EDL 010: How Jorge Alvarez Grew Drone Permission Into a Construction Drone Powerhouse

In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, we talk with Jorge Alvarez, founder of Drone Permission, about his journey from the concrete and construction industry to becoming a leader in drone services across Florida and the Caribbean. Jorge shares how he built a successful drone business by focusing on client communication, asking the right questions, and delivering high-quality work that meets the needs of construction stakeholders. He explains how drone technology is transforming the way project progress is documented—particularly on massive projects like the MSC Cruise Terminal—and why educating clients on what drones can do is essential for sustained business growth. Jorge also opens up about how he built a referral-driven business, scaled a team, and created efficient pricing strategies that reflect both value and confidence. This conversation is packed with industry insights around mapping software, networking, collaboration, and using drones to enhance decision-making and stakeholder communication in the field. Key Takeaways Jorge Alvarez transitioned from concrete to the drone industry by applying his knowledge of construction workflows Success begins with listening: understanding client needs and asking informed questions builds trust Referral business and strong client relationships fuel sustainable growth Drones offer unmatched value in construction documentation and project progress tracking Tailored drone services—including aerial photography, mapping, and inspections—can solve real problems when client goals are clear Educating clients is key to expanding the use of drone technology in traditional industries Starting a business while working full-time is doable with the right systems and support Investing in relationships and collaboration opens doors to more opportunities and better projects Effective pricing strategies should reflect the value of the work and the unique insights drone pilots offer The future of the drone industry includes internal pilots, growing enterprise demand, and more emphasis on visual storytelling and deliverables Tune in and learn how to plan, grow, and succeed in the world of drones! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to Drone Permission and Its Impact [03:09] Jorge Alvarez's Journey into Drones [05:57] The Importance of Client Communication [09:11] Understanding Construction Needs [11:53] The Role of Drones in Construction [14:52] Building Relationships and Referral Business [17:46] Capturing Progress: The MSC Cruise Terminal Project [21:05] Innovative Uses of Drone Footage [23:49] The Evolution of Drone Technology [27:11] Maximizing Drone Usage and Skills [30:06] Mapping and Software Utilization [33:59] Educating Clients and Building Relationships [36:24] The Journey of Starting a Business [39:31] Networking and Collaboration in the Drone Industry [42:47] Favorite Projects and Unique Experiences [48:27] Understanding Pricing Strategies [56:31] The Importance of Confidence in Pricing [01:00:43] Future Aspirations and Industry Growth