Successful fueling and convenience store development hinges on masterful pre-development planning. The foundation of your project's success isn't just about selecting prime real estate—it's about understanding the complex dance of regulations, community concerns, and technical requirements before breaking ground.

Our expert panel from CEI unpacks the critical elements that can make or break your next convenience store project. Jim Tredwell shares wisdom gained from 30+ years overseeing projects from both owner and consultant perspectives, emphasizing how early planning creates stronger foundations. "If you don't have a strong foundation, you'll have a weak project," he notes, highlighting how pre-development sets the course for controlling risk throughout the project lifecycle.

The conversation reveals surprising insights about site investigations that developers often overlook. From outdated surveys in seller packets to hidden infrastructure limitations in growing municipalities, our experts identify the common pitfalls that delay projects and inflate budgets. They offer practical guidance on navigating restrictive covenants, environmental concerns, and community pushback that can derail even well-planned developments.

Modern survey technology emerges as a game-changer for developers willing to invest in comprehensive site understanding. As Dustin Riley explains, "We're getting a thousand times more data than we've ever got in less time than it's ever taken." His team's approach to drone and LIDAR technology delivers safer, more thorough site assessments while eliminating costly return visits. The panel challenges the common request for "the cheapest survey," explaining how this mindset often costs developers more through extended timelines and unexpected complications.

Whether you're expanding an existing brand or developing your first convenience store location, this episode provides the roadmap for smoother, more predictable project delivery. Listen now to gain practical insights that will transform how you approach your next development opportunity. Have you experienced unexpected delays in your projects? Share your story and learn how comprehensive pre-development planning could have changed your outcome.