Ryan English is the CEO and co-founder of FLYMOTION, a veteran-owned company that provides end-to-end technology solutions, unmanned systems, world-class training, and support.
Living by the motto Supporting Those Who Serve, the FLYMOTION team is committed to providing support and solutions to active members of public safety, government, and defense in their operations.
As a company leader and a veteran of the US Coast Guard, Ryan’s passion for entrepreneurship and reputation for integrity and excellence made him a perfect fit for an interview.
Enjoy!
What inspired you to create FLYMOTION?
The goal when creating FLYMOTION was to bring the latest innovative technologies, drones, and robotics to the groups of people who would benefit from them organizationally like first responders, defense, public safety, and the government. Through the technology we provide, we want to make their jobs safer, more effective, and more efficient.
FLYMOTION as a whole leverages the combined decades of military and government experience that my business partner, myself, and our team have. And, as co-founders, we’re able to take what we’ve learned and apply it to our work day in and day out.
What lesson(s) from your time in the military have you applied to your life as a business owner?
The military provides a good base and fundamental structure for everything from timelines to punctuality, to thinking outside-the-box, and getting the job done with less. That base knowledge and foundation have been key to sustaining operational excellence at FLYMOTION. As a technology company, my military background has proven to be beneficial as I’ve essentially walked in our clients’ shoes before. My first-hand experience helps me better understand and then deliver solutions that’ll help our clients do their jobs and do them well.
What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?
Sit down for the ride. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get discouraged and want to throw in the towel but don’t. Understand there will be lots of high and exciting moments and just as many lows. These fluctuations are part of the process and you shouldn’t get too attached to either.
Just stay focused, keep your head down, and remember you’re the one that knows what’s best for your business. Yes, other people’s insights are valuable, but stay dialed in and razor-focused on what you want to achieve. Finally, get comfortable with failure. Learn from mistakes and use your tenacious drive to keep pushing and never give up.
What do you love most about owning a business in Tampa?
Over the last 10 years, I’ve grown to love the environment in and around Tampa. I’ve seen drastic, pivotal changes in the downtown area and an influx of networking and partnership opportunities for business leaders.
It’s an exciting time to live in Tampa as it’s becoming one of the best tech hubs in the country. And, let’s not forget, the weather is great too. Especially for my business, where the weather is a factor, a steady climate allows our team to operate and test our tech on a regular basis which helps us improve our business and offerings.
