11.1.2017

The People Behind PrecisionHawk: Karen Shank

At PrecisionHawk, we’re pioneering drone technology for the commercial sector. It’s made possible by our people.

With a strong background in development, marketing and sales and business management, Karen Shank brought a range of experiences to PrecisionHawk’s Sales Team in April. Now, Karen works with clients in the construction industry. Learn about how she found a job that matches her love of “pushing the envelope,” and where she thinks the drone industry is going.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

At this point in my life and career, I look forward to learning something different and new every day. I also enjoy adding value to the company and helping it grow with my experience and knowledge.

 

Before working at PrecisionHawk, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I worked for a master piano tuner and was trained to become a skilled grand piano rebuilder and eventually a piano tuner. Based on my background in fine arts and woodworking, rebuilding was an easy progression and was extremely interesting. The rebuilding process allowed me to learn how to tune pianos and helped me practice my woodworking skills. Needless to say, I learned a lot.

How has PrecisionHawk helped you in your professional development?

PrecisionHawk is different from other companies and startups that I’ve worked with. It has kept me on my toes and it keeps me driving for more knowledge about how drone technology can and does work in our everyday lives. Through this job, I’m finding new and improved ways of selling and speaking to people.

 

What’s the coolest project you currently working on (that you can talk about!)?

I’ve been able to work with clients who are starting a business from scratch; giving advice and helping to educate and train them. This process has helped me learn a lot about this business and about drone technologies.

I’ve learned how we can push the envelope of what is possible today and what will be possible in the future. I'm someone who loves pushing the envelope a bit.

 

How do you see drone technology evolving over the next five years?

I see it becoming more intelligent. I think it’s going to fit into our everyday processes and I think we’ll be able to equip it with the ability to do more for us individually.  Drones are going to be much more involved in our everyday lives. There are so many more applications that we’ll find in the coming years, it’s going to be unbelievable how much the technology will be integrated in our lives.

 

What are the biggest challenges you face in selling drone technology?

The biggest challenges are regulations and keeping a real handle on uses. Keeping up with the software needs of the very educated users is also difficult, especially as it continues to evolve so quickly. It’s challenging to constantly to think about what’s next and what more we can do with drones so we can compete and continue to be the best in this space.

 

If you could give your 21 year old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Be patient, be kind, and, more than anything else, be humble. You have so much more to learn and find out about yourself, about people, and about this world. That doesn’t happen just overnight. Make sure to keep an open mind and don’t worry about falling on your face because it teaches you to pick yourself up and continue moving forward.

If you could choose anyone to be your mentor, who would it be?

If I could have a magical wand or something like that, Leonardo Da Vinci would be incredible because he was such a remarkable man who was way before his time. He thought about the future and the positive impact we can have on it. I love his forward thinking and the fact that he didn’t fear technology or things that he didn’t understand. His work and drive for knowledge are awe-inspiring.

 

Do you have a motto or personal mantra?

Never ask of someone for something that you wouldn’t do or haven’t done yourself.  Also, always acknowledge and say “Hi” to the janitor because he or she may be the CEO of the company you’re walking into later in life. Their job is just as important as yours.

With a passion for pushing the envelope, Karen has exactly what PrecisionHawk needs, and we're grateful to have her as part of our team.

If you're interested in joining the PrecisionHawk team, you can view all of our open opportunities here.