Owning your own business is a dream that many have, but making that a reality takes grit, discipline, and knowledge. As commercial drone operations gain traction, many pilots consider venturing out on their own to create a business dedicated to something they care about. Doing so is no small task, and it can feel like you have more questions than answers when you’re just getting started — questions such as "What approvals do I need?", "What kind of hardware and software is really necessary for my job?", "How do I market myself?", and "What kind of insurance do I need?" are just a few of the hurdles new business owners face.
Yes, these are all questions you can do independent research on, but hearing advice directly from someone who has been in the exact same place as you have been is invaluable.
To answer these kinds of questions and more, Commercial UAV News is hosting a panel webinar on Tuesday, May 12 at 1:00PM Eastern Time entitled Operator to Operator: The Honest Guide to Running an Independent Drone Business. This 60-minute panel discussion brings together drone business owners with diverse backgrounds and skills set to share how they got their companies up and running, experience with FAA waivers, how to market your services, and beyond.
The conversation will include insights from: Robert Hart, founder & lead operator of Lidar Drone Services; Dan Tartaglia, owner/operator of DroneAbility LLC; and Matt Young, managing director of Aerial Ashes. The webinar will be moderated by Erin Williams, content specialist at CUAV News.
Registration is free, and all registrants will receive access to an on-demand recording of the discussion if they can’t attend live.
Panelists for this webinar will provide a well-rounded perspective on starting a drone business, considering the different markets they serve. From aerial thermography to commercial real estate photography and the unique role drones can play in end-of-life services, each panelist has carved out a distinct path in the industry. Together, they'll speak candidly about the early mistakes that cost them time and money, the workflows and tools that made their businesses more efficient, and the strategies that helped them build lasting client relationships, giving attendees a rare, unfiltered look at what it actually takes to go from licensed pilot to legitimate business owner.
Managing client relationships is a large part of running any business. While all panelists will have their thoughts on this, Young will offer a particularly distinctive perspective. As the managing director of an ashes scattering service, he operates in one of the most emotionally sensitive environments a drone operator can encounter — one where trust, discretion, and professionalism aren't just good business practices, but the foundation the entire service is built on. His insights on earning and maintaining client confidence will resonate well beyond his niche.
If you’re in the business of drone inspections or data collection, you know how important it is to make that data digestible and understandable for the client. As someone with extensive knowledge of utility-scale infrastructure inspections and aerial thermal data processing, Hart will speak on the best ways to translate that information to the client with ease.
Maybe you aren't looking to go full time into a drone business, but want to take it up as a side hustle. Tartaglia will be well-equipped to speak to that path. As someone who has spent five years building DroneAbility LLC alongside a full-time career in software development, he has navigated the balancing act of growing a business without sacrificing quality. For anyone thinking about easing into entrepreneurship while maintaining other aspects of life, his experience offers both a realistic roadmap and genuine encouragement.
Whether you are ready to dive into being a full-time drone service provider or looking to build a business on the side, attendees will walk away with actionable steps to get their company off the ground, move it to the next level, or expand into new markets.
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