EDL 012: From Hobbyist to Tech Leader: How Brian Owens Turned Drone Innovation Into Construction’s Future

Want to build a serious drone career in construction, VDC, or mapping? This episode explores how Brian Owens transformed construction workflows using drones and BIM models—and how you can profit from it. In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, Rob talks with Brian Owens, Field Solutions Lead at The Whites Company, about how high tech drones transform construction workflows, strengthen risk management, and elevate client communication. You'll learn how drone mapping, BIM drone integration, FPV flythroughs, and Gaussian splat models are setting a new industry standard. From mechanical engineer to construction drone innovator, Brian shares practical insights on turning drone expertise into a full-time career. He explains: How drone mapping fits into Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) workflows Which deliverables: orthomosaics, Gaussian splats, and FPV flythroughs build client trust Why polished drone media = higher client confidence + bigger contracts How drone data supports construction site safety, QA/QC, and real-time site inspections Career tips for becoming a professional drone pilot in construction This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed in the construction drone industry. Ready to Launch Your Construction Drone Career? Master construction drone mapping, build your business, and get certified to fly commercially—all in one place: Explore Courses + Memberships ? https://www.thedroneu.com Timestamps [00:00] Meet Brian Owens and his journey into construction tech [05:00] How FPV drones led to a career in construction VDC [10:00] What is Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)? [15:00] Essential tools: laser scanners, field printers, drones in construction [20:00] Using drones for site mapping, risk management, and QA/QC [28:00] Building a company-wide drone culture [35:00] Winning with better drone deliverables: orthomosaic mapping, Gaussian splats, and cinematic videos [45:00] Future of construction media: cinematic drone marketing + FPV flythroughs [52:00] Career advice: focus on client-ready deliverables, not just flying drones Resources & Links Drone U Membership – Join Here Drone Business Mastery Course – Explore Courses Part 107 Certification Prep – Start Here Experience Drone Training Event – Learn More Want to land your first construction drone job? Get our Drone Pilot Starter Kit Learn to Master the Skies and Build Your Confidence as a Drone Pilot. The Drone Starter Kit is a collection of 3 amazing courses worth $97 - all for free. https://learn.thedroneu.com/bundles/drone-pilot-starter-kit Stay Connected Like this episode if it helped Subscribe and turn on notifications for weekly expert interviews and tutorials Share this video with someone dreaming of a career in drones and construction tech and drones!