Meet Kent Nerhus | Drone Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kent Nerhus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kent, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Growing up during the dot com era of the mid nineteen nineties and early two thousands I saw how new personal technology could become big business. I didn’t get to take advantage of the dot com bubble, so when I heard about drones I could see how that industry could have the possibility of being the next bubble. I noticed as a kid growing up with the internet along with understanding it’s capabilities, that money could be made through the advancement of personal technology. In addition, I always had a passion for aviation, going to air shows with my family is an annual event. Knowing that aviation is an expensive industry that took advantage of the latest technologies made me ponder more about the possibility of drones being a future business or career. It wasn’t a flash on the pan idea, it took a long hard process to make the decision to enter the commercial drone space. Furthermore, I had experience in doing video work, mostly small time stuff like football highlights and things like that, so when I saw that you could put cameras on things that fly around, I knew that the drone industry was going to have a place in different segments of other industries. The idea of a drone business was extremely novel when I started in 2013, but sometimes you have to “look beyond the trees, to see the horizon”.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Pilots and Drones is a distinguished network of certified drone pilots. Our clients engage us for a wide range of drone services, and it’s our responsibility to connect them with our pool of highly qualified drone pilots. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in every aspect of our service. We take immense pride in being a part of the drone industry since 2015, and our daily motivation stems from our dedication to surpassing our clients’ expectations.

Our unique value lies in streamlining the entire vetting process for our clients. We meticulously ensure that our pilots possess the requisite drone license (Part 107) and maintain the necessary insurance coverage to meet our clients’ specific requirements. Our adaptability to our clients’ diverse needs, coupled with our unwavering professionalism, commitment to excellence, and a highly-trained cadre of pilots, is what truly distinguishes Pilots and Drones from other companies.

One of the most rewarding aspects of owning Pilots and Drones is our contribution to the growth of the drone industry in various ways. Whether it’s igniting the passion of a young child at one of our kids’ camps, providing innovative solutions to our customers’ repair challenges at our brick-and-mortar location, Drone Champs, or showcasing our drones at thrilling race demos during monster truck shows nationwide – the joy we see on people’s faces is what makes it all worthwhile.

Our journey to our present business status was anything but easy, particularly in a rapidly evolving technology market. Entering the drone industry presented its unique set of challenges, particularly in navigating the regulations and guidelines set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, I view these challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.

In the drone industry, working within FAA regulations is par for the course, and while it can be demanding, it’s a challenge I’ve embraced. Lessons learned along the way include understanding that the drone industry, while exciting, is a niche market with fierce competition for certain projects. Breaking into established industries, such as film production, can be particularly challenging. However, perseverance, networking, and building a sterling reputation have been invaluable assets in overcoming these obstacles.

Networking is paramount, especially in the drone industry where educating decision-makers about the capabilities of drones is essential. Reputation is equally critical, given the heightened awareness of FAA regulations and privacy concerns associated with drones. Building a solid reputation is a cornerstone of our success.

What I’d like the world to know about our brand and story is that it’s a testament to resilience. I launched Pilots and Drones in 2015 when drones weren’t always embraced as they are today. It’s gratifying to witness the integration of drones into mainstream culture, from movies and TV series to sports broadcasts. We’ve had the privilege of working with major networks like ESPN for national events, contributing to the growing acceptance of drones.

Our story is one of determination and passion. Despite initial skepticism, I’m proud to have played a role in advancing the drone industry. My hope is that our story will inspire others to pursue their passions and realize that it’s possible to turn what you love into a thriving profession.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were to play host to my closest friend visiting the area, I’d plan an unforgettable experience. First, we’d embark on a scenic bike ride along the coastline. It’s one of my personal favorites, and living along the beautiful Southern California coast provides the perfect backdrop for this outdoor adventure. Cycling lets you soak in the splendor of nature while having an absolute blast.

Our itinerary would also include a side-splitting comedy show in Los Angeles. The city is renowned for its comedy scene, and those who know me well are aware of my penchant for humor. I have an enormous sense of humor, firmly believing that laughter is life’s sweetest indulgence.

For dining, we’d have a select few options due to my dietary restrictions stemming from my battle with Crohn’s Disease and Pancreatitis. I’d choose places that cater to these needs, ensuring we enjoy a delightful culinary experience and my friends are usually accommodating to my issues since they understand my battle.

To add some adrenaline to our outing, attending a professional sporting event would be on the agenda. I’ve always had a deep passion for sports, appreciating the rapid problem-solving, strategic prowess, and impressive physical abilities displayed by athletes.

Moreover, we’d venture into the world of live music, whether it’s a grand concert or an intimate open mic night. Music resonates with me deeply, and I have a profound appreciation for its ability to touch the soul.

And, of course, a visit to a museum would be an educational and enlightening option. I’m a firm believer in gleaning wisdom from the past, as history often teems with ingenious ideas and remarkable stories.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Through my journey in the drone industry I could thank so many different people, I truly stand on the shoulders of giants. There are countless engineers, businesses developers, business partnerships, I could name the list could go on for a while. I just want to thank anyone who has been involved in my journey through the drone industry. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities drones has created for me along with meeting so many great people along the way, I truly thank everyone that has been involved with my business development.

Website: www.pilotsanddronesonline.com

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