Today we’d like to introduce you to Gene Taul.
Hi Gene, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love for all things aviation started out as a young man in the Marine Corps. I began my journey going through school at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, where I was learning how to become an air traffic controller. I graduated air traffic control school in December 2015. As the years went on, I controlled all types and class of aircraft and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I’m very fortunate to have had. I spent some time around UAV’s, controlling them, touring their tents, and always had an interest in their capabilities both on and off the field. I moved to Cedar City to become a helicopter pilot, because the pilots always seemed to be having more fun! It was here in Cedar that I began researching and cultivating my own small business working with drones as a full time job. Every day I learn more and more about this industry and what it can offer. Even War-Mart is beginning drone delivery services! Drones can work with crops to analyze crop health, study the land, or even spray pesticides. On my side of things, I’ve been working with real estate agents in the southern Utah area, as well as multiple construction sites. If you see land being developed, you can bet I have flown over it. My business has grown well over the past year. I’ve worked with companies such as Toll Brothers, CGI Digital, and local developers like Alex Meisner and Travis Larsen. I’ve also worked closely with American Packaging Corporation, who is building a new factory right here in Cedar City next to the Charlotte Pipe Factory! My plans for the future are to purchase drones to help out the local farmers in the Utah area in any way they need. As well as purchasing drones that are smaller in size, and able to traverse local restaurants and shops for a personal drone tour of their business. It makes for an amazing video! All this and more is not luck. It took consistency and discipline, as well as an introspective feeling that this is something I enjoy, or want to be good at. For anyone out there looking to start their own business that may currently be working a 9-5 job, think about this. If you worked on your OWN business from 9-5, imagine how much it would grow in one year. Imagine how much more rewarding that may feel. The only difference is, no one is telling you what to do except for yourself. That was something I honestly struggled with during the beginning stages. From being in the military to working for someone else most of my life, I knew I needed a change. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I understand it’s not possible for a lot of people to give up their current jobs to become an entrepreneur and make little money in the beginning. I would say though, that there is always time in the day to pursue your dreams, anything less is a poor excuse. With school, work and life, I still find myself with a bit of time left over. With that, I am working on a second business that will be nationwide. So stay tuned!
As a last note to anyone that has made it thus far, I would like you to remember this.
Everything you need to become the best version of yourself, you already possess.
Motivation is a feeling that wavers. You need consistent, disciplined effort, and clear goals. Anyone that says it’s not that simple, anyone who tells you how hard it’s going to be, only wishes they had the potential you hold. Cheers!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I knew nothing about drones or how to operate them. Nothing about owning a business. Nothing about how to tax people, get a license, legally operate the business and get my LLC! Much less did I know anything about frame rate, aperture, shutter speed, etc. It was a lot of self-taught information and I made it to where I am by myself. Through the internet and YouTube. What a ride it has been. I also recently took up a photography major which has given me a unique insight to the drone photography/videography world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My website is: TheEaglesEyes.com. I specialize in aerial photography and videography for all types of real estate or construction sites. I have also worked with clients to set up music videos for them! If it’s a drone shot you need, come ask me! What sets me apart is my attention to detail. Most folks will allow footage that looks like it’s from a bird. My footage looks like it’s from a drone. Natural motions that don’t jerk around. They keep you in the frame like watching a film. My brand is veteran owned and will only be hiring fellow veterans in the future.
How do you define success?
Financial freedom. Freedom of your time.
Being your own boss.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheEaglesEyes.com
- Instagram: the_eagles_eyes
Image Credits
Gene Taul
