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At Rocket Drones, our passion for drone education is fueled by the expertise and dedication of our two founders, Chris Tonn and Brandon Turk. With over a decade of experience in the drone industry, Chris, owner of Pelican Drones, has provided exceptional drone imagery services for a diverse clientele, including Visit Alabama, Netflix’s Tiger King, the US Navy, Hulu, Visit Florida, and Florida Power and Light. Meanwhile, Brandon, owner of Midsouth Aerials, has focused on drone infrastructure inspections and mapping, developing the drone program at Woz Ed, and holding contracts with MLGW and the Ford Mega Site.
United by their shared love for technology since high school, Chris and Brandon finally joined forces to create Rocket Drones, addressing the critical need for hands-on drone education that prepares students for real-world applications. Their combined expertise in infrastructure inspection, agriculture scanning, mapping, photography, and videography enables them to provide comprehensive and practical lessons to students, giving them the necessary skills for a wide range of drone-related careers.
Driven by the belief that drones are an integral part of the future across various industries, Chris and Brandon founded Rocket Drones to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional opportunities, leveraging the FAA’s commercial certification for students aged 16 and older. The founders are actively involved in every aspect of the company, constantly developing new and innovative drone education products to keep pace with the evolving landscape.
Rocket Drones’ long-term vision is to partner with strategic companies that utilize drones daily, designing certifications that qualify students for specialized drone jobs and empowering them to seize the abundant opportunities in the rapidly growing drone industry.
Chris Tonn
Co-Founder & Operations Director
As the Director of Operations at Rocket Drones, Chris Tonn brings a blend of leadership, vision, and tenacity to his role. With a solid foundation in event promotions, including spearheading projects like the Memphis and Nashville Auto and Truck Show, and as a former Director of Sales for two national telecom companies, Chris boasts a diverse professional background. His entrepreneurial journey commenced with the launch of Pelican Drones, the first FAA-approved drone service in the Florida Panhandle. Inspired by stunning drone-captured imagery on YouTube, Chris turned his fascination into a thriving venture that continues to grow even a decade later. An alumnus of the University of Memphis with a degree in Marketing Sales, Chris also serves as Vice President of the Emerald Coast AUVSI chapter. His goal is to introduce as many technology career pathways as possible to Rocket Drones and the students they serve. On a personal note, Chris has a deep-seated love for everything water-related, particularly boating. He lives and works by the Mark Twain quote, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started,” exemplifying his proactive approach to life and business.
Brandon Turk
Co-Founder & Community Engagement Director
Brandon Turk is the dynamic force behind Rocket Drones as the Community Engagement Director. A self-taught professional, he’s spent his career immersed in aviation, combining his passion for flying with a deep-seated commitment to transforming education. From flying airplanes and drones to working for Woz Education and the Department of Defense, Brandon has been instrumental in revolutionizing drone programs in schools, demonstrating the tangible impact of hands-on, cutting-edge learning. Beyond his professional sphere, he’s an avid outdoorsman who enjoys camping, 4-wheel-drive adventures, and flying in his Piper aircraft, balancing his work in the tech-driven world of drones with the rejuvenating power of nature. Brandon’s greatest achievement is his family, whom he credits with keeping him grounded. He envisions expanding Rocket Drones to bridge more industries with education and ultimately inspire a new generation of innovative thinkers. Living by the words of Socrates, “Man must rise above the Earth, to the top of the atmosphere and beyond, for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives,” Brandon’s life and work encapsulate the thrill of soaring to new heights and the value of a grounded understanding.
Chantry Holdman
Head of Research & Development
Chantry A. Holdman is the Head of Research and Development and Logistical Support at Rocket Drones, bringing a diverse background in aviation and technology honed from his time as an active-duty Marine Sergeant and Master Serigrapher. Chantry’s professional journey is marked by significant achievements such as providing drone disaster response for Bay County EOC and Florida State University during Hurricane Michael, working as a drone and ground camera operator for Sony Entertainment and Paramount Pictures, and becoming the first drone pilot to fly through a fighter jet. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and aquaponics gardening, and dreams of pioneering remote mining operations on the Moon or Mars. Guided by the tenacious spirit embodied in Gen. Chuck Yeager’s quote, “You do what you can, and when you finally can’t, you do the next best thing. You back up but don’t give up,” Chantry continues to propel Rocket Drones forward in the realm of drone technology.
Chris Tonn
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Brandon Turk
Co-Founder & Community Engagement Director
Chantry Holdman
Head of Research & Development