Why I Chose Purpose Over Pitches

Relationships are everything.

It is one of the first lessons I learned as a journalist and public relations professional. Long before I officially started Lighthouse 828 Media, a drone storytelling business based in Celina, Texas, I understood success would not come from equipment or pitch decks alone.

It would come from people.

Starting a business is always a gamble. Before taking that leap, I chose to invest in relationships. I reconnected with my community by listening, learning and paying attention to growing needs across Celina and North Texas. Along the way, I rekindled conversations with friends I had not seen in years.

Those moments of curiosity and reconnection quietly set meaningful things in motion.

I believe one of the best ways to build a business is to do something while expecting nothing in return.

Because I love drones and believe in their potential, I reached out to a local school and offered to speak about drone technology and the growing opportunities in the field. There was no sales pitch, just a desire to share.

The response was overwhelming and eventually led to supporting two summer drone camps.

Soon, students recognized me around town as “that guy with the drone.” What started as a nickname became something deeper.

Trust grew. Connections formed. Opportunities followed.

Purpose opened doors that pitchbooks never could.

Through Lighthouse 828 Media, I now have the privilege of capturing aerial perspectives of businesses, events and communities across Celina and North Texas.

And through it all, one thing remains true.

Relationships still matter.

If you ever spot “that guy with the drone” around town, don’t hesitate to say hi. Conversations have a way of turning into unexpected opportunities.