Inspiring Conversations with Caleb Storey of Apex Perspective LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Storey

Caleb, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
If you had told me back in 2010 that one day I’d be flying drones for a living, traveling from city to city, and mapping everything from stadiums to wildfire aftermath—I would’ve laughed and asked what you were smoking.
Back then, I was barely scraping by, working as a forklift operator for $8 an hour while my bills were very much not $8 an hour. Out of necessity, I got into Michigan’s cannabis black market where I was growing and distributing my own product. It was survival, plain and simple. I knew the risks, but at the time, it was a way to keep the lights on.
Then, in 2015, I got raided. And let me tell you—nothing makes you rethink your life choices faster than the sight of law enforcement tearing through your grow. I always told myself, it’s not if, but when—and well, when had arrived.
Fast forward to 2019, and recreational cannabis had finally become fully legal in Michigan. With that shift, I transitioned into the regulated side of the industry and got a job at one of Michigan’s top dispensaries. I worked my way up and eventually became the Supervisor for their Distribution Center, overseeing operations for one of the biggest players in Michigan’s legal cannabis market. It was a full-circle moment—I had gone from the black market to leading distribution for the legal market.
And yet, despite all of that, I still felt restless. I had stability, but I didn’t have passion.
By 2023, I knew I needed something that actually excited me. That’s when I discovered drones. I’d always loved RCs, engineering, and photography, and drones combined all of those things. It felt like I had finally hacked life—getting paid to play with flying robots and call it work.
So I took the leap and started Apex Perspective. Since then, I’ve mapped entire cities, flown over national parks, worked in controlled airspace, and even documented the aftermath of the LA fires. Every week, I’m in a new city, balancing business and pleasure, sometimes mapping a suburb, sometimes stopping to take in the Grand Canyon on my way to the next job. And every now and then, I have a moment where I stop, look around, and think—My God, this is my job.
Of course, running a business isn’t all scenic flights and adventure. Managing taxes, licenses, and endless paperwork is a challenge of its own. I love flying, but if I could hand off everything involving government forms, I wouldn’t hesitate. Another unexpected part of the job is dealing with public perception—some people see me as a high-tech professional, while others assume I’m up to something shady. I’ve had plenty of concerned citizens confront me, convinced I’m spying on their backyard, when in reality, I’m just mapping a nearby parking lot.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this for anything. Every obstacle has shaped my path in ways I couldn’t have predicted. Getting raided forced me to rethink my future. Transitioning into the legal cannabis industry taught me adaptability. Taking the leap into drones pushed me outside my comfort zone. Each step, no matter how difficult, led me to where I am today—doing something I love.
So if I could go back to 2010, I’d tell myself: It’s gonna hurt, but keep your head up.. Oh, and invest in crypto currency.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If I had to compare my journey to anything, I’d say it’s been about as smooth as a Michigan road in winter—full of potholes, unexpected detours, and the occasional moment of sheer panic.
One of the biggest challenges? The learning curve. When I started Apex Perspective, I knew drones. What I didn’t know was how to run a business. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a drone pilot—I was also the accountant, the marketer, and the IT guy. If there’s one thing that can suck the excitement out of flying drones, it’s trying to figure out business admin.
Then there’s the unexpected challenges. Like spending weeks crashing drones because I unknowingly fried all my batteries in the Miami heat. Or the time I flew near a stadium and had to politely explain to security that, no, I was not a rogue operator with bad intentions—I was just trying to finish a mapping job before sunset.
And let’s not forget about the weather. Most people don’t realize how much of this job depends on Mother Nature. High winds? Can’t fly. Rain? Can’t fly. The sun slightly angling in a way that messes with the sensors? Might have to reschedule. It’s a profession that requires patience, adaptability, and a good sense of humor when things go sideways.
That being said, the obstacles have all been worth it. I’ve learned how to problem-solve on the fly (literally), adapt to new challenges, and find creative solutions when things don’t go as planned. And let’s be honest—if the road were smooth, it wouldn’t be nearly as fun.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Apex Perspective specializes in geospatial mapping, surveying, inspection, photography, and videography, using drones to capture places from angles most people never get to see. Whether I’m mapping an entire city, helping businesses gather critical aerial data, or flying for environmental research, every project is different, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
One of the things that sets me apart is my ability to navigate complex airspace and work within strict FAA regulations—most people don’t realize how much planning and approval goes into flying near controlled airspace. I’m also ranked the third top pilot in the world for Spexi Geospatial, which means I’ve logged some serious flight time and have built a reputation for precision and expertise. But beyond the technical side, I take pride in the creative and problem-solving aspects of my work. Drones aren’t just tools—they offer new ways to tell stories, document history, and solve challenges from the sky.
What I love most about Apex Perspective is the freedom it gives me. One day, I’m mapping the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado, and the next, I’m capturing aerial shots over Belle Isle in Detroit. I’ve built a business that lets me travel, explore, and push boundaries, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What are your plans for the future?
The future of Apex Perspective is about continuing to push boundaries—both in the air and in the way we serve our clients. As drone technology evolves, so do the opportunities to solve problems faster, safer, and with greater accuracy. My goal is to keep expanding our capabilities, offering more advanced geospatial data, 3D mapping, and innovative solutions that help businesses make smarter decisions.

Whether it’s scaling services across new industries or exploring remote, hard-to-reach locations, Apex Perspective will always be rooted in precision, curiosity, and a commitment to seeing things differently. The sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the starting point.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/apexperspective
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apex.perspective.llc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apexperspectivellc/