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.
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/
25 Feb 2025TRANSCRIPT
S7/EP 6 Michael Lilley of Wet Dog Drone Serivces
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 (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/
11 Feb 2025TRANSCRIPT
S7/EP 5 Cody Retlich of Midwest Aerial Productions
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/
Inside a recent episode
S7/EP 7 Jeremy Proctor of Central Texas Aerials
Published 4 Mar 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] So it's kind of nice that you just go see the leads there and sure you have to pay because barks doing all the work to bring those leads in. But I think that's a really great way to get going. One thing I was going to say just for people who are listening because we hear a lot about different drone job networks and ways to get leads and different things like that. I think one of the things that I like the most about bark and I've heard a couple of people use them is that, right? You just, you buy credits and then you have direct contact with that customer and you're kind of handling the whole thing versus some of these other drone job networks where you're sort of hired as a subcontractor just to go out and collect the data. […]
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