Shoutout LA Feature: Meet George Meert | Firefighter & Drone Pilot
February 2024 - Featured Interview with Shoutout LA - Enjoy!
We had the good fortune of connecting with George Meert and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi George, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To me, risk analysis is everything… both in my career as firefighter as well as in the business of drone flying with Huntington Drones. I’ve always lived by the motto, risk a lot to save a lot, risk a little to save a little, and risk nothing to save something that is already lost, In order to get good drone shots, sometimes you have to thread the needle knowing there is a possibility of crashing or losing the drone; I manage these risks by flying regularly, completing online and virtual trainings, and through Youtube University. In some instances, time is of the essence, so practicing and having the ability to pull of a shot with no hesitation is key.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work deals with everything outside in capturing the essences of nature, whether that be hiking, surfing, or camping through the lens of my iPhone or my DJI Drone in the sky. I consider myself a story teller who is hoping to inspire anyone listening to fight living a mediocre life and strive for something greater than themselves. The biggest lessons I’ve learned have been from failure – it’s not easy when you’re in it, and it’s happening right now, but down the road you will be thankful it happened.
I am expanding my brand from my social media page into paid professional drone work as well as a new media group called Rise Above Media which will produce social media content for small businesses, real estate, and personal brands.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am currently living on the amazing central coast of California in a small beach town named Santa Barbara. If friends were visiting, I’d take them for a bike ride down State Street over to the beach and get out in nature on a trail in Rattlesnake Canyon. I am a coffee addict and would take my friends to my favorite coffee shop, Dart in the Funk Zone.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The last 5 years I’ve been very much on the personal development kick through podcasts, books, YouTube videos and people I meet in my everyday life that inspire me. Shoutout to the podcasts: On Purpose with Jay Shetty, MaxOut with Ed Mylett, and the Tony Robbins Podcast. Notable Books written by motivating authors include: Think and Grow Rich, The Compound Effect, and Be Useful. I’ve always had a passion for fitness and my all time mentor will always be Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Thanks for reading and following along!
My Previous Drones
My Current Drone
Drone Gear Like a Pro 😎
***As an Amazon Associate & DJI Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.***