Meet Smart Drone Academy

About Smart Drone Academy

Drone Workforce

Building the Workforce Behind Drone Technology

Smart Drone Academy is a veteran-owned workforce development and credentialing organization dedicated to preparing adults for careers in commercial drone technology. Through practical, hands-on training and industry-focused workforce credentials, we help individuals and organizations confidently integrate drone technology into real-world operations.

Founded by lifelong friends and U.S. Army veterans Antoine Miller and Walter Matthews, Smart Drone Academy was built on a shared belief that workforce training should prepare people for the work they will actually perform—not simply help them earn a certificate.

Today’s employers need more than individuals who understand aviation theory. They need professionals who can plan missions, operate safely, document their work, communicate effectively, and apply drone technology to solve real business challenges. That’s the gap Smart Drone Academy was created to address.

Our Mission

To develop a highly skilled workforce through commercial drone education, practical training, and industry-recognized credentials that prepare adults for meaningful careers across multiple industries.

Our Vision

To become a nationally recognized workforce development and credentialing organization that prepares professionals and organizations to successfully adopt commercial drone technology through education, innovation, and practical workforce solutions.

Our Founders

Meet the Founders

Antoine Miller

Co-Founder | UAV Flight Instructor

Antoine Miller is an FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot, United States Army veteran, and workforce development professional with a passion for helping adults build practical skills that translate directly into employment opportunities.

With experience spanning workforce development, financial services, entrepreneurship, and commercial drone operations, Antoine understands that technology alone doesn’t create opportunity—people do. His instructional approach emphasizes professionalism, safety, critical thinking, and real-world application, preparing students to become confident drone operators who can contribute immediately in the workplace.

Antoine has logged hundreds of hours of commercial drone flight experience and has trained students from diverse professional backgrounds, including construction, public safety support, real estate, inspections, and aspiring commercial drone operators.

His belief is simple:

“The drone is the tool. The workforce is the mission.”

Walter Matthews

Co-Founder | Chief Growth Officer

Walter Matthews is a United States Army veteran and strategic business leader dedicated to expanding workforce opportunities through commercial drone technology.

As Chief Growth Officer, Walter leads Smart Drone Academy’s business development, employer partnerships, strategic planning, and organizational growth initiatives. His focus is on building relationships with employers, workforce organizations, educational institutions, and community partners to ensure Smart Drone Academy’s training aligns with evolving industry needs.

Walter’s vision extends beyond teaching people to fly drones. He is committed to building sustainable workforce pathways that connect individuals with career opportunities while helping organizations develop skilled employees who can confidently integrate drone technology into their operations.

Beyond Training

More Than Drone Training

Smart Drone Academy is more than a flight school. We partner with individuals, employers, government agencies, workforce organizations, and industry leaders to develop practical drone programs that support workforce readiness and operational success.

Our services include:
Workforce Credentialing Programs
Employer Training Solutions
Drone Program Consulting
Construction & Infrastructure Training
Aerial Security Training
Inspection & Documentation Training
Practical Field Training
FAA Part 107 Preparation

Values

Our Core Values

Workforce First

Every course is designed to prepare students for real workplace responsibilities.

Safety Always

Safe, responsible, and compliant operations are the foundation of every training program.

Practical Experience

Learning extends beyond the classroom through scenario-based instruction and hands-on field training.

Professionalism

We prepare students to represent themselves, their employers, and the drone industry with integrity.

Lifelong Learning

Technology continues to evolve, and so should the professionals who use it.

The Future

Looking Ahead

Commercial drone technology is transforming industries across construction, infrastructure, utilities, inspections, security, agriculture, public safety support, and beyond. Smart Drone Academy is committed to helping organizations and professionals adapt to that future by developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to succeed.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with operations expanding into Arizona, Smart Drone Academy is building a foundation for nationwide workforce development, employer partnerships, and industry credentialing. As our organization grows, our commitment remains the same: preparing people for meaningful careers while helping organizations build capable, confident drone workforces.

Together, we’re not just teaching people how to fly drones—we’re helping build the workforce that will shape the future of commercial drone technology.

Looking Ahead

Together, we’re not just teaching people how to fly drones—we’re helping build the workforce that will shape the future of commercial drone technology.