Podcast EP 42 Rewind: Big Ten School = Big Parking: How Gabe Mendez is Rewriting the Playbook

September 26th, 2025 | Blake Richmond

“Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered” is our podcast that we use to facilitate connections and illuminate solutions to common problems within the parking and mobility industry.

We aim to do so by highlighting the voices of experts in the space, discussing trends and forward-looking technological innovations, and providing professional food for thought. All in an effort to help one another get better at what we know is harder than it looks…parking a car.

Today, we’re rewinding and recapping Episode 42: Big Ten School = Big Parking: How Gabe Mendez is Rewriting the Playbook

In this episode of Harder Than It Looks, host Brian Wolff sits down with Gabe Mendez, PTMP – Director of Transportation Operations at the University of Wisconsin Madison.

Gabe brings over two decades of experience in the parking and transportation industries. Gabe shares insights from his time in commercial parking operations to leading transportation services at one of America’s largest universities. He offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing parking professionals today, from event management to embracing new technologies. 

Meet Our Guest:

Gabe Mendez, PTMP

Director of Transportation Operations of University of Wisconsin-Madison

Gabe Mendez, PTMP, has served as the Director of Transportation Operations at the University of Wisconsin Madison since August 2020. With a career spanning over two decades in the parking, transportation, and mobility industry, Gabe brings experience from commercial, municipal, and academic sectors. He is an active member of several professional organizations including the International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI) where he serves on the board of directors.

    You Won’t Want to Miss These Clips:

    Episode Highlights:

    • Gabe’s career journey starting in 2001 [00:03:33]
    • Transition from Arizona State to UW Madison [00:08:00]
    • Early leadership challenges and lessons learned [00:15:30]
    • Overview of UW Madison parking operations [00:20:00]
    • Event parking strategies and innovations [00:28:00]
    • Balancing operational efficiency with customer experience [00:34:00]
    • Universities’ role in smart mobility technology adoption [00:36:00]
    • Industry challenges: succession planning and hiring [00:39:00]
    • The future of parking director roles [00:43:00]
    • Lightning round questions [00:47:00]

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