"Working with CEF has been courteous, kind and extremely efficient. This is a first-class organization that really cares about cultivating a relationship from applicant through to new customer."
– Dave Smith, Owner

Q&A with Owner, Dave Smith

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
Mobile Drone Services provides precision aerial solutions to the commercial construction and industrial markets that saves our partners time and helps maximize their full-time resources, so they get things done within timeline and budget. We achieve this by leveraging enterprise-class drone technology, combined with modern software solutions, that can deliver highly accurate imagery that helps business owners make informed decisions. From progress reporting on new construction site, cell tower and wind turbine inspections, commercial and residential roof inspections to creating centimeter-level accurate maps being prepared for development, MDS can provide multiple solutions to a variety of industries. MDS is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business operating out of Greeley, Colorado and serving partners across Northern Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. In business for 1 year as of March 19, 2024, MDS has quickly built an array of local and National clients. Owned and operated by Dave Smith, a former Army Aviator who commanded a group of specially trained pilots as part of a global reaction force, Dave holds an BA in Economics, and an MBA from Colorado State University and is pursuing a Certificate in Advanced GIS/CAD at AIMS Community College.

How did the idea for your business come about?
By recognizing the intersection of technology with drones, I saw tremendous opportunities to help solve operational challenges that delivers valuable data and cost savings to decision makers in the industrial and commercial industries in Northern Colorado.

Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers.
My customers range from Construction Managers to Civil Engineers to Land Surveyors to National Insurance Firms. I love the diversity in my client's needs, and the opportunity to help solve problems that save time, resources and mitigate risk on the job site.

How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund?
I was seeking a partner that was familiar with lending to Veterans and would be open to developing a long-term relationship to help me achieve scale and balance as the business grows.

How did you find out about CEF?
I enjoyed a wonderful mentorship with a team from the East Colorado SBDC who made me aware of CEF and provided a wonderful introduction to the organization.

What was your experience like in working with CEF?
Courteous, kind and extremely efficient. This is a first-class organization that really cares about cultivating a relationship from applicant through to new customer.

What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF?
I was able to ramp up operations almost immediately with the specialized drone airframes, custom computer processing platforms, data collection receivers and specialized certifications and training to be more marketable to a wider array of customers.

What's on the horizon for you and your small business?
As my portfolio of ongoing contracts grows, I'll need to make additional investments in drones with thermal and Lidar camera systems to help support emerging needs for FAA approved pilots trained in these areas of specialized data acquisition.

Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team?
Yes

What difference has working with them made for your business?
They helped provide focus and realistic considerations when weighing how, when and why launching this business would make good fiscal sense.

What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business?
I've become a field pilot for two different national service providers, who regularly use my services as a subcontractor, to perform a variety of inspection and mapping projects. I love how these opportunities combine my knowledge and experience to best serve their client's needs.