Peter Makredes is the President and Owner of Sol Aerial Surveys. With a strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and client service, Peter has built Sol into a trusted name in aerial data acquisition. His entrepreneurial mindset began at a young age, buying and reselling items on eBay. From early on, Peter was driven by a desire to improve systems, create value, and build something of his own. That drive, paired with a deep curiosity and commitment to personal growth, set the stage for his future as a business owner.

Peter credits much of his work ethic and perspective to his parents.  Both were influential in shaping his understanding of progress and development. Frequent visits to construction sites gave him a firsthand look at how projects evolve from start to finish, inspiring a belief in turning ideas into reality through consistent effort.

Before founding Sol, Peter worked as an aerial survey pilot. During that time, he noticed inefficiencies in the industry, particularly around hiring practices and outdated operational models. He saw a clear opportunity to improve performance by focusing on the people doing the work—especially pilots, whose roles are critical to delivering results. This insight became the foundation of Sol’s mission and culture.

What sets Sol apart is its people-centric approach. Peter emphasizes the importance of surrounding the business with dedicated employees, trusted vendors, and supportive clients. This collaborative environment has not only driven operational success but also made the journey deeply rewarding.

Launching Sol at age 26 came with its own set of challenges. Without a track record of success in this industry, earning credibility required extra effort. Even today, at 33, Peter recognizes that being younger in a such a large and specialized industry means constantly working to prove himself. However, he believes that hard work and perseverance can outpace experience alone.

As Sol looks to the future, one of the company’s strategic moves was the acquisition of a factory new Caravan aircraft. This addition reflects long-term thinking—positioning the business with a next-generation platform that offers better safety, reliability, reduced maintenance downtime and the capability to meet evolving industry demands.