Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandon Turk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brandon, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
At Rocket Drones, we are committed to providing students with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and we’ve pioneered an exciting approach by integrating drones into core curricula for elementary through high school students. Imagine exploring world history while piloting a drone around the classroom—making learning an unforgettable experience!
As the drone industry continues to expand, the demand for engineers, programmers, and skilled pilots is skyrocketing. By introducing students to this transformative technology early on, we ignite a passion for innovation and inspire them to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths. At Rocket Drones, we are shaping the future by sparking curiosity and equipping the next generation with the skills to succeed in this dynamic field.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Rocket Drones was established by seasoned professionals deeply embedded in the aviation industry, driven by a pressing need for highly skilled, manually trained drone pilots. Our expertise spans a wide range of industries, including film, television, agriculture, solar, and beyond, where precision and adaptability are paramount. In these sectors, a pilot who can operate without reliance on GPS or sensors is not just valuable—it’s essential. Rocket Drones was created to meet this demand, empowering and preparing the next generation of drone pilots with the hands-on training and expertise required to thrive in this dynamic field. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and equip students for a successful career in the world of drone technology.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Chris and I first crossed paths during our junior year of high school in Memphis, Tennessee, in Mr. Gray’s Environmental Science class. From day one, we clicked. Chris came from a family deeply involved in the auto show industry, and we both shared a passion for vehicles and cutting-edge technology. My roots, on the other hand, were firmly planted in a long line of military service, specifically the Navy. Chris quickly became one of my closest friends, and our bond has only strengthened over the past 26 years.
About 12 years ago, our mutual fascination with drones ignited a new adventure. In true pioneer spirit, we embarked on a road trip from Memphis to South Florida in an F-250 powered by vegetable oil—because why not? Since then, Chris has established Pelican Drones in Pensacola, Florida, while I continue to run Midsouth Aerials in Memphis.
But here’s where it gets exciting—what started as a passion has transformed into something much bigger. Rocket Drones has taken off at an incredible pace, becoming our primary focus. Thanks to the talented teams we’ve built within our drone companies, we’ve been able to step back from daily operations and dedicate ourselves entirely to Rocket Drones. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we’re just getting started!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
When we first entered the education sector, we were in for a massive wake-up call about the realities of the U.S. school system. Determined to make a real impact, we spent a full year deep in research and development—testing technology, refining equipment, and most importantly, listening to educators across the country. It became crystal clear what needed to be built for true success.
Our mission is simple but powerful: to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the exciting world of aviation. From the beginning, my parents instilled in us the importance of quality over quantity—advice that has shaped everything we do. My dad, a Navy submariner, once asked me, What would happen if the Navy cut corners on the design and construction of a nuclear-powered submarine? The answer was obvious—nothing good. That philosophy drove us to build a program with sustainability and purpose at its core.
We invested countless hours with our team, rigorously testing and refining every aspect of our program to ensure it met the highest standards. Today, Rocket Drones is recognized across the education industry as the premier, professional, and most reliable drone program for U.S. schools. We are incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve built—and this is just the beginning!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rocketdrones.com
- Instagram: rocketdronesracing
- Facebook: Rocket Drones
- Linkedin: Rocket Drones
- Twitter: @rocketdrones
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rocketdrones
