Building a Franchise from the Ground Up with Blue Nose Aerial Imaging

04/10/25 • 42 min

In this episode, host Joe Burgett from Clemson University sits down with Tanner Harris of Blue Nose Aerial Imaging to explore the expansion of the Clemson drone program and the exciting opportunities available through Blue Nose’s franchise model. Clemson’s drone program has grown significantly since the end of Season 1 of the podcast, now including veterans under Chapter 31 and launching an eight-week online course, UAS Mission Administration, tailored for experienced pilots and program managers. With this expansion, Clemson graduates have a clear pathway to leverage their training into a profitable business through Blue Nose Aerial Imaging’s structured franchise system.

Tanner highlights how Blue Nose Aerial Imaging helps franchise owners hit the ground running by providing essential equipment, business infrastructure, and ongoing support. Franchisees benefit from daily collaboration, weekly "Ask Me Anything" sessions, and monthly meetings, ensuring they’re never alone in navigating the business. Standardized tools like an operations portal, CRM platform, and photogrammetry engine further streamline operations, while national advertising and protected territories create a strong foundation for growth. Tanner also shares key insights on time management and strategic planning, emphasizing that dedication and proper execution are critical to success in the drone services industry. If you’re a newly trained drone operator and looking for business opportunities, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

About Tanner Harris

Tanner Harris is a native of Fairfax, Virginia. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in May 2006 with a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Sciences and later from Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s in Government and Security Studies in 2016. He received his commission in the United States Navy from the Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, in 2008.

Following commissioning, Tanner went through flight school at Training Squadron Six (VT-6) and Thirty-One (VT-31) and was designated a Naval Aviator in July 2010. His operational assignments included Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3), Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Seven (VQ-7), and onboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73). He served as the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization Lead Pilot Instructor and Assistant Strike Operations Officer. After his service in the Navy, Tanner began flying for United Airlines. He initially qualified as a First Officer on the Airbus A319/320 and was based in Los Angeles, California. Shortly thereafter, he transferred to the Denver, Colorado domicile and completed training on the Boeing 757 and 767 fleet.

Tanner currently serves as a Pilot Instructor at the United Airlines Flight Training Center. Recognizing the lack of consistency throughout the emerging drone industry, Tanner built the Blue Nose Aerial Imaging franchise to help standardize operations, develop brand-name recognition, adhere to a dynamic regulatory environment, and assemble subject matter experts from a variety of backgrounds to heighten the quality of services provided by the Blue Nose franchise team. By streamlining the path to entrepreneurship and empowering franchise owners with resources, experts, and applied training, Tanner developed a collaborative nationwide network of professional drone operators that provide services to companies in construction, agriculture, real estate, television, mapping, marketing, and inspections.

Tanner is a graduate of the US Air Force Advanced Instrument School, the US Navy Legal Officer course, and the Joint Air Operations Command and Control School. He is an FAA certified Remote Pilot and Airline Transport Pilot with type ratings on the Boeing 720, 707, 737, 757, 767, and Airbus A319 and A320. He owns Blue Nose, LLC and Blue Nose Franchising, LLC. Tanner resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and two children. He enjoys running, traveling, and music and can be found touring the country in the family RV.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:

About Tanner Harris

Resources discussed in this episode:

Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:

Previous Episode

Crafting Effective SOPs for Drone Operations

In this special solo episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, Dr. Joe Burgett dives deep into the essentials of crafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for drone operations. With his fresh insights from developing a custom course and training AI bots, Dr. Burgett outlines six critical components for SOPs: Management Systems, Operations, Training, Maintenance, Safety Management Systems, and additional key considerations.

Drone operations of all sizes, big and small, require SOPs to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency. This episode provides listeners with valuable insights to develop their own. With systems and guidelines in place, your operations can run smoothly and ensure you maintain an excellent reputation.

About Joseph M. Burgett Ph.D.

Joe “Dr. Drone” Burgett is a tenured professor in the Nieri Department of Construction Development and Planning at Clemson University and a Level 3 Thermographer. He has been in university-level academics since 2010 and teaches both undergraduate and graduate-level courses on drone application in the built environment. By trade, Dr. Burgett is a general contractor and has spent many years teaching online courses for the trade unions. His primary area of research is in applied drone technology, and he has worked extensively with the SCDOT. His area of research focuses heavily on using UAS technology for bridge inspections and creating 3-D models to support field operations. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on UAS technology including titles such as “Accuracy of Drone Image Based Volumetric Surveys,” “Evaluating the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to Perform Low-Slope Roof Inspections,” and “SCiDUC: Solution to Address Common Challenges of State Agency Drone Deployment.” Dr. Burgett was named Clemson University’s 2018 Master Teacher, which is the University’s highest teaching honor. He is the founding President and current Director of the South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium (SCiDUC). SCiDUC is the state’s only 501c3 nonprofit drone association exclusive to South Carolina government agencies. Dr. Burgett is also an accomplished speaker. He is a regular presenter at the Associated Schools of Construction and American Institute of Constructors conferences. He has also spoken at the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction and the International Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:

Next Episode

Working Missions with the Fly Guys and Matt Domas

In this episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, host Joe Burgett welcomes Matt Domas from Fly Guys, a leading drone service provider. Founded in 2018, Fly Guys operates nationally and internationally, leveraging a network of in-house and contracted pilots. Matt shares insights into the drone industry, discussing the key qualifications for pilots and drone ownership. He highlights the most common mission types, such as photogrammetry and thermography, and emphasizes the importance of having reliable equipment like the Mavic 3 Enterprise.

Matt and Joe also explore the earning potential for drone pilots working with Fly Guys. Basic missions can pay around $135 per hour, while full-day mapping jobs can earn pilots up to $900. They discuss strategies for network pilots to build their reputations, such as demonstrating reliability, investing in advanced equipment, and staying available for high-priority projects. Additionally, Matt provides valuable advice on navigating challenges in the drone industry, including securing proper insurance and networking with local professionals to expand opportunities.

To wrap up, Matt confirms that joining a drone service provider network like Fly Guys is an excellent way for new pilots to enter the industry with minimal risk. He encourages aspiring drone operators to connect with others in the field, continuously improve their skills, and position themselves as go-to pilots for major providers.

About Matt Domas

Matt Domas is a finance professional turned drone industry expert, currently contributing to the rapid growth of FlyGuys, a leading national drone service provider. Based in Lafayette, Louisiana—where FlyGuys is headquartered—Matt earned his degree in finance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. After working as a financial analyst for several years, his passion for emerging technology led him to the drone industry. Since joining FlyGuys, Matt has played a key role in the company's expansion, helping to establish its presence across the U.S. and beyond.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:
ClemsonDrone.com

Contact Matt Domas: