Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonie Smith.
Hi Tonie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ll say that my story starts with the discovery of a “new solution” for a common problem in the Property Management industry related to asset inspection and maintenance. I had become the Operations Manager of a mid-sized brokerage where I took on the task of re-organization of all aspects of the business’ process. At the time, I was confident in my skills and experience, and I thought I could step in, roll up my sleeves, and get a little dirt under my nails for a year or so until I decided if I would settle in San Diego long-term.
Things didn’t quite go as planned, and in spite of seeing the company stabilize and turn a profit as a result of the changes, I felt that I was no longer aligned with my goals. My 1-year plan had turned into a 5-year investment of almost everything I had mentally and emotionally. The company made great progress, but it came at a significant cost of my sanity and peace of mind.
Fast-forward to one of the many micro-cyclones I had uncovered, I found myself in the eye of the storm. When I found a viable solution to yet another problem, I suddenly realized that I was tired of obsessing over searching for solutions to problems I hadn’t created. I was ready to be the solution for whoever I believed would value my talents and show appreciation for my hard work and sacrifice. In that same moment, I knew that the best way to accomplish what I wanted was to be my own boss.
When I came across an article on drone solutions as a safer alternative to manual inspections for roofing and infrastructure, I was amazed! It made so much sense, and the more I researched, the more I saw an opportunity to build a career in a growing industry. I immediately registered for a class that helped me pass my FAA certification exam and exposed me to a variety of use cases for drone tech. 3 years ago, I bought my first drone and flew every day to build my flight hours and skill level. I also began to connect with the local Drone industry, networking with recreational and professional pilots, learning from each and every one of them. As I learned, I also shared with anyone who would listen why adopting drone technology solutions into their operations process was the safest, most effective way to upgrade their services.
As my business took shape and my services were in demand, I knew it was time for me to leave the security of my salaried position and give needed attention to my own business. That was the beginning of 2022, and I have no regrets. More than that, I’m excited! I feel confident that I can offer business and individuals I work with the right solution for them and at the same time, hold on to my own personal goals and priorities.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
In my previous roles, I frequently felt dissatisfied, frustrated, without control, and unappreciated…for no good reason other than I mistakenly assumed that I would find satisfaction in helping others to bring their dreams to life without any consideration for how much I was sacrificing and limiting my own potential. Changing my mindset from employee to business owner was one of my first challenges. I’m grateful for the support and encouragement I received to overcome the fear that came with trading the security of being an employee to take full responsibility for my career.
Taking a leap of faith didn’t mean that there were no additional challenges. Each project I take on requires planning, financing, and staffing. The industry continues to evolve as technology improves and regulations change, so there is a challenge to stay current. Finding time to network and continue my own education while delivering on service commitments creates a demand on my time. It can be stressful, but at the same time, every day, I also feel accomplished, something I never would have seen had I not become a business owner.
Being a female commercial drone pilot when 93% of my counterparts are male also presents an interesting challenge. Because most people have never seen a female remote pilot there is, at times; an assumption made about the credibility. This challenge has turned into an opportunity as I am now able to coach and train groups of girls and others from under-represented groups to build their knowledge of airspace regulations and drone technology.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about TS Aerial Media, LLC?
I started TS Aerial Media with the idea of building a client base among businesses that needed drone images for inspection. Then I realized that those same images could be used for measurements. It was a safer, more detailed option than a risky climb up a ladder by someone trying to balance a pencil, clipboard, and measuring tape in their hands. I was excited, so I talked about drone solutions to anyone that would listen. As a result, individuals and organizations began coming to me to better understand the basics of how UAS work, what they needed to do to prepare their pilots to operate commercially, and how their business could train and recruit from the UAS field.
The need in that area is what prompted me to shift a lot of my focus to the consultation, training, and coaching aspect. My ability to understand the specific needs of the consumer of drone services comes from my understanding business and listening to what the pain points are. From there, I can point them in the right direction. My strength is that I’m not only interested in helping myself grow as a business, I’m interested in matching my clients to the right solution for them, and they sense that.
I offer aerial photography, videography, 2D and 3D site capture for construction progress reporting. I also offer ground image capture for inspection, real estate, and construction, and 3D site walk-throughs. Roofing and solar estimate measures, roof inspections…the list goes on and on. If there’s a need for inspection, measurement, documentation of change over time, or a new perspective for marketing…I’m pretty sure we can find a way to help.
I want readers to know that not understanding the details of what I do is ok. But they definitely need to learn what drones can do for them and how they can use them to gain an advantage in their industry. That aspect of education is available to them without a sales pitch. There is a lot of fear and negative perceptions about what people are doing with drones in our communities. That is based on the few “bad players” that are out there catching attention because they are not following the rules, they’re flying dangerously, or they are not respecting their neighbor’s right to privacy. I would love every reader to be informed not only about my brand but what the professionals in my industry are doing because it’s something I’m proud of.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success has to do with contentment and maintaining the best quality of life possible. It’s an ongoing state of being, not the result of one specific accomplishment.
Using tried and true principles to find balance in my life is what I believe has contributed to my success. Learning, sharing, and caring for the relationships that are important to me are things that have given me something I wish everyone could find…happiness!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tsaerialmedia.com
- Instagram: tsaerialmedia
- Facebook: TS Aerial media Drones-n-stuff
Image Credits
Tonie Smith
