Leadership
Bryan Geoffrey
President & CEO
Bryan Geoffrey – is the founder and majority owner of Universal Parking. He began working in the parking industry in 1994 with a local company based in the Metro Detroit area. He quickly witnessed the tremendous opportunity that could be realized by offering a valuable employment experience to other service-minded individuals. This concept led to Universal Parking’s explosive growth in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. His parallel focus of providing exceptional customer service and a rewarding working environment enabled him to attract some of the top talent in the industry. Mr. Geoffrey attended Lawrence Technological University, a national accredited University and studied Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration.
Contact: VCARD
Mike Hollenbeck
Vice President – Automotive Dealership Operations and Development
Mike Hollenbeck has established himself as a strong leader in the auto dealership hospitality industry. With over 15 years of broad experience ranging from five-star hotels, luxury casinos, and convention resorts to Mercedes-Benz Customer ONE he is known for his ability to deliver the highest level of guest service and satisfaction. After several years with the Walt Disney World Resorts, Mr. Hollenbeck transferred his hospitality skills to automotive dealership, healthcare, and luxury condominium services. Mike has carefully crafted a team of hospitality and service experts from Walt Disney World, Ritz Carlton, Loews Hotels, Marriott and more to ensure the highest level of guest and client satisfaction. Mr. Hollenbeck helped design our Hospitality First training program and created our CSI Awareness Courses to ensure focused, well trained leadership and personnel which solidifies guest loyalty to Service and Sales Departments. Mike spearheads operations and development across the country supported by his team of hospitality leaders. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he majored in Sociology and minored in Psychology.
Contact: mhollenbeck@universalvalet.com
Dave Crowe
Director of Medical Operations
Dave Crowe has been in the healthcare parking industry since 2003, where he has been held responsible for overseeing all medical operations nationwide. Known for his attention to detail and absolute commitment to the patient guest experience, Mr. Crowe exhibits strong leadership and provides exceptional mentoring to the Universal managers under his direction. He oversees eight hospitals and holds the distinction of not having a single contract that falls under his responsibility be terminated or non-renewed. Mr. Crowe began his career as a Corporate Account Manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car after graduating from Michigan State University with a BS in Business Management.
Contact: dcrowe@universalvalet.com
Tonia Williams
Director of Risk Management and Special Events
Ms. Williams oversees all valet events, processes all Insurance claims for four states, manages the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall, and manages over 100 employees. She has been with Universal Parking for 12 years and is involved in the day-to-day operations. She is a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan with a Bachelors of Science in Management.
Contact: tonia@universalvalet.com
Robert Popola
Regional Director
Robert Popola oversees the Florida region of the Dealership Division. He is a key player for the sites from A to Z, assisting in the openings and then seamlessly overseeing them in the day-to-day operations. Since joining the Universal Parking team in 2007, Robert has been able to apply his prior experience in valet management, security, and hospitality. Though he has opened big box hotels (The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino), started a business (a card and signature shop) and worked in the front lines of the valet industry, he considers his most rewarding work to be the years he spent working with terminally ill patients for a non-profit organization. Mr. Popola has a Specialized Associates degree from Miami-Dade Community College.
Contact: rpopola@universalvalet.com
Nick Borey
Director of Operations
Nick Borey is the company expert on opening new locations as smoothly as possible. With an eye for talent and a strong emphasis on training from day one, he has been a core resource as the company continues to grow. Mr. Borey has over 15 years of experience in leadership roles in the hospitality industry, and joined our team in 2010. His background includes leading teams at top hospitality companies (including Walt Disney World Resorts and Loew’s Hotels), where he sharpened his training skills teaching guest service classes and launching new locations. Mr. Borey is a graduate of Valencia College with an associate in Hospitality Management and Tourism.
Contact: nborey@universalvalet.com
Dina Dalaly
Business Development & Special Projects Director
Dina Dalaly, minority owner of Universal Parking, joined the team after years of operating successful business ventures in both the health and hospitality fields. Her entrepreneurial spirit, joined with her organizational management experience, makes her an obvious choice for her roles as Business Development and Special Projects Director. Equipped with a Business Communications degree and senior management expertise, she tackles the challenges of daily operations in the corporate office. Ms. Dalaly works to develop the business in terms of both growth and retention.
Contact: dina@universalvalet.com
Yani Chacin
Director of High Rises
As the Director of High Rises for Universal Parking of America, Yani Chacin oversees managers for all locations offering residential parking amenities and services. Chacin cut his teeth in the industry over 10 years ago as an entry level valet attendant. Once he joined Universal Parking of America it wasn’t long before his ability to take on whatever he was given was recognized by company President, Bryan Geoffrey. Within two years of building upon his solid industry foundation he was promoted to various management positions and eventually Director of High Rises. He prides himself in having an eye for hiring great employees, and jumping in getting his hands dirty at times to stay involved in the operation.
Contact: ychacin@universalvalet.com
Lara Clayton
Business Development & Public Relations
Lara is the go-to person for anything having to do with representing the Universal Parking brand. Whether it’s designing a new app, creating electronic marketing material, prepping for a trade show, or hosting a webinar, she works hard to ensure we look our best. She is also a member of the sales team, specializing in client presentations and creative custom proposals. Ms. Clayton’s professional background includes regional sales roles for both Marriott International, and LXR Luxury Resorts. She has also represented resorts as a public relations manager. Lara has a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Eastern Michigan University.
Contact: lclayton@universalvalet.com
Eric Swinarski
Director of Hospitality
Eric Swinarski not only recognizes 5-star service, he knows how to create it. His 25 years in the hospitality field give him an unusually broad base of experience with which to diagnose and remedy guest service opportunities. Eric has led teams amongst the top hotel management companies in the world, including the Ritz Carlton, Hard Rock Hotel and Walt Disney World Resorts. Boasting numerous awards for his professional accomplishments, he handles guest service training and quality control across the dealership division. Eric obtained his Masters degree in Organizational Management from Nova Southeastern University.
Contact: eswinarski@universalvalet.com
Jan Tallerico
Director of Human Resources
Ms. Tallerico is a Michigan native who has over twenty years of hands on experience as a director leading human resources teams and initiatives. Currently she is responsible for supporting over 800 employees and is able to do so due to her emphasis on educating the team from the top down. Whether it’s a field training onsite or hosting a class for managers in the office, she makes sure everyone stays informed. She is an active member of the Society of Human Resources Managers and stays sharp through ongoing education in employee relations, mediation, FMLA, ADA, and employment law.
Contact: hr@universalvalet.com
Melissa Botsford
Corporate Operations Manager
Ms. Botsford is our Corporate Operations Manager and serves as the central hub for communication from the field making sure priority issues are addressed. She makes a point to treat all team members with respect, and is often told by employees and clients alike that they can feel her smile on the phone. In addition, she takes on projects or problems that fall outside of anyone’s normal scope of work. Ms. Botsford is cross-trained so that she can work within each department and serve as backup when needed. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Oakland University.
Contact: melissa@universalvalet.com