Company case study
Tom Powers' Drone Inspection Business
Tom Powers' Drone Inspection Business is a specific example of a business that performs drone inspections for roofs, generating significant revenue. It came up on Koerner Office, hosted by Chris Koerner, in the episode "How to Make 7 Figures With a Drone⏐Ep. #229" (aired October 3, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | Koerner Office |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Chris Koerner |
| Episode | How to Make 7 Figures With a Drone⏐Ep. #229 |
| Aired | October 3, 2025 |
| Revenue and traction | Tom's business earns seven figures annually and can make $15,000 to $30,000 in inspections after a storm. |
| Category | Physical-Services |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
How to Make 7 Figures With a Drone⏐Ep. #229 · aired October 3, 2025 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
The business effectively capitalizes on storm events, allowing for high-volume inspections in affected areas, thus maximizing profit margins.
Founding story
Tom Powers was a roofing inspector who fell off a roof, prompting him to pivot to drone inspections. He invested in a DJI drone and completed the necessary FAA certification to start his business.
The playbook
Utilizes his previous roofing knowledge to identify market opportunities and integrates storm chaser strategies to capitalize on weather events.
Also mentioned
Tom can perform 50 to 60 photos per inspection in about 15 minutes and has a few employees managing operations.
Why this works now (our analysis)
Most roof inspection businesses overlook the potential of drone technology for rapid assessments. Tom Powers' Drone Inspection Business thrives by utilizing DJI drones to execute high-volume inspections immediately after storm events. This strategy allows him to earn between $15,000 and $30,000 in a short timeframe. He effectively taps into local community forums on platforms like Nextdoor to announce his services to homeowners seeking quick inspections. The business faces challenges with regulatory compliance, particularly navigating FAA regulations related to drone flight operations, which can slow down expansion plans.