Free Barking, ooh, I mean Parking.

Park’N Ticket Airport Parking is offering free uncovered parking to guests of our affiliate, Wag Atlanta, while your pet is boarded at the 3872 College St. location.

We are offering free airport parking during your pets stay all the way through the month of May in our uncovered parking section.  Guests receive a free parking voucher at their pet’s check in and 50% off their pet’s first stay, all to celebrate Wag Atlanta’s grand re-opening.  The idea of our partnership is that guests can check in their pets any time of the day, park 2 blocks away, and be whisked to the airport all in just a matter of minutes. 

We know our guests don’t always travel during normal business hours, so knowing that our partner, Wag Atlanta, always has staff on site is crucial for us. This service will be helpful for customers juggling hectic travel schedules.  Most kennels keep regular hours, forcing many travelers to leave their pets boarded longer than necessary.  Wag Atlanta has team members on site 24/7 to watch over your pets and provide customer service, saving you time and money.   And as always, Park’N Ticket’s service operates 24/7, complementing the convenience.

This is just the newest perk available to Park’N Ticket’s guests.  We have had a kennel affiliation, car wash, electric vehicle parking, dry cleaning, and other vehicle services available for many of the 31 years we have been in business.  We are always looking to add value and convenience for our guests.

Wag Atlanta is located at 3872 College Street in College Park, GA.  They are taking reservations for holiday boarding, and immediate boarding.  For more details about Airport Park’N Bark call 404-762-5050 or visit www.wagatlanta.com

More Than Just a Ride

A parking lot and ride to the airport is not always just that.  We often hear from our guests 
about the ways our team members make that ride something that adds to their trip in some way, whether it is making them laugh, smile, or connect on some level.  It is always great to hear from our guests about their Park’N Ticket experience, but this letter we had to share.  

We are very proud to have Gary on our team.  Having team members who care about our guests and who will go that extra mile is important to our company and our family.  

Celebrating 30

30 years ago, three brothers planned a company from only a sketch drawn on a paper napkin. Together, they created the first travel agency with airport parking and shuttle service.   Park’N Ticket Airport Parking continues to be the only locally and family owned offsite airport parking in Atlanta.

The Oldknow brothers have an innate entrepreneurial spirit that led to this challenging endeavor.  They started with no experience in a highly competitive market and have grown a company with over 30 team members, 1,600 parking spaces, a covered parking deck, and a fleet of 9 shuttles.  The motto, The Fastest Way to the Runway, rings true in thousands of business traveler’s ears.  They flock to our facility, choosing its short distance from the airport and attention to service, for their travel needs.

The travel agency that was the “ticket” portion of Park’N Ticket, was sold in the 90’s in response to the enormous changes in that industry.  Younger brother, Larry Oldknow, sold his part of the business to explore other opportunities.  Twins, Bill and Bob, continue their involvement, though now as advisors.

Bill and Bob expanded on their core idea of “customer convenience” over the years by affiliating with other local businesses that would benefit their guests. Airport Park’N Bark, a pet kennel created by the brothers, is just one of these.   They partnered with several local car dealers, who provide car repair services for their guests while they are away.  A rewards program integrated software that allows guests to view their receipts online, make free reservations, and link a credit card for quick check outs, all while earning free parking. 

Guests’ needs have continued to change along with the travel industry over the last 30 years and Park’N Ticket has anticipated and met those needs.  Several new services, including  dry cleaning, car detailing, and electric car plug in stations, have been added in the last year.  We are always on the lookout for services that can simplify our guest’s travels.  If we can make their day a little easier, we are thrilled.  From day one, we welcomed our guests back with a coke or water for their ride home.  We know it is little things that can really make a difference in someone’s day. 

With the twins now retired, the next generation continues the family owned business with the support from our favorite advisors. Bill’s daughter, Kelley, has been hands on at Park’N Ticket from day one.  She and I, Bob’s daughter, now oversee the business under the watchful eye of our fathers.  We are so proud of our dads and what they built.  It is really exciting to celebrate this incredible milestone with them.

  

We differ from our competition because our family owned style extends in every way to our guests.  There is always someone here.  This is our corporate office.  We have real relationships with our guests.  We really listen to our team members and guests and can adapt to the feedback we receive very quickly.  Our Angel Parking

, providing free parking for cancer patients flying out for treatment at MD Anderson, is one example of that. 

This is a tremendous milestone for Park’N Ticket.  We have a very personal appreciation for each of our team members and guests.  We hope we continue to make them happy and keep celebrating anniversaries.

Face to Face

As our world becomes more virtual, with email and social media having a strong impact on the way companies communicate, the value of face-to-face meetings should not be overlooked.

 Just as in a personal relationship, if it is not nurtured it will fail.  You must look into each others eyes, share a meal, discuss your needs, or someone else will.  Just as in a personal relationship, a face-to-face meeting creates a special connection and builds trust.  Getting to know your customers on an individual level goes a long way in forming strong business relationships. 

·         According to U.S. Travel Association, business travelers are nearly twice as likely to convert prospects into customers with an in-person meeting, than without one.

·         If you don’t foster your relationship, your competitor will.  Business travelers believe that 38% of their customers would switch to a competitor and their companies would lose 37% of annual sales without in-person meetings, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. 

·         A substantial return on your investment, every dollar invested in business travel results in $9.50 in new revenue and $2.90 in profits.

As our country faced a recession some companies choose to reduce their travel budget.  As so many virtual options became available, this decision seemed to make financial sense.  However, studies have shown that businesses who did invest in travel during this period actually had faster growth than companies who cut their travel budgets.

Meeting face-to-face clearly has a great effect on generating new sales, keeping existing customers, developing partnerships, and spurring innovations.   Fostering business relationships takes multiple tactics that include corporate travel AND virtual communication.  Face-to-face meetings are a critical part of your communications strategy.

Tip: Help your corporate travel budget by arranging a corporate rate for airport parking at  http://www.parknticket.com/corporate-form.shtml.