First impressions are crucial, and Atlantic Parking Services in Dover knows that begins in the parking lot, where it helps clients ease parking hassles at locations across the state and region.
The valet parking company started six years ago, climbing out of a $15,000 hole during its first year to generating $450,000 in revenue in 2014. It expects to grow sales by 25 percent this year. Atlantic Parking serves more than 150 locations annually, mostly private events such as galas, weddings or fundraisers, though it also has about 25 weekly gigs at restaurants and hotels.
“Myself and two other valet attendants used to work at Warren’s Lobster House in Kittery, Maine,” says owner Brian Slovenski of the two people with whom he started the company. “We thought that it would be a great idea to start a valet parking company, so we did.” The company employs 40 part-time attendants (summer 50, winter 30).
Clients include Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Manchester, Boscawen and Littleton; LaBelle Winery in Amherst; Union Bluff Meeting House in Maine and SIG SAUER in Newington. “Essentially, we help to alleviate parking challenges,” Slovenski says. The cost varies depending on the event size and number of attendants and ranges from $20 per hour, per attendant to $110 per hour, per attendant.
These services, though, are only part of Slovenski’s job. He spends much of his time educating the public about valet parking to counteract common misunderstandings. For example, Slovenski says many times people become upset when his attendants take over two parking spots on the street. But in taking those two spots for drop off for off-street valet parking, it means 50 prime spots are not being taken. “In reality, we’re adding capacity,” Slovenski says. “Not everyone understands valet parking.”
Slovenski stresses that all attendants “are professionally trained in safety, customer service, security and parking techniques.” His staff receives classroom and behind-the-wheel training.
“I think there are a lot of opportunities,” he says. That includes expanding its regular weekly business. “Everyone pretty much starts and ends their day in a parking spot. We’re trying to find more markets that have year-round business ...” For more information, visit atlanticparkingservices.com
By Melissa Proulx of the Young Reporters Project, a partnership between Business NH Magazine and the University of NH at Durham. Proulx is a now a reporter at The Keene Sentinel in Keene.