Jim is the founder of Aerial Decisions and is an FAA Part 107 Certified Commercial Drone Pilot.  He has spent the last 10 years building and leading world class sales teams for an industry leading digital marketing agency.  Jim is widely recognized amongst his peers as a consummate full funnel digital marketing expert and a respected leader of people. 

Equally adept as an entrepreneur, Jim has led start up organizations in a multitude of industries ranging from telecommunications to web based software services.  In this latest adventure, Jim is leveraging his profound love of flying drones into a dynamic new start-up that he hopes one day becomes the standard bearer for drone flying advocacy across the globe. 

Jim originally hails from Clearwater, Florida and currently lives in Glendale, California with his wife Diana and his two lovable pups, Zeus and Gunnar.  

When Jim’s not flying drones: “You’ll catch me on the ice (or asphalt) playing beer league hockey or training for my next triathlon.  Whether it’s on ice asphalt or in the water you’ll always find me on the move and rarely sitting still.

After spending 22-years in engineering Ross advanced into finance. He has started up several companies and been CFO for a telecom company during an IPO. Having worked in three countries in many industries, he has a broad knowledge of how to manage the cash-to-cash cycle and provide honest and knowledgeable input into strategic and tactical planning.

He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Ross has taught undergrad marketing, accounting and grad level entrepreneurship. In 2009 he was honored as the best new professor at Irvine University.

As another lefty on the team after hours you might find him playing in a bar band, beach volleyball or sailing.

After establishing a commercial photography studio in 2008 Jim founded Soaring Vistas Media in 2014, augmenting his studio-based offerings with aerial photography. The following year, Jim was delighted to have his aerial cinematography work selected as a finalist at the 2015 InterDrone Film Festival. As the commercial drone industry matured, Jim obtained his FAA 333 Exemption in 2016 and, in 2017, his FAA Part 107 Pilot Certificate and Night Ops waiver. In addition to offering drone-based aerial photography, videography, cinematography and data capture services, Jim is also a drone industry Consultant and Part 107 ground school/flight school Instructor. 

When he’s not shooting or flying, Jim’s passions include spending time with family; enjoying wine, live music and traveling with his wife Marcia; and giving back through non-profit work with organizations such as City of Hope and Unform Your Bias.

“At Aerial Decisions, our primary focus is on the safe, ethical and professional operation of drones. The knowledge that we are making a difference is truly meaningful, both for me personally, as well as our Clients. Our exceptional team of professionals allows me to leverage a perfect mashup of the skills – photography, videography, drone piloting and training, plus sales, marketing and strategic consulting – that I’ve been fortunate to amass along my journey to this point in my life.”

Steve brings to Aerial Decisions extensive business, entrepreneurial, and legal expertise.  Having been a vice president, COO, general manager, co-founder, and general counsel of various entities, Steve drives the operational and legal side of Aerial Decisions.  An attorney by training, Steve’s background is in telecommunications, the Internet, and entertainment.  He was a co-founder, principal, and COO of one of the first on-line billing companies, as well as a service provider matching website, and an early business micro meeting site.  He has advised, and drafted and negotiated high-level contracts and terms, as well as been the driving force behind enterprise-wide initiatives, for start-ups to Fortune 50s.  He has also been heavily involved in regulation, including having appeared before regulatory agencies.

Steve’s passion is hiking, having recently shed 40 pounds!

Steve is thrilled to be a driver for the customers and providers of Aerial Decisions!

Matt Kenchington is a lefty, a decent human being, web developer, and comedy filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He has been developing websites for over 15 years and has written, directed, and produced over a dozen short films and web series.  He holds an MFA from Columbia University where he graduated with honors from the Directing Program. 

As well as being a web developer and filmmaker, he is also a musician, having toured the country with many different bands. Though he still enjoys playing guitar and songwriting, he currently uses most of his musical abilities as a three-time champion in the LA Karaoke League.  He also enjoys spending his free time with his wife (a true gem) and training their dog, Petunia (a lovely little  girl).

Matt is very honored to be able to utilize his creative development skills as part of the Aerial Decisions team.