Drone to 1K Podcast by Drone Launch Academy

Drone Launch Academy
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Drone to 1K Podcast by Drone Launch Academy

In the Drone to 1K Podcast, we take an inside look at how successful drone business owners got started and scaled their company to making $1,000 per month and beyond. Whether you're just looking to make a little side cash with your drone or you want to turn your passion into a full-time career, we hope that the Drone to 1K Podcast will inspire you to take the plunge and succeed with your own drone business.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    S7/EP 3 Brandon Beal of Elevation Aerial Application

    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

    49 min

  2. JAN 21

    S7/EP 2 Matt Nugent of Wing Walker Aerial Photography

    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 photogrammetryAdapted his business after losing a major clientDeveloped unique nighttime drone mapping techniquesBuilt recurring revenue through civil engineering and development clientsRecently 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: @wingwalkerphotosEmail: 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/ _____

    43 min

  3. JAN 14

    S7/EP 1 Chris Knipp of SkyMedia 423- From Church Pastor to $1,000 Drone Jobs

    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

    35 min

  4. 03/12/2024

    S6/EP 10 Juan Quinones of LuxyDrone

    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!

    50 min

  5. 03/05/2024

    S6/EP 9 Guillermo Wenzel of Drone Sky Visuals

    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!

    46 min

  6. 02/27/2024

    S6/EP 8 Noah Ruiz of Soaring Eagle Technologies

    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!

    41 min

  7. 02/20/2024

    S6/EP 7 Zach Pieper of Quantum Land Design and Arrowview Services

    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.

    37 min

  8. 02/13/2024

    S6/EP 6 Matt Harvey of Edge Drone Services

    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.

    29 min
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In the Drone to 1K Podcast, we take an inside look at how successful drone business owners got started and scaled their company to making $1,000 per month and beyond. Whether you're just looking to make a little side cash with your drone or you want to turn your passion into a full-time career, we hope that the Drone to 1K Podcast will inspire you to take the plunge and succeed with your own drone business.

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