We recently had the chance to connect with Sam Frontino and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Sam , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity, without a doubt. Intelligence and energy are incredibly valuable, but without integrity, they can be misdirected. Integrity is the foundation that guides how we treat others, how we show up in our work, and how we make decisions when no one is watching. In my business, whether I’m flying a drone over a new development or collaborating with a client on a creative vision, I want people to know that they can trust me to be honest, dependable, and respectful. That trust is everything—it’s how relationships are built and how reputations are earned. Intelligence and energy are amplified when they’re anchored in integrity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sam Frontino, the founder of Aerial Pointe Drone LLC. I’m a professional drone pilot, photographer, and visual storyteller based in Virginia—but my lens has taken me all over the country. I started Aerial Pointe with a passion for capturing the world from a new perspective—literally. What began as a love for aviation and photography has grown into a business that partners with real estate developers, tourism boards, creative agencies, and more to produce high-quality aerial videography and photography.
What sets Aerial Pointe apart is our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction—that’s our top priority. We’re known for our professionalism, reliability, and commitment to delivering more than expected. I take pride in approaching every project not just as a service provider, but as a creative partner. We’re constantly learning, evolving, and adapting to new technology and trends so we can stay ahead of the curve. Just as important, we believe in the power of collaboration and building strong networks—that’s where the real magic happens.
Whether I’m documenting the launch of a luxury property, filming a coastal town at golden hour, or contributing content to platforms like Getty Images, I’m always thinking about how to deliver not just great footage, but lasting impact.
Right now, I’m excited to be expanding into a new chapter. In our third year, Aerial Pointe is growing even further —we’re launching an online store and partnering with local retailers across multiple states to sell fine art prints of our aerial photography. We’re also seeing strong sales through Getty, iStock, and Adobe Stock, where our work has gained international reach. It’s been a journey of passion, persistence, and perspective—and we’re just getting started.
Most recently, I had the opportunity to work with the incredible team at Envida on the CityHouse at Ashburn Station project. It was a fantastic collaboration, and I’m proud to have helped capture and showcase such a beautiful, thoughtfully designed development.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad, Mike Frontino, without question. He’s always been the hardest-working person I know—not just in the hours he put in, but in the way he approached everything with integrity, humility, and a sense of pride. He taught me that showing up matters, that how you treat people matters, and that if you say you’re going to do something, you do it—and you do it well.
Even as a kid, I watched how seriously he took his responsibilities, no matter how big or small. That stuck with me. He never chased recognition—he just quietly led by example. That example shaped how I approach my own work today: with care, consistency, and a deep respect for the people I work with. I wouldn’t be the person or business owner I am today without the lessons I learned from him.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life have been rooted in loss. When we are young, we tend to feel invincible, up until I was 18 I had never experienced loss, since then I have experienced multiple losses. At 34, I’ve experienced the unexpected passing of two of my best friends—both of whom meant the world to me. One of those losses happened just last year, and it’s something I’m still actively grieving. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and the hole it leaves doesn’t just disappear—but it does shape you.
What I’ve learned through these losses is that resilience isn’t about being unaffected—it’s about choosing to keep moving forward with purpose, even when your heart is heavy. I’ve found healing through creating, through staying connected to the people I love, and through honoring my friends by living fully, appreciating every moment, and doing work that matters.
Their memory lives in everything I do—in the care I take with my work, in the relationships I nurture, and in the gratitude I carry for every day I get to do what I love. Loss has changed me, but it’s also deepened my empathy, my resilience, and my drive to live meaningfully.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that I care deeply about loyalty, honesty, and showing up for the people I love. Relationships matter to me—whether it’s family, friends, or clients, I want people to know they can count on me. I’m someone who remembers the little things, checks in often, and always makes time for the people who matter.
They’d also say I’m outgoing and full of energy—I love being around people, making new connections, and bringing good vibes wherever I go. I have a spontaneous side too—I’ll jump in the car for a road trip or try something new on a whim, just to shake things up and make life a little more fun.
And they’d definitely say I’m driven. When I care about something, I give it my all. Whether it’s my business, a creative project, or planning an unforgettable experience, I’m fully in. At the end of the day, what matters most to me is creating meaningful moments and making life a little brighter for the people around me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d stop chasing perfection. I’ve always had a drive to keep refining, improving, and making things better—and while that’s served me in a lot of ways, I think if I knew I only had ten years left, I’d trade perfection for presence.
I’d spend those years with the people I love most—my family and closest friends—soaking up every conversation, every laugh, every quiet moment. I’d travel as much as I possibly could, not just to see the world, but to truly experience it. I’ve always dreamed of reaching a place in life where I could immerse myself in other cultures, meet people from all walks of life, and understand the world through more than just my own lens.
There’s something beautiful about connection across distance, language, and background. If time were limited, I’d lean into that beauty with my whole heart. I’d let my days be full of meaning—capturing stories, creating memories, and leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, curiosity, and the richness of human experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aerialpointedrone.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerialpointedrone/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AerialPointeDrone/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AerialPointeDrone?app=desktop
- Other: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/AerialPointeDrone?mediatype=photography
https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/211924939/aerial-pointe-drone?load_type=author&prev_url=detail
Image Credits
All photos were taken by me, Sam Frontino
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
