Founder and CEO of Virginia Beach-based DroneUp, Tom Walker, wowed Rotarians on September 13 with his stories of success and drone technology.

 

His unmanned aviation technology and services company had astronomical growth during the pandemic and is currently the largest drone service provider in the world.  DroneUp recently announced it is adding 655 jobs as part of a $27 million expansion.

 

DroneUp is unique in providing both drone delivery and ariel surveillance collection whereas most drone companies do one or the other.

 

The company started in 2016 and took off during the pandemic when people were forced to isolate themselves. Drone Up was considered essential and could do work remotely, allowing for contactless services like roof and building inspections. The business grew 1,006% in the first year of the pandemic and has grown by more than 900% every year since.  It now has 80,000 independent contractors around the world. Walker said he is most proud of being the most diverse high-tech company in the US.

 

DroneUp’s big break came in becoming Walmart's partner for contactless delivery.  When Walker decided to pursue it, DroneUp had never done a delivery operation and had three weeks to develop the technology.  They were able to beat out the competition and win the Walmart contract by providing more than 5,000 residential deliveries over nine weeks. Walmart invested $100 million for a 14% investment in DroneUp, the largest drone contract that has ever been signed.

 

Walker explained that drones essentially carry sensors –- thermal, chemical detectors, and cameras –- to enable providing a number of services efficiently, such as security and insurance, and construction inspections.

 

Drones can be used for mapping in two and three dimensions. One use has been to build rapid situational awareness tools for first responders. Drones can find health and safety issues and monitor construction progress, often more efficiently than using humans.  Walker gave the example of façade inspections – with drones eliminating the need for scaffolding - which his drones have done for every MGM casino in the United States.

 

Drone delivery of E-commerce, medical, and food is happening already, noting that Hamburger Helper is the most ordered followed by macaroni and cheese. He said drone delivery is exceptionally safe, noting it has a better track record than any other mode of transportation and is quieter than a UPS delivery.

 

 

Sigur Whitaker led us in song, “God Save the King” and the “Four-Way Test”

 

Jim Sell gave the invocation.

 

Lauren Kiger reported on Tom Ambler, who is recovering from unexpected knee surgery. Lisa Chandler reported seeing our former bookkeeper Ann Morgan at a meeting and that she is doing well.

 

Kelly Stefanko introduced members who brought guests:

 

Vice President Barbara Lipskis introduced Tom Koller, Rotarian of the Day, who introduced our speaker. Tom is the director of corporate relations for Old Dominion University and moved to our area recently after working for many years at Buffalo State University.