Idaho Airships - Boise

Leo Geis formed Idaho Airships in 1997.  Until that time, aerial photography was in its infancy, especially as it applied to marketing, advertising and communication.

In 1999, he decided to take his photography business to another level — literally.  Geis’ company began to focus on high-quality, high-resolution aerial photographs, using remote operated helicopters instead of airplanes. The ability to hover accurately over the subject property, with little movement or distortion caused by distance, speed or direction greatly improved the results.  Building pictorials included a selection of lighting and shadowing effects, bringing in vast sunrise and sunset colors, capturing widespread views of seasonal foliage changes, and depth, height and positioning of the property within its surroundings. Clients quickly grasped the significance of these photographs in painting the “best” picture of their property.

Geis’ company was the topic of a business article written in 2004 by Crystal Detamore-Rodman, a Charlottesville, Va., writer who covers the small-business finance market for Entrepreneur Magazine. The article notes that “not long after launching the Boise company in 1997, Geis had to upgrade his photography equipment to get better aerial images. To fund the unanticipated purchase, the half-million-dollar company borrowed $80,000. Though the company could have used its own capital to fund the transaction, Geis thought there were more productive ways to use the cash. Inconsistent customer demand, changing technology, and the need to rapidly expand into new geographic markets all make for an unpredictable commercial existence.”  Geis’ guidance of Idaho Airships has resulted in dramatic growth nationally. 

The Idaho Small Business Development Center was a valued resource for Geis. The Idaho SBDC research department conducted market research to assist the fledgling company with its marketing plan and an Idaho SBDC consultant discussed strategy and planning with him. He also participated in mentoring sessions to help with focus, redirection and valuation of Idaho Airships during the period prior to his sale of the company.

Geis has been a guest speaker in numerous SBDC business courses. Geis and Idaho Airships is a model for others to follow, a great Idaho success story.

SBDCs are a program supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.  SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities.

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