We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Noah Ruiz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Noah , thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

One of the pivotal risks we took was transforming our small aerial photography business, Skynetwest, into Soaring Eagle Technologies, specializing in unmanned system technology for infrastructure inspections. Initially, Skynetwest was achieving moderate success, but we identified a greater opportunity in applying unmanned system technologies to sectors like electrical utilities and civil engineering. Despite our limited knowledge in these areas and the complexities of navigating a highly regulated industry, we believed in the potential transformative impact of this technology.

The shift required substantial financial investment, mastering new technologies, and building industry relationships. After intensive research, training, and networking, the risk paid off. Soaring Eagle Technologies grew into a national leader in unmanned system inspections, securing significant contracts and fundamentally changing how critical infrastructure is maintained. This decision not only expanded our business but also underscored the importance of innovation and adaptability in our entrepreneurial journey.

Noah , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Certainly! I’m Noah Ruiz, the founder of Soaring Eagle Technologies, a company specializing in unmanned system technology for infrastructure inspections and mapping services. My entry into this industry started with a small aerial photography venture, Skynetwest, focusing on capturing images using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, I quickly recognized a significant opportunity to utilize unmanned system technologies for more specialized applications, particularly in infrastructure inspections and civil engineering projects.

At Soaring Eagle Technologies, we provide comprehensive inspection services that assist utility companies, civil engineers, and surveying professionals in gathering detailed, accurate data about critical infrastructure. This includes everything from power line inspections to detailed topographical mapping. Our services address a range of client needs by enhancing safety, reducing costs, and improving the accuracy of data collection in environments that are often challenging and hazardous for human inspectors.

What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and quality. We were among the first to receive commercial non geo-located Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing our unmanned systems to operate beyond the operator’s line of sight. This capability significantly expands the potential use cases for our technology and underscores our leadership in regulatory advancement and safety standards.

I am most proud of how we’ve transformed and grown the company from its modest beginnings into a national leader in unmanned system inspections. This growth is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication, as well as our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can achieve in commercial settings.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at Soaring Eagle Technologies, we’re not just about operating unmanned systems; we’re about delivering solutions that make a tangible difference in our clients’ operations. We aim to drive innovation in the unmanned systems industry, ensure safety in critical infrastructures, and lead the way in technological advancements. Our goal is to provide you with reliable, precise, and actionable data that supports your projects and decision-making processes.

Our work is driven by a passion for what unmanned system technology can achieve and a deep commitment to our clients’ success. Whether you’re looking to manage risks more effectively, reduce operational costs, or gain deeper insights into your operations, Soaring Eagle Technologies has the expertise and technology to make it happen.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

At Soaring Eagle Technologies, our “secret sauce” for sustained growth and a sterling reputation hinges on exceptional turnaround times and outstanding customer service, coupled with our ability to gather top-notch, high-resolution, and accurate data. We prioritize rapid data processing and delivery, ensuring our clients receive timely, actionable insights that are critical for infrastructure maintenance and safety. Equally important is our commitment to transparency and client involvement; we maintain honest communication and keep clients well-informed about operations around their assets. This approach not only builds trust but also allows clients to feel connected to the process, thereby reinforcing their confidence in our services. We include clients in operational updates, helping them understand the data collection complexities and enhancing their appreciation for the accuracy and detail of the data provided. Ultimately, our goal is to equip clients with accurate, relevant, and easily interpretable data to support informed decision-making. By seamlessly integrating these practices, Soaring Eagle Technologies not only meets but often exceeds client expectations, establishing ourselves as a preferred partner in the unmanned systems industry.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Initially, my business, Skynetwest, focused on aerial photography, but we quickly realized that we were essentially exchanging hours for dollars, limiting our growth and scalability. It became clear that to expand and truly capitalize on emerging opportunities, we needed to target larger, more lucrative clients in sectors like infrastructure inspection. However, to compete at this level and engage with these ‘big fish’ clients, it was essential to equip ourselves with advanced technology.

Understanding the stakes, we made a significant investment, purchasing a $40,000 piece of cutting-edge equipment. This investment was pivotal, as it enabled us to conduct case studies for proof-of-concept that demonstrated our capabilities in a tangible, impactful way. By successfully executing these initial projects, we were able to compile compelling evidence of the efficacy and efficiency of our technology.

Armed with this proof of concept, we crafted a value proposition that clearly articulated the benefits of our services, emphasizing how they could significantly enhance operational efficiency and safety for potential clients. This strategic positioning allowed us to pursue and secure large contracts, effectively shifting our business model from transactional engagements to substantial, sustained partnerships. This pivot not only diversified our revenue streams but also established Soaring Eagle Technologies as a competitive player in the high-stakes arena of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soaringeagle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soaring_eagle_tech/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-ruiz-skynetwest/