Mike Ardoin

From Drone Pilot to Trusted Partner: How to Win Professional Drone Clients

Mike Ardoin, P.L.S., Director of Professional Services, FlyGuys

Landing premium drone projects takes more than owning the latest equipment or offering the lowest price. Engineers, surveyors, and other geospatial professionals are looking for trusted partners who understand their business, and can deliver defensible data that integrates seamlessly into their workflows. In this session, Mike Ardoin, P.L.S., Director of Professional Services at FlyGuys, shares what separates drone operators who consistently win high-value projects from those who struggle to move beyond commodity work. Drawing on more than 15 years in surveying, construction, and professional services, Mike offers a rare perspective from someone who evaluates drone providers and works directly with enterprise clients every day. Attendees will learn what professional clients actually value when selecting a drone partner, the common mistakes that prevent pilots from breaking into larger projects, and how to build credibility through quality, communication, and an understanding of customer workflows. Rather than competing on equipment or price, participants will leave with practical strategies for positioning themselves as trusted business partners capable of supporting complex, long-term engagements. Whether you're an independent pilot or growing a drone services company, this session will provide actionable insights to help you attract higher-value clients, strengthen your reputation, and grow a more sustainable business. 

Mike Ardoin, P.L.S., is the Director of Professional Services at FlyGuys, where he leads advanced reality data capture solutions that bridge surveying, aviation, and emerging technology. A licensed Professional Land Surveyor in Louisiana, Mike brings more than 15 years of experience in surveying and construction. Before joining FlyGuys, he served as Survey Manager and Quality Control Manager for a pipeline construction contractor, where he built and scaled both departments from the ground up. His expertise spans survey operations, quality management, and developing high-performing teams. At FlyGuys, Mike is passionate about advancing professional surveying through innovative drone and reality capture technologies, helping organizations collect more accurate data, improve efficiency, and make better-informed decisions. His practical field experience, combined with his leadership in professional services, gives him a unique perspective on integrating traditional surveying principles with modern data capture workflows.