One day last fall, Danny Landry was flying to San Marcos, Texas, for a project LandBros Aerial—the aerial drone company he founded with his brother, Kevin Landry—was doing for Epic Piping. Mid-flight, Landry looked down at the vast landscape below, a sight he has experienced many times before.
But as detailed in a feature in the newest quarterly issue of 10/12 Industry Report, this time was different, though. The open space took on a new meaning.
“We were in a small manned aircraft flying out for a day’s work. I knew that we were opening so many doors for our business and where we could go,” Danny Landry says. “That project helped us realize that we aren’t bounded by a particular geographical area. We could still provide great cost-efficiencies, but we weren’t restricted in where we could work.”
LandBros has been expanding its horizons ever since the Landry brothers established the company, which uses drones—or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—to offer higher-quality aerial photographs, improve efficiency among clients’ operations and reduce workplace risks. At that time, in 2014, the company’s projects were based primarily in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Less than two years later, however, LandBros’ clients stretch from Texas to Mississippi and extend throughout Louisiana.
LandBros has worked at construction sites for southwest Louisiana megaprojects such as Sasol, Cameron LNG and G2X. Clients have included the likes of CB&I and Turner Industries.
Earlier this year, the company moved its headquarters from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, with the new office located at Perkins Road and Essen Lane. Prompted by the increasing demand for the company’s services, the new location enables LandBros to be closer to clients, Landry says.
LandBros has pioneered the commercial use of drones in Louisiana. In 2015, the company became the first Louisiana-based business to receive an exemption specifically for commercial and industrial applications—known as a section 333 exemption—to fly drones under 55 pounds from the Federal Aviation Authority, which regulates aircraft operation in the national airspace.
As LandBros has grown, the equipment, technology and services the company offers have evolved beyond just high-resolution aerial photography as well. LandBros also provides services including site surveying, mapping, 3-D modeling, inventory management, safety inspections, insurance and natural disaster documentation, business development videos and 4K video. LandBros specializes in industrial facility maintenance and industrial construction.
“We’re not just taking photos,” Landry says. “We’re providing efficiencies, creating safety and reducing costs throughout the client’s site.”
Read the full feature from the new quarterly issue of 10/12 Industry Report. Sign up for free to receive the quarterly issues. Send feedback, story ideas and company news to editor@1012industryreport.com.
