Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emilio Corsetti III. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Emilio thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Most companies offering aerial imaging and real estate photography either hide their costs or package them. I looked at it from the user’s viewpoint. I have a listing I want to be photographed. I want interior/exterior and drone images. Why do I have to call to get a quote? Why do I have to select from a package that may or may not meet my needs? Why, as a photographer, do I have to know how many images I need to take based on the package the end-user selected?
To me, a better way is to include a cost estimator with each service. The end-user selects the exact services they need. They also see what it would cost if they added services. In effect, they build their package and they know instantly what it is going to cost.
Some might argue that putting my costs out where everyone can see them allows my competitors to undercut me. The end-user may also take my costs and contact a competitor to see if they will match or beat my costs. Those are legitimate concerns, but I believe that making these decisions easier for the customer will ultimately prevail.
Emilio, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been a professional pilot for most of my career. I retired as an international captain for a major airline in 2022. The road to starting a drone business began with a need to create a book trailer. In addition to flying, I am also an author. I have a book coming out on March 26, 2024. The book titled I Will Ruin You!: The Twisted Truth Behind The Kit Martin Murder Trial tells the story of a pilot who was arrested in uniform at the Louisville International Airport and charged with the murders of three of his neighbors. My book aims to prove that he was wrongfully charged and convicted.
As part of the marketing for the book, I decided I wanted some drone footage to be used in a book trailer. Rather than hire someone, I ended up buying a drone and taking the video myself. That experience ultimately led me to start my own drone business.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
The total cost for me starting WildBlue Drones was just under $20,000. That is a pretty low entrance point for starting a business. I am fortunate in that I had enough savings to cover those startup costs. $10,000 of that money went into joining the Sky Eye Network (SEN). They are the largest organization of drone pilots in the United States. They provided me with the resources I needed to get up and running quickly, The other costs were related to camera and drone equipment, organizational costs, and website development. I built the website myself. I wanted full control of everything.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I am fortunate that I don’t have to rely on my business to create income. I enjoy the creative side of this business. I like working with the tools such as the Adobe Creative applications. I like piecing together random video sequences into a short one to three-minute video with a soundtrack that the end-user can use to market their business, real estate property, or event. I like being retired. I’m an avid golfer. I like to travel. But I also like the idea of using my creativity to produce a side income.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildbluedrones.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildbluedrones/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildbluedrones
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvMJW-mMeIC1kNRDBiMonIw
Image Credits
Alll images by WildBlue Drones (C) 2024