In this episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns talks with Josue Lopez, the young entrepreneur behind Hawk Drone. Josue shares his exciting journey of turning a passion for drone technology into a professional business, providing a unique “Hawkeye view” for clients throughout the Lakeland area.
As a licensed drone pilot, Josue explains the importance of official FAA certification for commercial work, moving beyond simple recreational flying. He discusses his current work with realtors—capturing stunning aerial views of properties, surrounding landscapes, and neighborhood features—and his vision for expanding into large-scale events like weddings and festivals. Josue even brings a drone to the set, comparing its high-tech gimbal and camera to “a little eyeball on a turtle,” and shares his plans to invest in advanced equipment like the Mavic 3 Pro and thermal imaging drones for construction and utility inspections.
A graduate of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) right here in Lakeland, Josue credits his technical training for his precision in the air. He discusses the “art” of drone piloting, explaining how manual skill is often superior to AI for specific cinematic shots like perfect circles or “figure eights” around a subject. The conversation also touches on the futuristic side of the industry, from light shows at Sun ‘n Fun to the potential for autonomous delivery and passenger drones.
Josue also gives a special shout-out to his mother, Kelly Fisher, a local business coach at Catapult Lakeland, who has been instrumental in helping him refine his marketing and social media presence. Whether you need a fresh perspective for a real estate listing or want to capture a community event from above, Josue’s dedication to accuracy and customer satisfaction makes him a standout local creator. 66
