships I built in NYC during that time led to me being promoted to Director of Operations. During my time as DOO of NYC I managed 18 properties which included Hotels, high-end residential building and special events. LAZ has also allowed me to branch out into other departments. I’ve been able to help HR as the Cultural Training Representative, allowing me to travel throughout our region and train our employees in The LAZ Way. I’ve also help our audit team conduct hospitality audits and RCS certification. The added experience helped me prepare for my current role as General Manager of NJ. When I started with LAZ my goal was to become a GM; it took some time and hard work but when the time came I was fully prepared for the challenge. I’m really proud to work for an organization the invests so much into their employees’ development. Now it’s my turn to identify and develop our future leaders to make LAZ Parking number 1!!!

My story begins at the Home Office, but not as you might expect. I was working as the evening janitor…

Given my work hours, often times I would run into Alan while cleaning his office. During one of our conversations, Alan learned that I had emigrated to the U.S. from Columbia in order to provide a better life for my family. Over the course of time Alan learned that I had been an accountant - even teaching accounting in a Columbian university. Alan asked me if I would be willing to meet with the Accounting department. I agreed, and after a series of interviews and skills testing, it became apparent that I could best be utilized in "cleaning up the books" rather than "cleaning up the floors." Today I serve as Senior Accountant. I am proud to be a part of the LAZ Family.

I look to serve as an inspiration to not only my employees but my friends and family…regardless of your age or background, as long as you work hard and show the will to want to succeed and go further in life, possibilities are endless.

Since joining LAZ I have experienced much success. I began in 2013 as a Customer Service Ambassador and then was named Facility Manager in 2015 at the age of 20. I look to serve as an inspiration to not only my employees but my friends and family as well. Letting them know that regardless of your age or background, as long as you work hard and show the will to want to succeed and go further in life, possibilities are endless".

My proudest moments come when we can create opportunities for our LA team… [I] am excited when I can 'pay it forward' by valuing and mentoring others.

When we started in Los Angeles, it was just John Svenblad and me - boy did we struggle. I now personally have five portfolio managers and 50 location managers supporting a division of 650 employees. I love working with them and am am excited when I can 'pay it forward' by valuing and mentoring others. I recognize that if I remain focused on strengthening my team that will also give me the time to expand my skills to continue to grow within the company.

They treat my team and me like family; we're not just another number.

I love LAZ - it has a small business feel even though it's BIG. They treat my team and me like family; we're not just another number. LAZ recognizes that each location is unique and we can create our own environment without micro-managing. They give us the tools and then stand back so we can make it happen. I am thrilled that LAZ gave me this incredible opportunity.

I never felt that "the grass is greener on the other side" could be true in the parking industry; but in this case, it was.

I began my adventure with LAZ Parking on May 1, 2016 and I still marvel at the fact that I did not join this company sooner. As a parking veteran of over 20 years (at the same company), I never felt that "the grass is greener on the other side" could be true in this industry; but in this case, it was. From my initial meetings with the ownership group, I had a feeling I was going to be a part of something that was totally in line with my managerial style. LAZ truly exemplifies their mission statement and I am very proud to be a part of this amazing organization. Parking - who would have thought!!! LAZ is proving each and every day that you can succeed by taking care of your people and creating opportunities for them, while creating value for your clients. It can be done! So glad I have been LAZified!!

I can’t tell you the amount of desks (or floors) I’ve sat at/on in my time at LAZ, but I can tell you that I’ve always been given the opportunity to grow and to carve my own path and, in doing so, have stretched into places beyond my wildest imagination.

Eighteen years old at the time and actively pursuing my Associates Degree in Human Services, where compassion is key, I was reprimanded for offering a tissue to a client’s visibly distraught spouse at the law firm where I worked. Needless to say, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I put in my two weeks’ notice, contacted a temp agency and hoped for the best. My second assignment ended up being for a Receptionist at a parking company that touted “Creating opportunities for their employees...”. I accepted and promptly found myself working for a rabbi. Because, well, where DOESN’T that happen?! Over the next ten years, I wore MANY hats – Accounts Payable Specialist, Assistant Office Manager, Executive Assistant and Marketing Coordinator. Today, I am Manager, Branding + Creative Services, providing national support to nearly 11,000 employees. I can’t tell you the amount of desks (or floors) I’ve sat at/on in my time at LAZ, but I can tell you that I’ve always been given the opportunity to grow and to carve my own path and, in doing so, have stretched into places beyond my wildest imagination. I found LAZ while looking for a job. Once here, I ended up finding myself.

I started at LAZ as a Facility Manager and in just a few months I was promoted to Portfolio Manager. For me this has been one of many of my proudest accomplishments. The company is full of diversity giving you many opportunities to meet people that do different things yet each teach you something new. It’s even more incredible that no matter what, you are not alone, whether you have an amazing team by your side or an incredible leader; for me I’ve been fortunate to have both. Here at LAZ you can make a difference and that for me makes all the difference.