Meet Thomas Wasinski | Drone Pilot

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas Wasinski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Aerial Agents was a decision born out of necessity, determination, and the unwavering desire to provide for my family. Also, it helps that the timing was practically perfect. Professional Drone Equipment was becoming easier to access around 2014. It was a leap of faith that was grounded in opportunity, grit, and risk-taking.

For over a decade, I had been working tirelessly in the automotive industry without seeing any substantial financial progress. I dedicated myself to my job, hoping for a raise or a promotion that could help provide a better life for my family. However, year after year, that raise never materialized, and it became clear that my family’s future couldn’t wait any longer.

I found myself at a crossroads, faced with a tough decision. I had no substantial savings, and the traditional path to financial security seemed elusive. We were 3 months behind on our mortgage, and the foreclosure letters started to come. For the first time, it appeared that no matter how hard my wife & I worked, we were inevitably going to be homeless if we didn’t do something. But rather than succumb to the circumstances, I chose to seize control of my destiny. This was the moment when Aerial Agents & Entreprenuership came to the forefront of my decision-making process.

I decided to channel the entirety of my meager 401K retirement savings into cashing up 3 months of mortgage payments and purchasing my first drone. It was a daring move, a financial gamble that carried significant risk. But it was a risk I was willing to take because I knew that, above all else, my family’s well-being was at stake. This was the point where I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, determined to create a better future for my family.

Starting Aerial Agents was about more than just a business venture; it was a testament to my resilience and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. I was determined to provide for my family and create a legacy that would secure their future. I had to embrace uncertainty, face challenges head-on, and persist in the face of adversity. It was a journey that demanded everything I had, and I was ready to give it my all.

Looking back, that decision to start Aerial Agents was undoubtedly a risk, but it was a risk driven by the most profound sense of purpose and a determination to overcome any obstacle in my path. It’s a journey that’s taught me that sometimes, the most significant rewards come from the boldest decisions, and true grit lies in the willingness to take those leaps of faith when they matter most.

So, in essence, my thought process behind starting Aerial Agents was rooted in grit and risk-taking, but it was also fueled by the love and responsibility I felt toward my family, and the unwavering belief that I could create a better future for us through entrepreneurship. Now, we are all going to celebrate 10 years in business in February 2024.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Was starting Aerial Agents easy? I would say, Yes. When compared to traditional employment, I would say Yes, this has been easy for me. This path has had it’s share of difficult obstacles, but getting past those is the fun of it all.

When I launched Aerial Agents in 2014, it was a vision driven by my love for viewing the world from an unparalleled perspective. The transformative journey from inception to the present has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to constant learning, especially in mastering drone regulations and the subtleties of photography. A significant part of our success has been our dedication to nurturing relationships with our clients, ensuring we align with their vision. Today, many top brands in Ohio entrust us with their projects, a testament to the trust and superior quality we consistently deliver.

Navigating the dynamic world of aerial imaging has instilled several key lessons. Emphasizing safety, for both equipment and the surrounding environment, has always been a cornerstone. In an industry characterized by rapid technological evolution, adaptability has been vital. Our interactions with diverse brands have underscored the significance of effective collaboration and the importance of shared vision for successful project outcomes.

Our work, spanning landscapes to live events, has highlighted the value of diverse perspectives. Running Aerial Agents has not only honed my technical expertise but also developed my business acumen, from effective branding strategies to leadership. Engaging with the community and focusing on education has shown the importance of being both a participant and a contributor. It’s this network and shared knowledge that further cements our position in the industry.

Balancing the fervor for capturing the perfect shot with the practicalities of running a successful business has been pivotal. While passion drives creativity, professionalism ensures sustainability. Every project, every interaction, and every challenge has been a lesson, weaving together to form the rich tapestry that is Aerial Agents today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well this schedule largely depends on Weather & Season. But here are a list of my favorites. Browns Games, Sunday Mass at the Cathedral, Cedar Point, Put-In-Bay, Cavs Games, Ohio State Buckeyes Games, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Neil Armstong Space Museum, Concert at the Agora or House of Blues. We would also want to go up in a Cessna for some sight seeing flights of Ohio’s northern coast line along Lake Erie. We would also want to mix in some Jetski’s on the Cuyahoga River.

We would want to fly drones at Sunset from either Lakewood Park or Downtown Cleveland. Both locations make for sensational views.

As for places to eat, here are some of my absolute favorites. Grumpy’s Cafe, Edisons Pizza, Fahrenheit, The Marble Room, Stancato’s, Mia Bella, Swenson’s, Barrio, & Il Rione to name a few.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Most definitely! I’d like to take this opportunity to dedicate my shoutout to two incredibly important individuals in my life who have played an integral role in my journey with Aerial Agents.

First and foremost, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my wife, Angie. She has been my unwavering pillar of support, my rock through all the challenges and triumphs. Her belief in me and my dreams has been a driving force behind every step I’ve taken in this entrepreneurial journey. Angie’s sacrifices, encouragement, and resilience have allowed me to pursue my vision with Aerial Agents, and for that, I’m immensely grateful.

I’d also like to recognize my son, Tommy. His boundless energy, infectious laughter, and perpetual source of hope and joy have been a constant reminder of what truly matters in life. Tommy’s presence has not only motivated me to build a better future for him but has also reminded me that our journey is not just about reaching our destination but cherishing every moment along the way.

In addition to my Wife and Son, I owe a debt of gratitude to my friends and family. Their encouragement, advice, and willingness to stand by me during the ups and downs have been invaluable. Their belief in my dreams, even when the path seemed uncertain, provided the emotional support and strength to keep pushing forward.

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to all our clients and partners who have entrusted us with their projects and allowed us to grow and thrive. Their collaboration and support have been instrumental in our journey.

So, to my wife Angie and my son Tommy, and to everyone who has been part of this incredible adventure, I offer my heartfelt thanks and recognition. You’ve been the wind beneath my x_wings_x, eh…propellers, and I’m profoundly grateful for your presence in my life.

Website: https://www.aerialagents.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerialagents

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaswasinski/

Twitter: @twasinski

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aerialagents/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AerialAgents

Other: https://www.instagram.com/agent81_

Image Credits
Credit: Aerial Agents