Guest: David Jones
David, a Marine Corps veteran and drone entrepreneur, shares his journey from military service to running a successful drone business. His transition began with an interest in aviation and drone technology, leading him to obtain his Part 107 commercial drone license. Despite initial uncertainty, he leveraged his military background and networking skills to break into the industry.
David’s early days in drones involved content creation—posting aerial footage on YouTube to sharpen his skills and attract potential clients. His breakthrough came when a former military connection offered him an opportunity with a commercial drone services company. This led to consistent contract work and industry exposure.
David experimented with different drone applications, including real estate photography, power line inspections, and insurance claims assessments, before specializing in:
He stresses the importance of specializing to avoid being stretched too thin in an industry with numerous opportunities.
Like many veteran entrepreneurs, David’s biggest challenge was client acquisition. While he secures work through Fly Guys, an independent drone contractor network, he is actively building his own direct client base through social media marketing, LinkedIn networking, and outreach. He also strategizes by targeting services with repeat business potential, such as ongoing construction site documentation and solar panel inspections.
David shares practical tips for veterans looking to enter the drone industry:
David is now exploring government contracting opportunities, aiming to leverage veteran-owned business certifications to secure long-term contracts. He encourages fellow veterans to pursue continuous learning and stay ahead of industry trends.
