Starting a Drone Business: My Journey So Far

When I first started Jeek Productions, LLC, I had a vision: to view life from above—literally. What began as a passion for flight and photography quickly turned into a professional service offering aerial photography, real estate marketing, and inspection services throughout Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Here’s a look at the steps I took to launch my drone business and where I’m headed next.

Step 1: Getting Certified and Legal

The first thing I did was get my FAA Part 107 certification. This allows me to operate drones commercially in the U.S. Without this license, you legally can’t charge for drone services. I studied online, practiced with test simulators, and passed the exam.

From there, I registered my drones, got insured, and formed Jeek Productions, LLC, making everything official.

Step 2: Investing in Gear That Fits the Mission

I started small but smart. My drone fleet now includes:

• DJI Mini 3 Pro – Great for real estate and tight spaces

• DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise – Ideal for mapping and inspections

• DJI Avata 2 – Perfect for immersive fly-throughs

  
  

I also use a Canon EOS M50 MKII for ground-level photography, especially interior shots for real estate listings.

Step 3: Building the Brand of a Drone Business

Branding has been a key part of my business. I created:

• A logo that reflects the clean, professional aesthetic of aerial imagery

• A tagline: “View life from above”

• A website with clear service offerings: www.jeekproductions.com

• Social media channels and QR codes for easy contact

  
  

I also designed flyers, created blog content, and optimized for SEO using terms like Grand Rapids Aerial Photography and West Michigan Drone Services to reach local clients.

Step 4: Still Finding My Niche

One of the most exciting (and challenging) parts of starting a drone business is figuring out exactly where you fit in the market. While I initially focused on real estate and construction, I’m still in the process of discovering my niche.

I’ve explored a range of services, including:

• Residential and commercial real estate photography

• Aerial inspections for roofs and insurance claims

• Construction site monitoring and mapping

• Creative video projects and fly-through tours

  
  

Each project helps me learn more about what I enjoy most and what provides the most value to clients. I’m actively listening to client needs, testing new service offerings, and keeping an open mind as the business evolves.

Rather than boxing myself in too early, I’m allowing Jeek Productions to grow organically—guided by curiosity, client feedback, and opportunities in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Step 5: Learning, Adapting, and Growing

This business isn’t just about flying drones—it’s about delivering results. I’ve spent time learning:

• How to edit photos and videos professionally

• How to price competitively while staying profitable

• How to manage projects and communicate clearly with clients

  
  

Each job has been a learning opportunity, and every client relationship helps shape the future of Jeek Productions.

What’s Next?

I’m looking to expand into:

• Drone mapping for agricultural and environmental applications

• More video flythroughs for real estate

• Partnerships with local builders, municipalities, and agencies

Final Thoughts

Starting a drone business is equal parts creativity, technology, and hustle. If you're passionate about flight, photography, and helping others see the world from a new perspective, this industry has a lot to offer.

If you’re in Grand Rapids or West Michigan and need aerial content that stands out—contact Jeek Productions today.