TXB Partners with Mako Networks to Power Convenience Store Expansion

Mako Networks Provides Scalable, Secure Network Infrastructure to Drive Growth and Operational Excellence

CHICAGO – March 20, 2025 – TXB (Texas Born), a family of restaurant-style community stores and a fuel retailer across Texas and Oklahoma, has selected Mako Networks as its Managed Network Service Provider (MNSP) to enhance network reliability, security and scalability as it expands from more than 50 store locations to 100 across the two states. The partnership ensures TXB’s network infrastructure supports its ambitious growth plans while delivering a seamless customer experience, remaining true to TXB’s values of authenticity, hospitality and integrity.

TXB, part of the Taylor-Smartt retail convenience and energy portfolio, operates a chain of next-generation convenience stores focused on fresh food, high-quality service and cutting-edge technology. Its retail fuel consists of ExxonMobil, Valero and unbranded TXB sites.

TXB’s daily operations depend on its network infrastructure. To support its expansion, the company needs a secure, high-performance network solution capable of handling increased digital transactions, real-time data processing and cloud-based applications across its expanding footprint.

Prior to adopting Mako Networks’ solutions, TXB faced multiple challenges with its existing network infrastructure, including:

• Throttled internet speeds, limiting TXB to only 25-35Mbps of a 100Mbps connection
• Unstable wireless connectivity affecting operations and guest Wi-Fi
• Inconsistent wireless backup (WBU) service, leading to downtime and interrupting transactions
• Limited troubleshooting capabilities, requiring external support for issue resolution

By deploying Mako’s cloud-managed security gateways, managed switches and SD-WAN technology, TXB now benefits from:

• Higher uptime, ensuring seamless transactions and customer service
• Full utilization of ISP bandwidth for improved efficiency
• Reliable failover solutions to prevent disruptions
• Stable wireless performance for POS systems, back-office applications and guest Wi-Fi
• Centralized IT management for secure, scalable operations across all locations

“Mako just works. That’s a huge part of growing from 53 to 100-plus stores. We need wireless to be stable. We need WBU to work when required. We need to be able to utilize the bandwidth we pay for,” said Daniel Gaddy, TXB’s Vice President of Information Technology. “The adoption of Mako Networks has not only improved internal operations but has also enhanced the customer experience with faster payments and fewer outages. Mako has also enabled a higher quality Wi-Fi experience, and their operational support has been a huge blessing.”

TXB has implemented the Mako 6600 Security Gateway and the Mako 1024 Managed Switch, providing:

• SD-WAN capabilities for optimized, secure network traffic
• Dual-SIM LTE failover for uninterrupted connectivity
• Advanced VLAN routing and firewall protection to ensure compliance and security
• Remote monitoring and real-time diagnostics through the Mako Central Management System CMS)

TBX’s IT team is now empowered to handle many issues themselves and troubleshoot problems internally rather than logging tickets and waiting for a vendor to respond. For example, Mako’s advanced network switches can be programmed to give the IT team total control of any templates or changes they wish to deploy.

With Mako Networks, TXB has dramatically improved IT operations, cutting down time for issue resolution. TXB’s network infrastructure now supports its growth while delivering a seamless customer experience and improved operational efficiency.

Simon Gamble, President of Mako Networks, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “TXB’s rapid growth demands a robust, scalable network that delivers both reliability and security. Mako Networks provides the advanced connectivity and centralized management capabilities businesses need to expand efficiently while maintaining PCI compliance. We’re excited to be part of TXB’s journey as they redefine the convenience store experience for their customers and employees.”

To learn more about the Mako System, visit the Mako Networks team at Booth 203 at the 2025 Gulf Coast Food & Fuel Expo, March 19-20, at The Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.