Episode 3

Changing the Game - Josh Van Ross

Josh Van Ross, the founder and managing director of Drone Sky Shows, has an entrepreneurial journey filled with ups and downs. From exploring various career paths to learning valuable lessons through failures, Van Ross has emerged as a successful entrepreneur in the drone industry. This article will delve into different themes of his life, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his trajectory.

Journey of Many Passions

Josh's early years were marked by a diverse range of interests. Initially studying musical theater and earning a Wappa certification in high school, he realized that this path wasn't for him. He then pursued business law and management studies at UWA while concurrently serving in the army reserve.

While on a ship, Josh had an epiphany that he needed to start his own business. He borrowed $50,000 and ventured into the food van industry. Unfortunately, the business faltered after just one hour of operation. Undeterred, he secured a job and later went on to successfully fund another company, which was eventually sold in 2020.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Reflecting on his early life, Josh contemplates the origins of his entrepreneurial spirit. He acknowledges that starting a business is akin to building a house – filled with challenges, but ultimately rewarding. Although some aspects can be tedious, he thrives on the constant learning and adaptability required in entrepreneurship.

During his time with EO, Josh realised the value of connecting with fellow founders who face similar struggles. He learned the importance of not getting too emotionally attached to his business. These lessons proved vital when he sold his previous company, ultimately confirming it as a wise decision.

He also had an exciting participation in the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA). Despite being the only competitor in the initial phases, he made it to the international finals without even pitching his idea. This experience provided him with valuable insights and highlighted the need to foster entrepreneurial opportunities for Australian students.


Seizing an Opportunity

While still in the army reserve, Van Ross watched a drone show on Reddit during an exercise and realized its potential in Australia. He conducted extensive research, identified the logistics and costs involved, and after six months he had everything he needed to fund Drone Sky Shows. He believes that taking action is what differentiates those with great ideas from successful entrepreneurs.

Josh understands that innovation is not solely about creating new products but also about recognizing opportunities and bringing existing products to new markets. His venture into the drone industry exemplifies this approach, showcasing how he saw untapped potential and capitalized on it.

He firmly believes that the drone industry is on a rapid growth trajectory. Drones are already making an impact across various sectors, such as defense, medical supply delivery, mapping, and surveys. As the industry expands, competition increases, costs decrease, and ancillary support services like structural and legislation companies become vital.


Conclusion 

Josh Van Ross's journey to success in the drone industry showcases the power of resilience, adaptability, and seizing opportunities. From his failed food van venture to his flourishing drone show company, he exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and the willingness to learn from both successes and failures. With his unwavering determination and passion for innovation, Josh continues to make strides in the rapidly evolving drone industry.

And if you enjoyed Josh’s talk and are excited to see more game changers, feel free to check out the Changing the Game podcast, either on YouTube or on your preferred platform.

About the Podcast

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Changing The Game
Changing the Game – Diversity & Innovation is good business

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About your host

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Wilson Casado

Education and diversity are key to an innovative future, I am forever looking for opportunities where most aren’t even looking.

Changing the Game, our new show launching in 2021, is a platform to celebrate and learn from amazing people whose stories show why diversity is good for business and how innovation can impact our world.

From a young age, I was motivated and encouraged by my mother and grandmother, and as an adult I recognise the sacrifices they made as women to support our family.

This is where my passion for diversity was born – I firmly believe we need everyone at the table for a future we can all get excited about.

My career has afforded me the opportunity to have worked in Brazil, America, and Australia. These opportunities came with challenges, accelerated growth and an ever-expanding appreciation for the benefits of diversity.

As co-founder of the business and technology consulting firm Visagio in Australia, the team has grown from a start-up to an award-winning team of more than 80 people in the past decade. Our team helps clients across the globe in a multitude of industries including Government, education, non-for-profit, mining, agriculture, manufacturing and financial services.

Through our in-house mentoring program and corporate university, we actively encourage innovation and education, and promote an inclusive and diverse perspective.

As an entrepreneur myself, I am passionate about supporting business leaders and entrepreneurs. With Perth Angels, I actively contribute to the development of early-stage and high-growth companies by selecting opportunities for investment.

If you are forward-thinking and innovative, I would welcome the opportunity to connect and explore how we can change the future for the better.