Meet Brett Bottles

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brett Bottles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brett, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

After more than twenty-five years in law enforcement, I’ve learned a lot about people. I’ve learned how strong they can be — and how quickly life can take its toll when you stop taking care of yourself. In this profession, stress isn’t an occasional visitor; it’s a constant companion. And I’ve watched too many officers hit retirement only to feel lost without the badge. Their identity was the job — and when the job ended, they didn’t know who they were anymore.

That’s why self-care isn’t optional for me — it’s a priority.

For me, self-care looks a little different depending on the day. Sometimes it’s the adrenaline rush of dropping into a tight curve behind the wheel of my Nissan 370Z, reminding myself that life is allowed to be fun. Sometimes it’s taking my drone into the sky, capturing the world from a new perspective — both literally and figuratively. There’s something about looking down from above that resets my mind and reminds me just how big and beautiful the world is.

Travel has become one of the most important ways I recharge. My wife, Rebecca, and I make it a point to get out and explore — whether we’re carving along scenic mountain roads, wandering European streets, or simply discovering a new town not too far from home. Those moments away from the uniform and radio are where we laugh the hardest, breathe the deepest, and remember why we work so hard in the first place.

Having hobbies isn’t just entertainment — it’s survival. It’s balance. It’s a reminder that life exists outside the cruiser and the courtroom. And as the years have gone by, those hobbies have grown into something even more meaningful. What started as a passion for drone photography has turned into a business — one that I plan to take full-time when the day comes to hang up the badge. Instead of stepping away from purpose, I’ll simply be stepping into a new chapter. The extra income will fuel more travel adventures with Rebecca, more memories, and more life lived to the fullest.

I firmly believe the most effective version of myself — both as an officer and as a human being — comes from honoring the things that bring me joy. When I’m taking care of my own wellbeing, I show up better for the people who count on me. Self-care has made me more patient, more present, and more resilient. It’s given me something to look forward to after shift, and something to work toward after retirement.

If there’s one thing I’d pass on to younger officers, or anyone in a demanding career, it’s this: Do not wait until retirement to start living. Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s what keeps you grounded, motivated, and able to serve others without losing yourself along the way.

So yes, I work hard. I always have. But now, I play hard too. I travel. I take the scenic route. I fly drones and chase sunsets and carve corners in a car that makes me smile every single time I start it. Because life shouldn’t end when the badge does — and with the right passions, it won’t.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the owner of Northeast Ohio Drone, where I bring together my love for aviation, technology, and storytelling. After serving 25 years in law enforcement—much of that time supporting critical incidents and training with drones—I realized how powerful aerial perspectives can be. Now, I use that same skillset to help everyday people and businesses tell their stories from above.

What excites me most about what I do is the variety. One day I’m capturing a couple’s big moment at a wedding, the next I’m documenting construction progress or creating cinematic real estate visuals that help properties stand out in a competitive market. I love giving clients that “wow” factor—and showing them a view of their world they’ve never seen before.

Photography and drone piloting have become more than just hobbies for me. They provide balance, creativity, and a post-retirement path I look forward to growing. As Northeast Ohio Drone continues to build momentum, I’m expanding my services, working with more real estate partners, and collaborating with first responders to help integrate better aerial support into public safety operations.

At the end of the day, my mission is simple: create breathtaking imagery, deliver outstanding service, and help others see just how incredible their moments—and their milestones—truly are.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the greatest impact on my journey are resilience, continuous learning, and relationship-building.

Resilience has been essential throughout my 25 years in law enforcement. This career demands the ability to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly, and bounce back from difficult days. I believe resilience is built over time—through pushing forward when challenges arise and finding healthy outlets like hobbies, travel, or creative passions to reset and recharge.

Continuous learning has also played a major role in my growth. Whether it was advancing my skills as a drone operator, gaining new certifications, or keeping up with technology and tactics, I never stopped trying to improve. That mindset opened the doors to building Northeast Ohio Drone and gave me a second career to look forward to. For anyone early in their journey: stay curious. Invest in skills that excite you and that can benefit your future.

Relationship-building is what brings everything together. This is a people-driven career—both policing and business. Treating others with respect, communicating clearly, and building trust have helped me serve my community and now serve my clients. Strong relationships create opportunities, repeat business, and the kind of support network that helps you succeed long-term.

My advice for those just starting out is simple: Focus on who you are becoming, not just the job you’re doing. Master your craft, keep learning new things, and build a life outside the career so that when one chapter ends, another exciting one is ready to begin.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I would spend every moment making memories with the people I love — especially my wife, Rebecca. We would travel the world together, explore the places we’ve always talked about, and revisit our favorite roads and destinations that bring us joy. I’d make sure we laughed often, took the scenic route, and soaked in every sunrise and sunset along the way.

I’d continue growing my drone business, not just as work, but as a passion that lets me create and share meaningful stories from the sky. I’d use those skills to give back — helping first responders, capturing special moments for families, and highlighting the beauty of the world around us.

I’d still enjoy the thrill of the drive — carving through mountain curves in my 370Z with the windows down and the music up — remembering that life should always have a little fun built into it.

Most importantly, I’d focus on experiences over things. I’d live boldly, say yes to adventure, be present in each moment, and make sure that when that decade was up, there would be absolutely no doubt that I lived a full, exciting, and meaningful life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.northeastohiodrone.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeast_ohio_drone/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northeastohiodrone/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-bottles-b24b9244