Unmanned Parking Management 'ParkingCloud' Sales Team Leader Kang Jin-gu
Secured Contracts for Over 500 Parking Lots... Top Performer for 4 Years
AI and Cloud Technology-Based... Real-Time Monitoring of Vehicle Count and Revenue
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] "My goal? I want to make the iParking system the first choice for customers, just like Apple’s iPhone or Tesla electric cars. Personally, I hope to become a building owner and introduce the iParking parking system in my own building."
Kang Jin-gu, head of sales who joined Parking Cloud in 2016, became a high-income earner in his mid-30s. This is the result of securing contracts for the iParking system in over 500 parking lots across the country. iParking is an unmanned parking system based on artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology. Kang has ranked first in sales performance for four consecutive years at the company’s year-end awards ceremony. As his incentives increased, he earned a high salary and the nickname “Parking King.”
The iParking system is characterized by the combination of hardware (equipment) and software technology. When the barrier gate at the parking lot entrance opens, the vehicle’s license plate is automatically recognized. Building managers can check real-time sales status such as how many cars entered in a day, duration of stay, and parking fees via a smartphone application. Drivers can easily find empty parking spaces through the app, and parking fees are automatically paid when exiting the parking lot.
Kang’s initial sales approach was like “heading into the unknown.” He said, "I started by meeting with building managers or security guards, distributing brochures, and explaining the strengths of iParking," adding, "To secure contracts, I even competed in presentation pitches alongside other unmanned parking companies in front of building owners." Naturally, his sales know-how accumulated, and iParking’s technology gained a good reputation. He successfully introduced the iParking system to Netmarble’s new headquarters ‘G Tower’ in Guro-gu, Seoul, and the KBS main building in Yeouido.
Currently, there are about 3,700 iParking parking lots. The total number of parking spaces is 620,000, with an average of 1 million vehicles parking daily. iParking has been installed in domestic skyscrapers and landmark parking lots such as Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Kyobo Tower in Gangnam, IFC Mall in Yeouido, and KINTEX in Ilsan.
Since the first iParking location opened in Busan in June 2015, a total of 670 million vehicles have used iParking to date. Parking Cloud’s revenue grew from 24.2 billion KRW in 2017 to 51.5 billion KRW in 2018, and 59.2 billion KRW in 2019. Cumulative investment attracted amounts to 113.5 billion KRW, including personal investments from NHN Chairman Lee Junho.
The company also prides itself on its integrated control center that monitors iParking lots 24/7. About 100 call center staff handle complaints around the clock and resolve issues remotely, while AS technicians stationed in each region respond to emergencies. Last year, the company signed an exclusive parking service partnership with Hyundai Motor Group. The plan is to open the era of ‘Car Pay,’ where cars become fintech devices through Hyundai’s built-in easy payment system.
Looking ahead, they are developing systems that combine electric vehicle charging fees and parking fees, as well as an ‘indoor navigation’ system to help find empty spaces within parking lots. Kang said, "Through the advanced technology integrated iParking system, we can increase satisfaction for both drivers and parking lot operators," adding, "In an era where security, convenience, and contactless services are gaining attention, we will continue to expand iParking parking lots."
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