Launching a business takes more than technical skill - it takes strategy, structure, and the ability to adapt. For David Shirley, founder of Flying Pig UAS, that journey meant turning deep expertise in conservation and land management into a scalable agricultural drone business.
With a background in conservation law enforcement and state park management, David brought a strong understanding of land, resources, and environmental systems. However, like many first-time founders, David's challenge wasn’t the craft - it was building a business around it. In the early stages, David connected with the Texas State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to get clarity on business planning, financial strategy, and managing existing debt. That decision became a turning point.
Through ongoing advising, the SBDC worked closely with David to:
- Refine his business plan
- Strengthen his financial framework
- Improve lender readiness
- Develop a clear market positioning strategy
At the same time, David achieved a critical milestone: earning his FAA certification, officially enabling Flying Pig UAS to begin operations.
Once operational, Flying Pig UAS didn’t stay idle for long. The business quickly:
- Secured and completed contracts across three job sites
- Began generating revenue
- Sustained one full-time position
- Started expanding its service offerings
These early wins validated both the business model and the growing demand for agricultural drone services.
At this time, David is focused on what comes next. With continued SBDC support, he’s building out detailed financial projections and implementing targeted marketing strategies to create a stable, scalable future for Flying Pig UAS.
His journey is a clear example of what happens when technical expertise is paired with the right business guidance - turning a strong idea into a growing operation with real traction.
