Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479641
P H o t o g r a P H i c m o m e n t s 1 8 5 they can join the ranks of senior management is extremely rewarding to witness," said Kuziak. He has overseen rapid expansion during the past few years and knows firsthand the importance of everyone working together to build a reputation based on honesty, integri- ty and plain hard work. In 2010, LAZ extended these values to the communi- ties it serves, in the midst of a weak economy. "Now is exactly the right time to establish a charitable founda- tion, because the need in our communities is greater than ever," said Michael Harth, president of the West Coast region of Sunset/LAZ Parking. The foundation's mission is to contribute time and financial resources to charitable organizations that make a positive difference in people's lives. In order to involve as many LAZ employees as possible, the company launched a contest asking all employees to nominate a national charity. Special Olympics was ultimately selected to receive financial and volunteer support during the first few years of the foundation's activities. As the company moves forward, major investments in human resources, accounting infrastructure and IT are underway. While LAZ manages virtually every type of parking operation — hotels, stadium and event parking, residential projects, office buildings, mixed-use develop- ments, shuttle services, transportation hubs, municipali- ties, valet services and hospitals — dedicated divisions for medical, hotels, and government services have been established. LAZ also offers consulting in revenue con- trol equipment, audit controls, traffic flow, design and layout optimization and parking enforcement. LAZ's modern success adheres to the same principles that guided its early years. When LAZ was provided the opportunity to manage its first garage, a 600-space facil- ity for the Hilton Hotel, net income was increased by 50 percent in the first 12 months. "There was no real magic to what we did. We were young, aggressive, honest valet parkers who focused on the facility's financial perfor- mance and service requirements," says Lazowski. Today, he said, that same story resonates in each facility the firm acquires and increased profitability and enhanced customer service result. "We have skillfully built a repu- tation based on efficiency, integrity — and above all - creating opportunities for our employees and value for our clients," Lazowski said. Above: LAZ Regional VP's and General Managers lift LAZ Founder and CEO Alan Lazowski. Left: LAZ Parking Customer Service at its best at LAZFly Airport Parking at Bradley International Airport.