Does Parking Need Better Storytelling?
Larry Cohen has spent more than 40 years in the parking industry—but ask him what he’s most proud of, and the answer isn’t a new garage or technology rollout. It’s changing the conversation around what parking professionals really do.
In this episode of Parking Live, Matt Darst sits down with the Executive Director of the Lancaster Parking Authority, author of The Quirky World of Parking, and longtime industry leader to discuss an unexpected career that’s taken him from valet parker to executive, author, speaker, and television producer.
Larry shares stories from four decades in the industry, explains why parking professionals “do more than park cars and write tickets,” and discusses how humor, storytelling, and transparency can help reshape public perception.
The conversation also explores one of the industry’s most important—and least discussed—topics: suicide prevention in parking facilities. Larry explains how personal experience led him to develop training programs and resources that are helping parking organizations better prepare staff to respond during critical moments.
Whether you’re new to parking, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the people who keep cities moving, this episode offers a thoughtful look at leadership, innovation, customer service, and finding purpose in an often misunderstood profession.
00:00 Welcome to Parking Live
00:32 Meet Larry J Cohen
01:42 Falling Into Parking
02:35 Why He Stayed 45 Years
04:13 Quirky World Books
04:36 Writing Through COVID
07:08 Editors and Plain Language
09:53 Cult Classic Resonance
11:21 Photos and Picture Book
12:30 Suicide Prevention in Garages
18:16 Suicide Prevention Roleplay
18:57 Training Staff as First Responders
20:11 Lancaster Parking Story
20:31 Career Breadth and Best Practices
22:11 Independent Authority Advantages
23:22 Resourcefulness Lessons for Big Cities
25:07 We Do More Than Parking
27:22 Not Parking Wars Documentary
30:37 Mockumentary and Casting Talk
34:09 Future of Parking and Closing Advice
Hosted and Produced by Jade Neville and Matt Darst
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Production Assistant: Desmond Gates
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Parking Live is brought to you by Modaxo — passionate about moving the world’s people.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, their affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual-property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo and specifically disclaim all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.