We recently connected with Juan Ocampo and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Juan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Always wanted to be an entrepreneur after I left the US Marines and found a way to do it using drones. With the accessibility of starting your own business more common now than ever before, it was a no brainer.

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?

Raven Drone Solutions is a veteran owned and operated drone service provider. It was founded by me, Juan Ocampo in 2022 while I was working as a security contractor with the US State Department. I extensively researched various applications for drones from landscape photography to inspection, security, and agriculture to find best ways to serve the Miami community.

I am a former US Marine and hold a Bachelor of International Relations from Florida International University. After graduating university, I became a security contractor with the US State Department and worked in construction site security at the new US Consulate in Sydney, Australia. During this time I became interested in the drone industry and got certified as a commercial drone pilot.

Raven Drone Solutions does aerial photography/videography, asset inspection, and mapping services. With drone technology becoming ever more accessible and sophisticated, we can service a wide array of clients from real estate agents, media companies, bloggers, to even electric companies, roof inspectors, telecommunications, and even construction companies and developers. With my background in many different areas from the military, diplomatic, aviation, academia, construction, and many others, I am constantly looking for ways to leverage my experience in these fields with drone technology.

One of my proudest moments thus far has been when I participated in hurricane response efforts after the last two hurricanes struck Florida. As much as I entered this field because I enjoy making money, nothing beats being of service to those in need. Living in austere conditions with no electricity, no running water, minimal ammeneties, and being on call the entire time yet knowing that your efforts are helping communities get back on their feet is something that makes me happy. It gives me the sense of purpose that I had when I was in the Marines.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Life is full of ups and downs and mine is no exception. From my childhood, to my time in the Marines, and up to the present, I’ve faced many challenges and continue to do so. Growing up I was (still am) a short and skinny kid which made me easy pray for many school bullies. Then going into the Marines which is a very Alpha personality environment, and being posted in four different continents with just about every type of person you can imagine. After leaving the Marines and getting used to civilian life which isn’t easy, especially if your first 6-8 years as an adult where shaped by your time in the military. Many veterans struggle to find work for many reasons and I fell into this category as well, which is probably one of the biggest struggles we still face even after it’s been an open secret for decades. After I finished college I lived in Australia doing security contracting, it was an easy job but I felt like I wasn’t being challenged which is when I started learning about the drone industry. Everyone told me I was crazy for leaving a cushy six-figure job to start a business that was uncertain, and to top it all off I married my now wife who I met while I was in Australia.

While for most people doing this would be too risky, I simply said that if I didn’t do it, I would regret it. Plus if I wait too long, I probably wont do it. Being used to taking risks, constantly having setbacks, constantly rethinking and reexecuting, I felt that starting my own drone business was only natural. I got used to being uncomfortable. I got used to living in uncertain environments. I got used to people doubting me, and me proving them wrong. I knew that if I was able to conquer many of the personal demons I had in my life, live in all the places I’ve lived in, had all the experiences I’ve had, conquer the love of the amazing woman I call my wife, and be able to learn everything I’ve learned even though I was a poor student growing up, I knew I could do whatever I set out to do.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I saved a substantial amount of money when I was doing security contracting as well as money I received from an inheritance and used that to fund my business. I still have not yet applied for grants or loans.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ravendronesolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravendronesolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083329479662
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/86691324/admin/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2UPK3vSwBHLTSr9ZIDeoRg