Building from the Ground Up: Why Retail Fuel Stations Must Prioritize the Network Layer in IT Strategy

In Fostering Innovation, Andrew Laudato introduces the Hierarchy of IT Needs, a powerful model that borrows from Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. At its foundation lies the network infrastructure – not a luxury, but a non-negotiable. 

For modern retail fuel stations, this foundation is under more pressure than ever, thanks to an explosion of connected devices and increasingly demanding applications. Laudato’s model makes it clear: without a stable network, innovation is impossible. 

The Network is Ground Zero in the Era of Frictionless Convenience 

Today’s fuel retailers operate in a digital environment that barely resembles the corner gas stations of the past. And the pace of technological change is increasing.  

Just ten years ago, a typical convenience store might have had 5 to 10 internet-connected devices, mostly limited to point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic security cameras, and perhaps a back-office computer. Technology adoption was still ramping up, with many stores only beginning to explore mobile payments, EMV compliance, and digital signage. 

Fast forward to today, that number has easily tripled, with modern c-stores averaging 15 to 30 connected devices. This includes not only upgraded POS systems and high-definition cloud-connected security cameras, but also: 

• Smart POS systems, contactless payments, and mobile loyalty apps 

• In-store digital signage and remotely programmable menu boards 

• Smart shelves and inventory sensors   

• Internet-connected fuel pumps, EV chargers, and tank gauges 

• AI-driven analytics and customer personalization 

Each piece of this tech puzzle demands constant, high-speed, secure connectivity. Now layer on the fact that modern applications – from 8K displays to cloud-based analytics – are more bandwidth-hungry than ever. The network is no longer just infrastructure; it’s the engine. 

Pressure Points: What Breaks Without a Solid Network 

Here’s what happens when the network isn’t prioritized: 

Each of these systems operates at the edge – often in remote or distributed locations – making network resiliency a foundational element of performance. 

Enter Mako Networks: Fortifying the Foundation 

Mako Networks delivers exactly what fuel retailers need: a purpose-built, PCI-certified, cloud-managed network solution tailored to the distributed, always-on nature of modern gas stations. Mako’s platform brings: 

• Preconfigured plug-and-play routers for rapid, standardized deployment 

• Cellular failover built-in for locations with unreliable broadband 

• Single-pane-of-glass management of all network endpoints 

• Firewall, Wi-Fi, and VPN functionalities with zero-trust architecture 

• SmartATG technology for real-time tank gauge integration – without legacy VPNs 

Trusted by global brands like Chevron, BP, ExxonMobil, Sunoco, Valero, and more, Mako ensures that fuel retailers stay secure, connected, and ready to grow. 

Rebuild from the Bottom – Don’t Bolt from the Top 

Laudato’s hierarchy is a reality check for every tech leader: innovation lives at the top, but it stands on the base of a solid network foundation. Without reliable connectivity, even the best customer-facing tools crumble. 

That’s why fuel operators need to view networking infrastructure not as a cost—but as an enabler of everything else. 

Final Take: Don’t Let the Future Outpace Your Foundation 

IoT. AI. Retail media. Personalization. The wave of change is already here – and it’s network-intensive. 

With Mako Networks as your infrastructure partner and Laudato’s hierarchy as your strategic compass, your fueling station doesn’t just keep up – it leads. 

NOTE: This Hierarchy of IT Needs was developed by Andrew Laudato, author of Fostering Innovation: How to Build an Amazing IT Team and COO of The Vitamin Shoppe. This concept is drawn from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.