Bio: Shirley started at Colonial Parking in 2011 as a Customer Care Associate, but quickly moved through the ranks to become Manager for both Customer Care and the Remote Management Center. In 2016, she moved from Customer Care to Operations, becoming a Project Manager overseeing six locations in Tysons Corner.
Tell me a little bit about yourself: I live in one of the most amazing cities in the country. I try to take advantage of the diverse events and cultures as much as possible. I am an avid volunteer because I think it is important to give back and help others. I am also a lover of history and cultures. I have been with Colonial Parking for 7 years. I worked previously in customer service, banking, retail, and sales and marketing. The common thread throughout my career has been customer service. It is what I do best and enjoy the most.
So what are some of your regular duties as Project Manager? As a Project Manager, I provide daily onsite support to the client and their tenants. I am responsible for monitoring and reporting on all areas of the parking for six locations, including garage access cards, daily occupancy, revenue, gathering competitor’s intelligence, and setting an example as a team leader.
What do you like about working in parking? The diversity of responsibilities. Some days I’m Sales and Marketing, with some Business Development thrown in. Other days, I am a Customer Service Manager, while other days I may be an Event Planner. One day I may be all of these things, and on other days my focus is on just one or two. Also, I learn something new every single day. I have been working in field/operations for 1.5 years and I can honestly say, there are very few days that go by where I haven’t learned something new.
Why do you like working at Colonial Parking?The family environment I have experienced at CPI has honestly been one of the best things about working here. I know there are people who care about my well-being, and I about their’s. Whenever I step into the headquarters office, I get hellos and hugs with big smiles and a genuine “How are you?” and “How have you been?”. It is quite something to witness. Not many companies create or are able to maintain this type of environment in today’s business world.
What do you think makes you good at your job? I care about the customers and clients I support. I am approachable and allow my staff to be creative and encourage them to think out loud. No idea, suggestion, or approach is a bad one. I try to be helpful and a good listener and provide constructive feedback during each encounter with the client. I like consistency and honesty. I try to project the same to clients and customers.
What is your favorite part of your job? The people I work with and the clients. I work with some very hard-working, dependable, honest, and humble people. They are courteous and kind to each other and our customers. I like working with the client because they challenge me. Although the relationship can be demanding most days, it is those demands that push me outside of my comfort zones. As a result, I am all the better for it.
What are your goals at Colonial? To continue to learn, grow, and be innovative as part of the Management Team.
About Colonial Parking: Colonial Parking manages 280 plus parking locations in the Washington, DC area. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service to both our customers and clients, as well as hiring trusted and driven employees that exude our integrity and accountability. We would be happy to review your project, be it large or small.
