Diven Pernia has been in the parking industry since 2017 and has had the chance to work in every industry vertical. In 2020, Diven joined the Premium Parking team as the Market President for the Memphis Market. Since his arrival, Premium’s footprint in the market has grown from 12 locations to over 30 with Premium also becoming the primary payment provider for on-street parking in the City of Memphis.

How did you get started in the Parking Industry?

Started in the Emerging Leadership Program with Towne Park in Austin, TX at the Courtyard Marriot/Residence Inn Downtown Austin. I was a valet for 3-months and it showed me how much fun the parking industry could really be.

What are your favorite neighborhoods in Memphis?

My favorite area of the city is the downtown core but I think for Memphis to reach its fully potential, the Pinch District will need to become activated to connect the southern part of downtown to many of the great offerings that North Main has to offer.

What are some of your favorite spots?

Have to give a quick shout out to Sam’s on Main where my team goes frequently to get lunch and the entire Overton Square area. My kids love the candy shop in Overton!

The holidays are here. What are some things you just have to get out and see/do every year?

Zoo Lights in Memphis for sure. The Zoo for my kids but I love the Memphis Zoo because it represents the vast diversity of Memphis. It is so amazing to live in a city with so many different cultures and backgrounds. It’s something Memphians should take an immense amount of pride in.

What brought you to Premium Parking?

GLIDEPARCS! When I got the chance to see our product in action and see some of the other industry veterans that had joined our team, I knew I was joining an organization that was at the forefront of parking management. The last couple of years in the industry has vindicated this theory, as the industry tries to get up to speed with how to manage gateless parking environments.