In this episode of the Drone to 1K Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Proctor, owner of Central Texas Aerials. Jeremy shares his remarkable journey of turning a therapeutic hobby into a thriving drone business that generated nearly $70K in revenue during his first full year. After being laid off from his corporate tech job in July 2023, Jeremy transformed his drone side hustle into his primary source of income. Based in New Braunfels, Texas, he strategically positions himself to serve both the San Antonio and Austin markets, capturing lucrative construction progression documentation contracts. Jeremy reveals how he: Used Bark.com as his primary lead generation tool, investing $4-5K to secure approximately $70K in business Built relationships with construction companies, universities, and solar farms Secured recurring contracts worth $10-12K each from clients like Texas A&M University and SeaWorld Created impressive time-lapse progression videos that won him new clients Plans to scale his business nationwide by hiring pilots in other cities Whether you're just starting your drone business or looking to take it to the next level, Jeremy's practical advice and inspiring success story demonstrate how determination and strategic positioning can lead to significant growth, even in challenging circumstances. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to help other drone entrepreneurs on their journey! https://www.centexaerials.com/…

Join us for a conversation with Michael Lilley, founder of Wet Dog Drones, as he shares his journey from drone enthusiast to successful construction site documentation specialist. Michael reveals how he built a thriving drone business while working a full-time job in the construction industry. In this episode, Michael discusses: His unconventional 1AM workday schedule and how he manages his drone business on weekends How he convinced his employer to become his biggest client after initially facing resistance The specifics of construction progression monitoring and how drones save clients thousands of dollars His approach to building recurring revenue with strategic flight schedules Practical advice for drone pilots looking to break into the construction industry Whether you're interested in the construction world, progression update photography, or building a drone business with sustainable income, Michael's story demonstrates the power of persistence and industry expertise. Get the Progression Shots workshop for just $1 here- https://courses.dronelaunchacademy.com/p/how-to-take-project-progression-shots?coupon_code=WETDOG&product_id=5946200 Connect with Michael: https://wetdogdrones.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wet-dog-drone-services/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wetdogdrones/…

In this episode of the Drone to 1K Podcast, host David Young talks with Cody Retlich about: Acquiring a drone service business (MKE Drones) for minimal upfront cost Growing revenue by 30% through strategic business acquisition Tips for new drone entrepreneurs on client acquisition Building a successful drone service business from scratch Key Insights: Negotiated a 2-year payment plan with the previous business owner Focused on expanding existing client base and service offerings Importance of knowing your niche and building relationships Learn more about Cody's drone business journey and strategies in the Drone to 1K course! https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-to-1k-2023/ Connect with Cody: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-retlich/ https://www.droneadair.com/ https://www.midwestaerialproduction.com/…

In this episode, we dive into Jon Jeffress's incredible journey from weekend car show photographer to a successful real estate media production entrepreneur. Learn how he transformed his business, navigated the challenges of growth, and built a half-million-dollar company in Mobile, Alabama. 📸 What You'll Learn: How Jon pivoted from automotive to real estate photography The power of networking and strategic partnerships Innovative approaches to service delivery in the photography business Scaling a business from $35K to $540K in just a few years Insights into drone photography and real estate media production Connect with Jon: https://www.deepsouthfocus.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deepsouthfocus_re/ https://www.instagram.com/deepsouthfocus/ Get the workshop for just $1 here- https://courses.dronelaunchacademy.com/p/landing_real_estate_clients_through_instagram?coupon_code=PODCAST&product_id=4832523…

Our guest for this episode is Brandon Beal of Elevation Aerial Application. 🚁 Highlights from this episode: Getting Started: Brandon came from a traditional aviation background working with helicopters before transitioning to drones in 2017. He moved to Virginia during COVID to pursue his dream of agricultural drone operations. The Business: Starting with a $50,000 loan, Brandon and his business partner launched Elevation Aerial Application, focusing on spraying and fertilizing Christmas tree farms, corn fields, and pastures using DJI Agras T40 drones. Growth & Impact: In their first year, they generated $50,000 in revenue. By their second year, they've expanded to three drones and reached $170-180,000 in revenue. Their services help farmers reduce chemical usage by 30% and decrease reliance on manual labor, particularly in Christmas tree operations. Innovation: They're now developing a client portal where farmers can track their fields, request services, and manage application records - showing how they continue to evolve and improve their agricultural drone services. Get the Introduction to Drones in Agriculture workshop for just $1 here- https://sso.teachable.com/secure/58782/checkout/4832513/intro-to-drones-in-agriculture?coupon_code=PODCAST…

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Nugent, founder of Wing Walker Aerial Photography in Seattle, who shares his journey from reluctant police drone operator to successful drone business owner. Matt reveals how he built a thriving side business generating $5,000+ monthly while maintaining his full-time career in law enforcement. Learn how Matt: Transitioned from basic police drone work to specialized photogrammetry Adapted his business after losing a major client Developed unique nighttime drone mapping techniques Built recurring revenue through civil engineering and development clients Recently landed his biggest month ever at $20,000 Whether you're just starting your drone business or looking to scale existing operations, Matt offers practical insights on finding your niche, building client relationships, and delivering professional results. Connect with Matt: https://www.wingwalkerphotos.com/ Instagram: @wingwalkerphotos Email: matt@wingwalkerphotos.com FREE TRAINING: How to Start a Drone Business in 2025 — Even If You Have NO Experience: https://training.dronelaunchacademy.com/free-drone-business-training-2025/ _____ Use the code PODCAST300 to get the Drone to $1k Course with a $300 discount! https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-to-1k-2023/ _____…

We're excited to announce that Season 7 Episode 1 of the Drone to $1K Podcast is out! Our guest for this episode is Chris Knipp of Sky Media 423 . Highlights from this episode: Unexpected Beginning: Chris's drone journey started with a Mavic Mini purchase in late 2019 for his church's kids ministry during COVID, creating engaging online content by incorporating aerial footage into their productions. His background in film industry work and storytelling through children's ministry laid the groundwork for his visual style. First Commercial Success: Without even planning to start a business, Chris landed his first paid drone job filming an 880-acre property for developers, earning his first $1,000. This unexpected success opened his eyes to the commercial potential of drone services. Business Evolution: Sky Media 423 has grown into a diverse media company, offering real estate photography and videography, event coverage, family portraits, and branding videos. Be sure to check out the full episode to learn more about Chris's journey! Get the Drone 101 course for just $1 with a coupon code SEASON7 here- https://courses.dronelaunchacademy.com/p/drones-101?coupon_code=SEASON7&product_id=1893165…

We're excited to announce that Season 6 Episode 10 of the Drone to $1K Podcast is out! Our guest for this episode is Juan Quinones of LuxyDrone . https://www.instagram.com/juan.c.quinonez/ Juan Quinones, founder of FPV Creator Pro and Luxy Drone, shared his journey, highlighting his transition from videography to FPV drone flying. 🚁 Highlights from this episode: Discovering FPV: Juan's fascination with FPV drones began when he witnessed an impressive aerial display at a yacht party. Persistence and Learning: Despite numerous setbacks, including struggling with the simulator for about 90 hours over a year, Juan navigated through challenges like understanding LiPo battery safety and repairing drones. Skills Development: Juan improved his skills in repairing drones and mastered FPV flying techniques which led him to landing gigs in luxury real estate. Business Expansion: Juan used his skills to expand his business ventures with FPV Creator Pro and LuxyDrone. He started offering courses and services in the FPV industry. And much more!…

We're excited to announce that Season 6 Episode 9 of the Drone to $1K Podcast is out! Our guest for this episode is Guillermo Wenzel of Drone Sky Visuals . Guillermo, founder of Drone Sky Visuals, came back to the podcast to talk about how he's been doing since his last appearance on the podcast in 2019. 🚁 Highlights from this episode: Juggling Jobs: At first, he was working both his drone business, Drone Sky Visuals, and a regular job at a construction company. Getting Drones into Business: He managed to convince the construction company to use drones by showing them how they could help with impressive aerial photos. Branching Out: Guillermo talked about how he started looking into different areas like Building Information Modeling and moved beyond just real estate because that market was getting crowded. Business Takeoff: His business took off in 2022 with exciting gigs, leading to a significant increase in revenue. And much more!…

Season 6 Episode 8 of the Drone to $1K Podcast is out! Our guest for this episode is Noah Ruiz of Soaring Eagle Technologies . Noah Ruiz, founder of Soaring Eagle Technologies, transitioned from capturing photos of houses to specializing in infrastructure inspection with drones. 🚁 Highlights from this episode: Inspiration and Early Ventures: Noah started his drone journey after witnessing the profitability of the technology in various industries, initially focusing on capturing images and videos of residential properties and construction sites. Transition to Infrastructure Inspection: Recognizing the immense potential in infrastructure inspection, Noah shifted his business focus accordingly, investing in advanced equipment like the Falcon 8 drone to enhance capabilities. Success with APS Contract: Noah secured a lucrative contract with APS (Arizona Public Service), generating approximately $120,000 in revenue over four quarters, solidifying his company's presence in the industry. And much more!…

Our guest for this episode is Zach Pieper of Quantum Land Design and Arrowview Services. Zach worked for Caterpillar in civil engineering and then ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing Quantum Land Design and Arrowview Services. These companies specialize in services for contractors and civil engineering, respectively. 🚁 Highlights from this episode: Drone Integration in Construction: Zach's utilization of drones in construction and civil engineering, leveraging his diverse background in farming, mining, heavy construction, and earthmoving contracting. ArrowView's Drone Data Services: ArrowView Services specializes in providing drone data services for civil engineers and surveyors, offering 3D models and contour maps tailored to diverse client needs. Quantum Land Design's Contractor-Facing Services: Quantum Land Design focuses on contractor-facing services, including machine control models and drone data services tailored specifically for contractors in the field.…

Our guest for this episode is Matt Harvey of Edge Drone Services. https://edgedroneservices.com/ Here are the main highlights of this episode: Matt's journey into the drone industry began while he was still in college, sparked by a conversation at a construction company where he was employed. He and his friend formed a partnership and started their own drone services company. Initially, they focused on projects in construction, like replacing bridges and promoting real estate. Matt faced challenges and learned valuable lessons while working with a partner, eventually buying out his friend's share. He shifted to subcontracting work, especially in the utility sector. Matt found profitable opportunities during hurricane seasons and natural disasters like wildfires. His contract work involved inspecting assets such as distribution and transmission lines. He discussed the logistical challenges of traveling extensively for work, particularly between Florida and California. Matt emphasized the importance of adapting to industry changes and seizing opportunities.…

Welcome back to the Drone to 1K podcast! In Season 6, Episode 5, host David Young catches up with Pedro Silva of Drones by Dro. Pedro shares his journey from part-time drone enthusiast to running a thriving drone business full time. Tune in for valuable insights on starting and growing a drone business, including Pedro's transition to full-time drone work and his success with search engine optimization that boosted his business. https://www.dronebydro.com/ 🚁 Highlights: Pedro's journey from part-time to full-time drone business. Deep dive into search engine optimization strategies. Exploring the different drone services that propelled Pedro's success. Overcoming challenges and personal loss while building the business. Tips for growing your client base and navigating the drone industry. 👕 Special Offer: Love the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, screenshot it, and send it to david@dronelaunchacademy.com to receive a free Drone Launch t-shirt!…

Welcome back to Season Six, Episode Four of the Drone to 1K Podcast! 🚁 In this episode, David Young sits down with Blake Skor of CT Aerial Photo, LLC. Blake, at just 18 years old, shares his inspiring journey into the world of drone photography and videography. One highlight of the conversation is how Blake fearlessly pursued opportunities, showcasing the power of strategic outreach and overcoming obstacles. 🔍 Topics Covered: Blake's strategic outreach approach: From cold calling ski resorts to landing paid gigs. Overcoming the fear factor: How Blake tackled challenges and made things happen. The pivotal moment: Blake's first paid job at a ski mountain, turning a portfolio-building opportunity into a $100 success. Diving into the business side: Formation of CT Aerial Photo LLC and the transition from free work to a profitable side hustle. Utilizing online job platforms: Insights into platforms like droners.io and Sold by Air for expanding opportunities. Tips for success: Blake shares valuable advice for aspiring drone entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of persistence and networking. 👕 Free Drone Launch T-Shirt Offer! Enjoying the podcast? Leave an honest review, screenshot it, and email support@dronelaunchacademy.com to receive a free Drone Launch t-shirt as a token of our appreciation. 🎙️ Meet Blake Skor: Connect with Blake and learn more about his drone journey and CT Aerial Photo, LLC. 🌐 Visit CT Aerial Photo's Website- https://www.ctaerialphoto.com/…

Our guest for this week's episode is Jeff Hughes of Campfire Video Solutions. https://campfirevideos.com/ Jeff's journey started from a job where he made videos to promote a home inspection company.Then, during the pandemic, he tried out drones for real estate photos and videos and became a licensed drone pilot. Here's a quick look at what we talked about: From Making Ads to Flying Drones: Jeff started with making ads, and then he got into using drones for even cooler shots. Pandemic Project: Find out how Jeff got into drones during the pandemic, taking cool shots of houses. Free to Paid: Jeff shared his plan of doing free work to build up his portfolio, which eventually led to getting paid for doing cool projects. Smart Moves: Learn why doing free work can actually lead to getting paid for bigger projects, with a real example of scoring a big job for a home builder. Drone Decisions: Jeff talks about choosing between DJI and Autel drones, explaining what's good and not so good about each.…