Professional Drone Services by Mike Ardoin

From Drone Pilot to Trusted Partner: Winning Drone Project Success and Providing Quality Data Capture for Professional Clients

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

Landing premium drone projects successfully takes more than just owning the latest equipment or offering the lowest prices. Engineers, surveyors, and other geospatial professionals seek trusted drone partners who truly understand their business needs and can deliver quality data capture that integrates seamlessly into their workflows. In this session, Mike Ardoin, P.L.S., Director of Professional Services at FlyGuys, shares insights on what sets apart drone operators who consistently win high-value projects from those who struggle to progress beyond commodity work. With over 15 years of experience in surveying, construction, and professional services, Mike provides a unique perspective, given his role in evaluating drone providers and working directly with enterprise clients daily. Attendees will discover what professional clients value when selecting a drone partner, common mistakes that hinder pilots from accessing larger projects, and strategies for building credibility through quality, communication, and understanding of customer workflows. Instead of competing solely on equipment or pricing, participants will leave with practical insights for positioning themselves as trusted business partners capable of supporting complex, long-term engagements. Whether you're an independent pilot or managing a growing drone services company, this session will offer actionable strategies to help you attract higher-value clients, enhance your reputation, and develop 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 integrate surveying, aviation, and emerging technology. As a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in Louisiana, Mike brings over 15 years of experience in surveying and construction. Before joining FlyGuys, he was the Survey Manager and Quality Control Manager for a pipeline construction contractor, where he successfully built and scaled both departments from scratch. His expertise includes survey operations, quality management, and creating high-performing teams essential for drone project success. At FlyGuys, Mike is committed to advancing professional surveying through innovative drone and reality capture technologies. This helps organizations achieve quality data capture, improve efficiency, and make better-informed decisions. With his practical field experience and leadership in professional services, Mike offers a unique perspective on how to merge traditional surveying principles with modern data capture workflows, positioning FlyGuys as trusted drone partners in the industry.