Jonah Schmidt
TopDown Drone Services
Being a college student is a challenge on its own, but for Jonah Schmidt, a Northern State University student, college life is just one piece of a much bigger picture. Jonah has managed to successfully run his own business, compete as a college athlete, and pursue his undergraduate degree in Business Administration, all while maintaining his focus and drive. This past summer, Jonah stood out as a finalist in the Aberdeen Pitch Competition, where he showcased his business, TopDown Drone Services, a venture that truly speaks for itself.
TopDown Drone Services specializes in using advanced drone technology to apply crop treatments with precision, efficiency, and care. By combining agricultural expertise with cutting-edge innovation, Jonah has created a business that’s not only forward-thinking but also deeply rooted in the needs of South Dakota’s farming communities.
Growing up in rural South Dakota, Jonah developed a passion for agriculture early on. He spent his childhood surrounded by farms, machinery, and the hard-working people who keep agriculture alive. Around that same time, he became fascinated by drones and their potential applications beyond hobby flying. During his junior year at Northern, Jonah recognized a unique gap in the Aberdeen area - farmers needed more accurate and cost-effective ways to manage crops. He saw an opportunity to merge his two interests, and TopDown Drone Services was born. But this wasn’t an overnight idea. Jonah had been dreaming about launching this business since his senior year of high school.
What truly sets Jonah apart from many young entrepreneurs is his attitude toward failure. He has learned to harness setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. His philosophy has always been grounded in trial and error testing ideas, learning from mistakes, and constantly improving his process. “If you’re going to fail, fail when you’re young,” Jonah says. “Because if it fails, you still have time to figure it out.”
That mindset was tested early on. During one of the very first days of his business, Jonah experienced a drone crash, a simple mistake, but an expensive one. For a moment, he questioned everything. Was it time to sell it all and move on? But with encouragement from his dad, he decided to keep going. That lesson in perseverance shaped how he approaches every obstacle today.
Jonah takes great pride in the reputation he’s built with his customers. “It’s not a race,” he explains. “It’s about quality.” He believes that what makes a business thrive isn’t just financial success, it’s the relationships and trust built along the way. Having grown up watching both of his parents run their own businesses, Jonah understands the value of connecting with people on a personal level. For him, entrepreneurship is about more than transactions; it’s about helping others and creating a lasting impact in the community.
That trust and authenticity have paid off. When Jonah first sought a bank loan to fund his initial investment, it was his ability to share his vision that made all the difference. Through persistence, door-to-door outreach, and countless conversations with local farmers, Jonah built a loyal client base. Today, he has already served more than 50 clients and continues to grow each season.
As his business expands, Jonah’s ambitions are growing too. He recently purchased another drone and is exploring new service areas, including aerial photography, thermal imaging, deer recovery, and even search and rescue operations. With drone technology advancing rapidly, Jonah sees endless opportunities for innovation, and he’s ready to seize them.
Despite his busy schedule as a full-time student athlete, Jonah makes it all work through discipline, time management, and passion. “There are sacrifices,” he admits. “You work all day and do homework at night.” When asked what advice he would give to young entrepreneurs, Jonah’s answer is simple: “Go for it. The people you meet along the way are incredible, and there’s always something new to learn.” He also points out how South Dakota has become a growing hub for tech-based companies that are investing heavily in agricultural research and innovation.
Looking five years into the future, Jonah envisions TopDown Drone Services expanding across the region, serving farmers throughout the area, and continually pushing the boundaries of what drones can do for agriculture. With his determination, curiosity, and commitment to growth, Jonah Schmidt is not only building a business but he’s also shaping the future of precision agriculture in South Dakota.
