By Sadie Chronister, Staff Reporter
In August 2023, then-junior Mason Garcia founded Mastershot Aerials, a drone videography business specializing in aerial footage. Since then, Garcia, now a senior, has captured footage of various local events, including the Devon Horse Show, Reagan’s Run and Give T/E.
Garcia founded the company after seeing a gap in the local drone industry. He felt that there was an increasing demand for drone photography and videography services. As he developed his business and talked to potential clients, he faced challenges with communication.
“I was inspired to create my business because of the opportunities the industry has for drones since they are so unique. But when the business was getting started, getting clients to pay for what we were doing was challenging because it was so unfamiliar to them,” Garcia said. “I faced a lot of uncomfortable situations with clients.”
Garcia became determined to endure the challenges of owning a business. His resilience taught him to be more assertive and has changed the way he manages his clients.
“Owning and managing a business takes a lot of grit. You have to continue even through times of no business. You just have to keep going,” Garcia said. “I try to keep a good track of time and make sure I always follow up with emails while constantly keeping good communication with clients.”
Garcia’s uncle, Luke Rafferty, inspired his mindset. Rafferty owns his own videography business and played a major role in the building of Mastershot Aerials. Throughout the process, he advised Garcia and shared wisdom from his own experience.
“I’ve encouraged Mason to continue pursuing his passion and to always be looking for the next opportunity,” Rafferty said. “My biggest advice to him at this point is to pursue what fulfills him within the industry and film things that both challenge and excite him.”
With Rafferty’s guidance and Garcia’s determination, Mastershot Aerials has expanded. Their customers consist of community members and businesses. Garcia looks forward to the future of his business.
“I want to continue (the business) into college and grow into bigger clients. Hopefully, people will be willing to pay a little more for the service,” Garcia said. “I think people should keep a lookout for drones. I think they have a bright future.”
Sadie Chronister can be reached at [email protected].
