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DroneUp CEO Inspires Future Business Leaders
Tom Walker delivered keynote address to open the Marlin Business Conference
University News | November 19, 2024
“Local Businessman Drowns to Save Drone!” This headline flashed into Tom Walker’s thoughts as he struggled to surface from an undertow in the Atlantic Ocean one evening while attempting to rescue his newly-purchased drone, which was drifting out to sea.
Walker is Founder and CEO of DroneUp, an innovative drone delivery company that is disrupting the last mile. Walker shared how he first discovered the incredible impact drones could have on people’s lives when he called the drone company to report his loss. It was then that he became even more acutely aware of the drone’s cutting-edge technologies and future capabilities.
“Drones were going to fundamentally change the way we live,” said Walker during his keynote address at the opening session for the Marlin Business Conference. “I knew they were going to change the way people received products and services. I knew their impact was either going to be good or it was going to be bad. My mission in life was to make it good."
Walker, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator, has led DroneUp to become one of the fastest-growing drone service providers in the country. Under his leadership, DroneUp has revolutionized the drone delivery industry, partnering with major retailers like Walmart to develop cutting-edge, scalable drone solutions.
“How are we changing the industry?” Walker asked. “We are delivering to four million customers a day by drone. From the time an order is placed until it is delivered averages 15 minutes. Our mission is to get you what you want, when you want it, in a safer, more environmentally appropriate, more economical fashion. We believe that by doing this, we can change the world.”
Walker’s inspirational story and wealth of experience presented an ideal opening to the four-day business conference. The event continues throughout the week connecting students with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, providing the platform for networking, learning, and gaining critical insights into the rapidly evolving business world.
View the Opening Session and other events of the Marlin Business Conference on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.