Flying high: Lakota Funds client Seth Tausan brings drone technology to Pine Ridge

KYLE – After more than two decades building two successful agricultural and commercial pest control companies, Seth Tausan, founder of Southpaw Aerial Company LLC, was ready to innovate. Excited about the possibility of using drone technology to advance his work, he reached out to Lakota Funds for the second time in his career. Once again, he was greeted by an enthusiastic team ready to support his business goals. Seth’s newest Lakota Funds business loan allowed him to purchase two powerful drones that are already leveling up his business and expanding possibilities for future growth.

“After many years in the specialty, agricultural spraying world, I started hearing more about using drone technology to enhance this type of work. They have so many benefits. They are incredibly accurate, down to a centimeter in some instances, as well as being far safer for operators. And there’s so much more they can be used for—taking aerial photos to analyze the impact of different chemical treatments, surveying land, assessing storm damage, the list goes on,” said Seth.

“With this advanced technology, these drones are relatively expensive. I put together a business plan, reached out to Lakota Funds and was able to sit down with Tawney [Lakota Funds’ Executive Director]. She and the whole team are so upbeat and positive and experienced. With this loan, I was able to purchase two drones—one for spraying and one for aerial imaging. The things this could lead into in the future for our company is just unbelievable, and that’s thanks to Lakota Funds.”

Seth’s history with Lakota Funds goes back nearly a decade. After stepping up to take over his grandfather’s spraying company, Seth had the chance to acquire a yard and lawn care business in 2017–but he needed some startup funds. He found out about Lakota Funds’ business loans through a friend in the community and almost immediately discovered the support he needed.

“Lakota Funds was incredibly supportive from the start. They see the whole picture and what the business owner brings to the table, much more than a standard bank would,” he said. “I think there are three things a community needs in order to thrive—a hospital, good schools, and a great bank or financial institution. Lakota Funds gives so much back to the community, not only by providing financial resources but also through the phenomenal advice they give and opportunities they create. Lakota Funds is really a cornerstone of this community.”

Seth is looking forward to continuing to serve individual farmers and ranchers—but also expanding into new roles and sectors as well. He’s already partnering with chemical companies to conduct test trials to determine effective treatments for invasive species and noxious weeds, using the aerial imaging drone for before and after footage. Attending a Lakota Funds construction summit opened his eyes to possibilities for supporting that industry, by providing aerial images for contractors and helping support appraisal and inspection work using drones. Other potential opportunities include working with local, state, tribal, and federal agencies and utility companies.

With his business growing, Seth recognized he needed more advanced data management and administrative support behind the scenes. He’s now in the process of setting up an internship, working with Lakota Funds and local colleges to recruit students interested in gaining real-world business experience. Lakota Funds supports business owners like Seth in creating valuable economic opportunities for youth by covering the cost of an intern’s hourly wage and providing financial educational training. It’s perfect synergy for Seth, who is looking forward to opening pathways to success for others in the community.

The team at Lakota Funds is equally excited to see Southpaw’s work continue to evolve and expand. Stories like Seth’s inspire Lakota Funds’ ongoing work to increase business growth, asset development, and job creation across the reservation and well beyond.

“When I first read Seth’s business plan, it was really exciting to think about having this advanced technology right here on the reservation. And it was one of the easiest loans and had so much support from our Board, because Seth had really done all the leg work, obtained all the certificates, and had all his financials in order,” said Ryan Hussman, the Lakota Funds loan officer who worked with Seth. “What’s inspiring is how Seth’s business can help other farmers and ranchers steward their land more effectively, while helping so many other industries as well. It’s looking at our land and our resources holistically, and helping it thrive for all of us.”

Lakota Funds broke ground in 1986 as the country’s first Native American Community Development Financial Institution–with a vision centered on breaking the cycle of generational poverty on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Today, Lakota Funds promotes economic sustainability by providing access to credit for Native people. Learn more at: lakotafunds.org/

PRESS RELEASE Contact: Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director (605) 455-2500 tbrunsch@lakotafunds.org

 

The post Flying high: Lakota Funds client Seth Tausan brings drone technology to Pine Ridge first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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