For decades, logging crews have relied on manual methods to complete yarder road layouts, often spending hours or even days navigating steep terrain to pull rope through the woods.
Today, Oregon-based Hilltop Aerial is helping logging companies accomplish the same task in minutes.
By designing and manufacturing heavy lift drones specifically for the logging industry, Hilltop Aerial has created a safer, faster way to complete one of the industry's most labor-intensive jobs.
Solving a Real Problem in the Logging Industry
Hilltop Aerial wasn't started by drone enthusiasts looking for an application.
It was built by people who grew up in logging and understood the challenges firsthand.
"Our family is a part of the logging industry and saw a need to create a solution for these yarder road layouts," says co-owner Madelynn Kent.
Madelynn and her brother Kyler took on the challenge with the guidance and help of their father Mark. Also, rounding out the crew is Trevor, the lead programmer and Tim, the lead researcher and developer.
Traditionally, crews manually string rope through difficult terrain before a yarder system can be set up. Depending on the location, that process can take several hours or even multiple days.
Hilltop Aerial's heavy lift drones reduce that timeline dramatically.
"Hand-strung road layouts usually take anywhere from a couple hours to a couple days to complete. With a drone, we are able to do that same road layout in 5-10 minutes."
The result is improved productivity, lower labor requirements, and reduced exposure to hazardous terrain.
Improving Safety Through Drone Technology
Efficiency was only part of the equation.
The team recognized an opportunity to improve safety in one of America's most physically demanding industries.
"Slips, trips and falls are some of the main injuries in the logging industry, so we set out to learn more about building drones and creating something that was going to work for such a tough industry."
That commitment led to years of development involving multiple family members and industry professionals.
Hilltop Aerial is owned by siblings Kyler Standley and Madelynn Kent, but they are quick to credit the larger team behind the company's success.
"It really has been a group effort creating something that stands out from the rest." says Kyler.
Built by Loggers, for Loggers
One of Hilltop Aerial's biggest advantages is its deep connection to the industries it serves.
Unlike many technology companies entering industrial markets, the Hilltop Aerial team understands the day-to-day realities of logging operations because they come from the industry themselves.
"We are a family business that knows the logging industry very well, which helps us provide the type of services that logging companies need when purchasing a drone."
That knowledge extends beyond the initial sale.
"It's not just about selling the drone, it's about the service that is provided from the beginning and every need thereafter."
That customer-first approach has helped the company expand into additional industries including:
- Power line construction and transmission work
- Fire and water rescue operations
- Ski lift installation and maintenance
- Utility infrastructure projects
- Industrial heavy-lift applications
Customers Continue to Push the Limits
Ask Madelynn what she's most proud of, and she doesn't immediately point to the drones themselves.
Instead, she points to the customers.
"We are very proud of how our customers have taken these drones and really put them to the test."
Many operators continue finding new applications that Hilltop Aerial hadn't originally envisioned.
"They are constantly trying new things and pushing the boundaries, which helps us create the best product for them."
That feedback loop allows the company to continuously refine its technology while discovering new opportunities for drone-assisted work.
Why Hilltop Aerial Chose Custom Leather Patch Hats
Like many businesses operating in the outdoor and industrial sectors, Hilltop Aerial wanted branded merchandise that people would actually wear.
The company chose custom leather patch hats because they stood apart from traditional promotional products.
"We decided to go with the leather patch because it stood out from other hats."
Initially, the hats were intended as gifts for customers purchasing drones.
"We wanted to give hats to each customer that we sold a drone to."
The response quickly exceeded expectations.
"We've heard nothing but good things about the hats. Our customers, family, friends, and everyone we've given a hat to really seem to enjoy them."
A Hat Worth Wearing
For Hilltop Aerial, the value of a custom hat isn't simply brand visibility.
It's seeing someone choose to wear it.
"They're good looking hats so people wear them around a lot."
Madelynn says there's something rewarding about spotting a Hilltop Aerial hat in public.
"It's a major compliment when we see someone choosing to wear our hats."
After all, every person wearing a branded hat made a conscious decision before leaving home.
"They made that decision to put the hat on when they walked out of the house, and so whenever we see our hats out in public or in pictures we get pretty excited."
Hilltop Aerial went with our classic laser etched leather patch hats. For more info about this decoration type click here.
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Keep Going
Building a business has its highs and lows, and Madelynn doesn't sugarcoat the reality.
"When you own your own business, it can feel like one day everything is amazing and then the next you fall back down to the bottom."
Like many entrepreneurs, the Hilltop Aerial team has faced moments where quitting seemed easier.
"There's been days where we've wanted to hang it up, and days where we feel like we're on top of the world."
Her advice is simple:
"At the end of the day, it's important to keep going because everything works out in the way it's supposed to. Quitting is just doing a disservice to yourself."
What's Next for Hilltop Aerial?
The company believes the future of industrial drone technology is just getting started.
"Creating larger drones and new products for bigger jobs is a big goal for us."
As industries continue looking for safer and more efficient ways to complete difficult work, Hilltop Aerial sees enormous opportunity ahead.
"The opportunities for drones are endless."
Learn More About Hilltop Aerial
Website: Hilltop-Aerial.com
Instagram: @hilltopaerialllc
Facebook: @HilltopAerialLLC
TikTok: @hilltopaerial
