T2 has some of the brightest minds in the parking industry, and each employee owns a unique set of talents and experiences that help our customers succeed. We spoke with Vanessa Sentel, T2 Senior Account Manager, to learn more about her penchant for parking and her journey to T2.
How did you end up in the parking industry?
I started in the transportation industry in 2005 with Penske, a truck rental company. Later on, I took a position with an investment firm in Seattle where I managed all their parking for employees, as well as transportation. They had seven different locations across the US that I managed, handling everything from small town parking – where it was very cheap pricing – all the way to New York, where they had ridiculous pricing. I also helped manage their transportation which included working with the ferries, buses, and trains. This experience all laid the foundation for my captivation with parking.
Because of my background, my hometown university in Omaha, Nebraska brought me in as their supervisor of parking enforcement. I was out in the field writing tickets, booting vehicles, and coaching the staff who wrote tickets. I wasn’t a fan favorite on campus if you could have guessed! I worked my way into an office manager position, where I handled all the permit sales, then eventually worked myself into a director position with the department.
What is one thing you think people do not know about the parking industry?
That first impressions of your organization start with parking experiences. I always hear people say, ‘it’s just parking.’ Even my manager at the university used to say, ‘at the end of the day, it’s just a ticket – people shouldn’t be getting upset.’ But I see it as one thing that could make or break that person’s day. I would always tell people – as I trained my staff at the university, as I met with people, even when I was interviewing for my position with T2 – you don’t realize it, but parking is the first thing that anyone sees about a university or a company. If we fail there, we are really hurting the institution as a whole.
Who is your role model?
Both of my grandfathers who served in World War II. I used to go out and spend summers with my grandfather on my dad’s side, and I grew really close to him. He was very independent, had outstanding ethics, and cared a lot for his family. He was always mentor to me. My other grandfather – a pastor – was also a guide for me. They both helped shape not only my beliefs, but also how to be great at my position, and how to love and take care of my family. They were both very strong figures in my life.
What drew you to T2?
Well, first, I was actually a customer of T2! At the university, I worked with us – T2 – to roll out LPR, pay stations, etc. Eventually, somebody I built a relationship with at T2 reached out to me about an account manager position that opened up. I went in for the interview and the rest is history.
What do you like most about working at T2?
I love working with everyone at T2. I love the culture and mindset that we’re here to help each other succeed. If there are any challenges, I take it upon myself to break down those barriers between departments. I haven’t come across many, but I can be that person that would say, ‘hey, we all have one goal and it’s to serve the customer – so, if I can help in any way, just let me know.’ The encouragement to be open and to work together as OneT2 are the things I love about working here. Another would be the customers. I love being a person they can approach to solve problems. I don’t know all the answers all the time, but if I can make their process or day any easier, it’s very rewarding to me.
Vanessa has received numerous internal awards and outside recognition for providing exceptional service to our customers. We’re very proud of her!
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