Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) Lot Attendant Supervisor Messan Amlon recently received the “Impression Makers” award in Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes customer-facing employees who provide direct customer service to passengers.
As a supervisor on the 2-10:30 p.m. shift, Amlon oversees the lot attendants who are assigned to each parking garage entrance. He typically starts off his day by making a daily schedule and assigning a post to each lot attendant. He helps passengers that need assistance locating their vehicles, a battery jumpstart or are locked out of their vehicles and responds to any auto pay parking issues. He also checks ticket machines to make sure they are not running out and refills them as needed.
Amlon, who holds a customer service certificate from PPA, has spent eight of his 15-year PPA career at PHL. When he was offered a transfer from the Love Park garage to PHL, he did not hesitate to accept the offer as he wanted to advance his career and take on more responsibilities.
“I enjoy meeting new people,” he said. “I like responding to their inquiries about airport services and resolving their concerns. I like helping them navigate the airport parking routes and transportation.”
In her nomination of Amlon, PHL Director of Guest Experience Leah Douglas mentioned his assistance when she was boxed in by another vehicle on the roof of Parking Garage C.
“I wanted to recognize Messan for his exemplary performance,” said Douglas. “He is an extremely amazing individual and deserves a lot of praise for his great work. Messan went above and beyond to help me out and turned a negative experience into a positive one. It is not often that things like this happen in this world today! I believe Messan should be rewarded and recognized for his tremendous customer service and great work!”
Amlon likes working in a fast-paced environment. He also admires everything Philadelphia offers including the variety of attractions, fine dining restaurants and interesting historical sites.
“Working at PHL, I get to meet foreign and domestic travelers,” said Amlon. “I like sharing information and fun facts about Philadelphia to passengers to give them a good first impression of the city.”
Aviation is fascinating to Amlon, who has a special affinity towards pilots. “I always treat pilots I meet at PHL with the utmost respect they deserve,” he said. “Planes are a popular means of transportation.”
Amlon and his coworkers prioritize and divide tasks then complete them individually. “We always communicate over the radio to assist one another,” he said. “My coworkers are as dedicated as I am.”
He believes that customer service is a crucial skill to have in the hospitality industry. He prides himself in setting an excellent example for others by diligently committing himself to his work.
“My job is simple, yet very important as we are the first workers patrons encounter when they come to PHL,” said Amlon. “A great first experience could give them a good impression and enhance the airport’s reputation.”
Amlon is always willing to assist passengers by directing them to their destination.
“My most memorable moment is a letter of appreciation and recommendation for my excellent customer service that a patron sent to the PPA director of operations,” said Amlon. “Being recognized and praised for a job well done is very gratifying to me. Working for PPA Airport Operations has been awesome. I’m treated well and given the opportunity to improve my skills.”
The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Guest Experience (GX) Department. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Employee Conduct and Recognition Committee. For more information about the program and to nominate an employee, click here.
