THE APD PULSE NETWORK
Launch Edition
Welcome to the first edition of The APD Pulse Network — your monthly connection to design, development, and everything that brings projects to life.
Each month, we’ll bring you closer to the work that defines APD: from national rollouts and prototype innovation to industry trends that drive smarter, faster, more sustainable buildings.
Great design isn’t born from contemplation. It’s forged through collaboration, partnership, innovation, and a shared commitment to bringing your design to life.
Whether you’re managing multi-site rollouts, refining prototypes, or planning your next expansion, we want you to have access to the same insights & standards that guide our teams every day.
Welcome to the conversation — and to a network built for doers, builders, and brand-makers.
A Partnership Built on Trust, Collaboration, and Shared Wins.
At APD, we’re proud to partner with Casey’s, one of the fastest-growing convenience store brands in the country. With 2,600+ locations in 17 states, and a heritage dating to 1959, Casey’s continues to redefine convenience.
Since 2024, our teams have collaborated across Architecture, Civil, Structural, MEP, and Permitting—helping Casey’s expand and modernize stores throughout Texas and Central USA.
As Principal Amanda Speranza-Kelly shared, “Casey’s exemplifies partnership
done right: open, realistic, and deeply
collaborative—so much so that they’ve said they want APD to win right along with them.”
That spirit of partnership drives every project milestone.
Our work with Casey’s includes modifying existing storefronts and bringing them up to brand standards with a fast, efficient turnaround. The timeline below reflects one of our recent project schedules—showcasing the responsiveness and teamwork both sides bring to the table.
From October 16–19, 2025, Zaxby’s brought together corporate and franchisee leaders in Phoenix, AZ—The Valley of the Sun—for a high-energy Leadership Conference focused on what’s next for the brand: innovation, loyalty, and continued growth on the path to their 1,000th store milestone.
APD was proud to have Steve Palmeri in attendance, representing our ongoing partnership with Zaxby’s. Events like these are where we listen, align, and strengthen relationships—helping ensure we support the next wave of expansion.
And that future is already taking shape—just this week, Zaxby’s announced its first non-traditional restaurant location, set to open on a U.S. military base (Restaurant Dive, Oct. 29, 2025). It’s another bold move that reflects Zaxby’s drive to innovate and expand its footprint in new ways.
We’re excited to be part of that momentum—and already looking forward to joining the Zaxby’s team in Las Vegas in 2026.
PE, NCEES
Senior Principal
A lifelong math-and-science kid—and a natural problem-solver and rule-follower, Todd says engineering was an easy choice. Twenty-seven years into his career and coming up on 23 years with APD, he still loves the challenge of site work: every
project has its own design puzzle, and no two sites are ever the same. As APD’s Senior Principal of Civil Engineering, he blends pride in craftsmanship with clear perspective—sweating the details while never losing sight of the larger picture.
Outside of engineering, Todd admits he could easily see himself as an architect, he’s always been fascinated by how ideas take shape and become real places. When he’s not thinking about site design, he’s chasing sunshine and adventure, with tropical favorites like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica topping his travel list. And no matter where he is, nothing makes him laugh more than reminiscing about the funnier moments his family has shared.
Rochester, NY
Faster Service. Smarter Design. Stronger Communities.
Earlier this fall, the Valvoline Instant Oil Change team celebrated the grand opening of its 32nd Northeast Elite service center at 3081 Ridge Rd W, Greece, NY—a brand-new three-bay facility designed for speed, reliability, and community growth.
Once home to a vacant Friendly’s, the redeveloped site now enhances the Route 104 corridor with a cleaner layout, more green space, and less stormwater runoff, delivering both environmental and economic benefits.
“This location brings the Valvoline experience to a brand-new area, continuing our journey toward western New York,” said AM Larry Shanley.
For APD Engineering & Architecture, PLLC, it’s rewarding to help bring projects like this to life—redeveloping sites, creating jobs, and driving community progress one service center at a time.
APD Office Closed
In observance of Thanksgiving, our offices will be closed Thursday and Friday so our team can enjoy the holiday with family and friends.
Next month, we’ll explore how New York State’s new all-electric standards are reshaping design and engineering — and what it means for your next project.
