Drone to 1K Podcast by Drone Launch Academy Podcast By Drone Launch Academy cover art

Drone to 1K Podcast by Drone Launch Academy

Drone to 1K Podcast by Drone Launch Academy

By: Drone Launch Academy
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About this listen

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.Drone Launch Academy 2023 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • S7/EP 7 Jeremy Proctor of Central Texas Aerials
    Mar 4 2025

    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/

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    40 mins
  • S7/EP 6 Michael Lilley of Wet Dog Drone Serivces
    Feb 25 2025

    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/

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    29 mins
  • S7/EP 5 Cody Retlich of Midwest Aerial Productions
    Feb 11 2025


    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/

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    31 mins
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