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ABOUT DRONE X
A STRONGER TOMORROW, BUILT TOGETHER
Drone X was founded in Greenville, South Carolina, to help organizations move from experimentation with drones to repeatable, scalable operational capabilities.
Our Mission
Enable regulations to safely deploy unmanned systems into mission-critical workflows.
What We Build
technology, service, partnerships, and operational infrastructure supporting the UAW lifecycle
Where We're Going
Training -> Implementation -> Managed Operations -> Proprietary Technology
EXPERIENCEED LEADDERSHIP. PROVEN RESULTS
A team with deep expertise in operations, technology, manufaturing, and security
Mark Sullivan
Board Member
Mark Sullivan has more than 25 years of experience building and scaling operating businesses, raising capital, developing strategic partnerships, and executing multi-site growth initiatives. He has held leadership roles with national franchise systems with responsibilities spanning market development, site selection, expansion strategy, and multi-territory operational execution. His experience also includes leadership across multi-site operating platforms in the restaurant, retail, and distribution industries. Mr. Sullivan currently serves as President and Managing Partner of multiple operating companies across several states, overseeing portfolio operations, organizational growth, and strategic expansion.
Shan Smith
Board Member
Shan Smith has more than 20 years of experience in industrial automation, advanced manufacturing, robotics, engineering systems, and workforce development. He is Co-Founder of Good Sense Automation, where he has led the design and deployment of advanced automation systems for aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing clients throughout the United States. His expertise includes robotics integration, industrial controls, systems engineering, manufacturing optimization, and automation technologies. Mr. Smith also serves advisory roles with Greenville Technical College and the Greenville County Workforce Development Board, supporting workforce initiatives that strengthen advanced manufacturing and emerging technology industries
Carlos Phillips
Board Member
Carlos Phillips, CCE, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greenville Chamber. He brings extensive executive leadership, business development, organizational strategy, and community engagement experience to the DroneX Board. Since becoming President and CEO of the Greenville Chamber in 2016, he has led one of the Upstate's most prominent business organizations in strengthening the regional economy, supporting business growth, developing talent, and advancing economic opportunity. He previously served as Chair of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), and has held leadership roles with the United Negro College Fund, United Way of Greenville County, Urban League of the Upstate, Community Foundation of Greater Greenville, and VisitGreenvilleSC.
Knudt Flor
Board Member
Knudt Flor is a global manufacturing and technology executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience across the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He spent 33 years with BMW Group, culminating as President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he led BMW's largest global production facility. Throughout his career, he held senior leadership roles spanning manufacturing, engineering, quality, logistics, operations, and international business development.
John C. Miller
Board Member
John C. Miller is an accomplished public company executive with more than 45 years of experience leading nationally recognized consumer brands, franchise organizations, and multi-unit operating businesses. He retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of Denny's Corporation. Prior to Denny's, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Taco Bueno Restaurants and spent 17 years with Brinker International, holding senior leadership positions including President of Romano's Macaroni Grill, President of Brinker's Mexican Concepts (overseeing On The Border and Cozymel's), and Vice President of Franchise for Chili's
Larry Grogan
Board Member
Dr. Larry Grogan is a healthcare executive, educator, and industry strategist with more than 40 years of experience in healthcare operations, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, education, and organizational leadership. He is a U.S. Army veteran and holds both a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina, along with clinical residency training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He has held senior leadership positions with leading global healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations, including Amgen, Genentech, MedImmune, Immunex, and Kowa Pharmaceuticals America
Timothy L. Polin
Timothy L. Polin is an entrepreneur, technology executive, and business operator with more than 30 years of experience in financial services, security operations, healthcare technology, software development, and corporate leadership. He began his career with Citizens and Southern National Bank of South Carolina before joining Armored Express as President and Chief Security Officer. He later acquired and operated CCA Medical, a healthcare software company, and founded Core Centurion, which develops patented chain-of-custody software for government and military markets.
Board Member
Bryan Haffey
Board Member
Dr. Bryan Haffey is an FAA Certified Remote Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). He leads the Drone Technology Program at the Golden Strip Career Center and serves as an adjunct instructor in Aviation Sciences at Elizabeth City State University. He brings extensive expertise in drone operations, flight instruction, and aviation education to the DroneX team.
Our leadership. Your advantage
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