Why I Left My Secure Financial Job to Establish a Drone Enterprise

Back in the summer of 2016, I was a 21-year-old living in New York City, working as a trainee for a private investment research firm. During a weekend trip with friends to the Jersey shore, I noticed planes towing advertising banners continually—a common sight there.

Being from Seattle, the constant parade of old-fashioned aircraft with loud engines and pollution struck me as outdated and inefficient. This observation sparked an idea, compelling me to delve into aerial marketing once I returned to the city. I found myself fully engrossed in the subject.

Within a year post-graduation, I secured a job in the same Manhattan-based private-equity firm. Rapid advancement in business development afforded me a comfortable salary, yet my curiosity about the potential for drones in advertising persisted into the night.

I frequently reached out to drone manufacturers, even sending sample 800-foot banners to those open to experimenting. Unfortunately, all returned the banners, insisting that a specialized approach in software and hardware was necessary.

Realizing the need for a custom-built drone, I contacted the FAA for guidance on approval protocols. Despite no immediate feedback, I pushed forward, hiring three Maryland engineers via LinkedIn after endless calls. Pooling resources from personal savings, my mother, and a college friend, I invested $150,000 into crafting a prototype.

Eventually, the FAA responded, inviting me to discuss. They highlighted the safety risks of traditional banner-towing and saw potential in my drone concept to enhance safety. With a functional prototype, albeit limited in duration but credible enough to verify my idea, I presented it to the FAA's UAS Integration Office virtually.

This presentation won FAA approval, signaling a positive future if pursued. By 2021, I established and officially incorporated Sustainable Skylines. With raised funds totaling $1 million from angels and peers, the journey truly began.

As a senior director, I found my focus thoroughly shifted towards revolutionizing aerial advertising with drones, prompting my exit from my corporate role. Although a daunting departure decision, I was driven by a belief in my pursuit.

The following year, Miami became my new base—a city synonymous with banner towing and conducive to testing all year. Initially, we offered complimentary advertising space, learning along the way. Soon, my team grew to include three engineers and my mother in the role of chief financial officer, given her extensive experience.

Thanksgiving marked a milestone when our drone-based operations received FAA approval for commercial use in the US. Successfully towing a banner 10 miles over Miami Beach, we secured our inaugural paid campaign with a sunglasses brand the ensuing spring break.

We have since initiated production to mass-produce our aerial devices, not just targeting banner ads but expanding our drone's utility. With $2.8 million in seed capital, plans to attract institutional investors are in motion. Our team now includes a former US Army Special Operations officer, who leads government solutions, and a newly appointed marketing leader.

Navigating the business landscape has proven more challenging than anticipated. Nevertheless, the journey is unparalleled.