Parkwell wants to eliminate the hassle of parking.

The Denver-based company, included in this year’s Denver Post Top Workplaces list, manages a diverse and growing portfolio of parking facilities and valet services along the Front Range.

Parkwell operates in Boulder, Downtown Denver, Rino, Cherry Creek, Lohi, Golden Triangle, and beyond.

“At the core of Parkwell is a spirit of generosity,” says Joel Christensen, Parkwell Founder and CEO.

“We provide our clients more value than the industry standard through our expertise, local knowledge, leading technology, and good old fashion hustle.”

Thriving post-pandemic

The pandemic posed a significant challenge to Parkwell’s business.

Shutdowns decreased parking volume and revenue by roughly 90% for several months leading to layoffs and furloughs.

Fortunately, the company was able to build back quickly and make the team whole by the end of 2020, Christensen says.

Parkwell’s leadership team chose to look at the crisis as an opportunity, and in 2020 and 2021, the company doubled its portfolio and added talent.

“Overall, we went from barely surviving to becoming stronger and wiser, and we are grateful for the experience,” Christensen says.

With 65 locations and 160 employees, Parkwell is thriving even as downtown areas continue to adjust to having fewer employees working full-time in offices.

“Most of our locations are seeing pre-COVID or better revenues, and many of the office buildings we serve are fairly active and healthy,” Christensen says.

“However, there are certainly some challenges, and we expect more to come, but we are generally optimistic about the fundamental role a downtown plays in the vibrancy of a city.”

Looking to the future, Parkwell is committed to being Colorado’s preeminent parking and mobility services provider.

“We’re hoping to grow into new markets around the country and continue to provide outstanding service for our clients and growth for our employees,” Christensen says.

Recruiting and keeping employees

Recruiting continues to pose challenges.

“From the gig economy to the Great Resignation, it’s more important than ever to provide employees a compelling reason to work here versus other companies that aren’t as focused on their total wellbeing,” says Chris Huston, Parkwell Talent Acquisition Manager.

Parkwell recognizes the value of providing more than competitive wages and benefits. So, the company also offers a profit-sharing plan for its leadership team.

“But the best thing we do is create a place for them to grow personally and professionally, and we tangibly support them in the pursuit of their goals,” Huston says.

Committed to working in Colorado

Colorado offers a flourishing business community and a history of public and private partnerships.

“As an employer, we feel supported and empowered by the state and city of Denver to do great work and provide great jobs,” Christensen says.

“The state continues to grow and attract people from all over the country, and it has loads of natural beauty, great weather, a dynamic economy, a wonderful culture, and much more, which makes it a great place to run a business.”

The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.