From Veteran to Drone Business Owner with Ethan Miller

05/22/25 • 27 min

Host Joe Burgett welcomes Ethan Miller, a retired UAS Navy veteran, owner of Sea Dragon Drones, and franchise owner with Blue Nose Aerial Imaging. Ethan shares his inspiring transition from military service to entrepreneurship in the drone industry. He reflects on the early challenges of civilian life, including stints in trucking and logistics, and how his discovery of drone mapping and orthomosaic technology reignited his passion for aviation. Through the support of the Blue Nose franchise model, Ethan was able to build a thriving business offering residential real estate videography and commercial construction mapping services.

Ethan also highlights the pivotal role the VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program played in supporting his career shift. From financial assistance to structured guidance, the program empowered him to pursue his business full-time without overwhelming financial strain.

Throughout the episode, Ethan offers practical advice for veterans interested in the drone sector, encouraging them to seek out resources, connect with others in the industry, and explore career paths that align with their existing skills. Joe and Ethan wrap up by emphasizing the collaborative nature of the drone community and the importance of mentorship, innovation, and purpose-driven work.

About Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller is the owner of Sea Dragon Drones LLC and a franchise operator for Blue Nose Aerial Imaging in Springfield, Missouri. A U.S. Navy veteran with 22 years of distinguished service, Ethan amassed over 3,000 flight hours as a Crew Chief on MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters, a role that demanded expertise in combat support, seaborne mine hunting, and disaster relief operations.

His military career honed his skills in precision navigation, aerial surveillance, and operational safety, all of which seamlessly transitioned into his post-service venture into the drone industry. After retiring from the Navy in 2019, Ethan leveraged his passion for aviation and technology to establish himself in the field of aerial imaging. Through Blue Nose Aerial Imaging of the Ozarks, he offers high-resolution aerial photography, videography, mapping, and inspection services for a variety of industries, including real estate, construction, agriculture, and infrastructure.

As a franchise operator, he benefits from a network of elite drone pilots, ensuring access to the latest advancements in drone technology and data analytics. Ethan holds a business degree from Capella University and is a certified FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, demonstrating his expertise in federal aviation regulations and safe drone operations. He received the APSA BPERP Flight Proficiency and Level 1 UAS Thermography certifications, completing the Clemson Drone UAS Vocation course.

Ethan’s commitment to precision, efficiency, and safety—core values instilled during his military career—sets him apart in the competitive aerial imaging industry. Whether capturing breathtaking landscapes, conducting critical inspections, or assisting in emergency response efforts, Ethan combines military discipline with state-of-the-art drone technology to deliver top-tier aerial imaging solutions for his clients.

Resources discussed in this episode:

—

Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:

Contact Ethan Miller | Blue Nose Aerial Imaging of the Ozarks:

Website: bluenoseaerial.com
LinkedIn: Ethan Miller

About Ethan Miller

Resources discussed in this episode:

—

Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:

Contact Ethan Miller | Blue Nose Aerial Imaging of the Ozarks:

Website: bluenoseaerial.com
LinkedIn: Ethan Miller

Previous Episode

360 Panoramic Imagery Mapping with Ben Fowler

In this episode, host Joe Burgett welcomes Ben Fowler, founder, and CEO of PARKS360, to discuss how drone technology is transforming outdoor recreation research and asset assessment. Ben shares how he utilizes 360-degree panoramic imagery mapping to support natural resource management and improve park infrastructure.

Ben also dives into his background in outdoor guiding, his academic journey, and his experiences traveling across the U.S. while running his drone business. He recounts his entry into the drone service provider network (Fly Guys), his first high-stakes RTK mission at a quarry near Atlanta airport, and other unique drone projects. Throughout the conversation, he offers insights into the risks and rewards of launching a drone business and shares valuable advice you don’t want to miss for those looking to break into the UAS industry.

About Ben Fowler

Ben is the founder and CEO of PARKS360, an outdoor recreation research tech and consulting start-up focused on data-driven solutions for managers of parks, rivers, and other protected areas. Ben received his Part 107 in 2023 after completing Clemson's UAS Vocation program under Dr. Joe Burgett and purchased his first drone, a Mavic 3 Enterprise, a few weeks later.

Ben has since acquired approximately 50 hours of project flight time and has flown around the United States and internationally in Germany, providing data for a variety of projects with Terrain360, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Iowa DNR, City of Lebanon, TN, and FlyGuys. He specializes in 360-degree, panoramic imagery mapping and recreational inventory and asset assessment.

Ben builds his academic and research interests from international travel and lived experiences working as a professional outdoor guide as well as a Trip Leader for Outdoor Recreation Programs at UNC-Asheville, University of Georgia, and Georgia Tech. From 2014-2017, he served as the Director of Stewardship for the Georgia Conservancy (non-profit) and its statewide environmental trips program. Since May of 2024, Ben has been living out of a 28ft travel trailer with his wife and two young boys traveling the United States, moving from project to project, and documenting outdoor recreation resources anywhere he can fly.

Resources discussed in this episode: