Lone Star Drone: Elevating Dreams and Supporting Veterans through High-Flying Innovation
To celebrate National Veterans and Military Families Month, the Chamber is spotlighting veteran-owned businesses in our community. This blog series is aimed at honoring these resilient entrepreneurs who bring dedication and leadership to the business world, as we express our gratitude for their service to our country.
Founded in 2018 by Drew Smith, Lone Star Drone isn’t just soaring in the skies; it’s lifting up veterans and small businesses with a mission-driven approach. Lone Star Drone operates on three main pillars: services, sales, and support. Their expertise in survey and mapping, inspections, and cutting-edge solutions is not just about delivering services—it’s about creating opportunities.
Having served in the Army as a Cavalry Reconnaissance Scout, Drew reflects on a career marked by incredible experiences, from flood rescues to collaborative efforts against terrorism. This camaraderie and sense of purpose inspired the vision behind Lone Star Drone.
Smith’s passion for using drones as problem-solving tools stems from a pivotal moment during a bridge inspection in Florida. As he witnessed a potential disaster with a traditional bucket truck, he realized he could leverage his military experience with unmanned aerial vehicles to revolutionize various commercial sectors and potentially save lives. This fueled Smith’s commitment to developing solutions that prioritize safety and innovation.
Transitioning from the public sector to entrepreneurship brought its own set of challenges. However, he knew running his own company, he could prioritize hiring his fellow veterans that were facing post-deployment job struggles and directly impact their lives.
Recognized as the Greater Arlington Chamber Veteran-owned business of the year, a MAVS 100 business by the University of Texas at Arlington, and an honoree of the Arlington 40 Under 40 class all in 2022, Smith expresses gratitude for the community, emphasizing the importance of supporting small businesses.
The Chamber has played a pivotal role in Lone Star Drone’s growth, connecting the company with long-standing clients and experienced business owners. He also serves as the Chair of the Chamber’s Veterans Business Council where he focuses on connecting veteran-owned businesses to share struggles, advice and experiences.
Looking ahead, Lone Star Drone aims to host public drone events, allowing individuals to experience the thrill of flying various drones. Additionally, the company actively collaborates with law enforcement groups to assist in the development of their drone programs.
In the inspiring world of Lone Star Drone, innovation, service, and a commitment to veterans and small businesses converge to redefine what’s possible in the skies above and the industries below.