James Doyle, Above Ground Level (AGL) Visuals
By Dom Provenzano, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
The 21st century has brought with it a wealth of new technologies, spawning industries few would have dreamed possible. James Doyle, 37, is among the first generation of entrepreneurs to harness these advancements, as he brings photography and videography services to an entirely new level.
Doyle started in the finance world in 2008. “It was in the middle of the financial crisis. The world was falling apart. When everyone was running out, I was running in.”
But, after nearly 13 years in the industry and working for some of the biggest financial institutions in the world, including UBS and BlackRock, Doyle found himself burnt out. “COVID happened, and I took a step back and asked myself, ‘I’m financially fulfilled, but am I really happy?’”
Doyle’s inner-entrepreneur kicked in. “I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit and mindset. When I was a kid, I’d go door-to-door shoveling snow. In high school, I worked as a DJ. Ultimately, quit Wall Street and decided to focus exclusively on my own ideas.”
Doyle’s first venture, a crypto-based ATM company, was short-lived. Despite the prevalence of cryptocurrencies, the crypto ATM machines never caught on. Doyle sold the company and turned his eyes to the sky.
“Photography has always been a passion of mine and I started flying drones recreationally in 2016,” said Doyle, who identified a growing need for aerial photography. “There was a niche that needed to be filled on Staten Island, so I monetized something I love to do.”
As drones have become more affordable and consumer-friendly, the number of amateur drone pilots has exploded. Doyle sought to do things professionally and, more importantly, legally. In 2021, Doyle founded Above Ground Level Visuals (AGL) and completed his FAA Part 107, an extensive course and test that registers pilots with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“All the airspace above your head is controlled by the FAA, and they take this stuff very, very seriously. I’ve seen projects completed where, months after the work has been finished, the FAA has levied huge fines for realtors, construction sites, and photographers that utilized uncertified commercial work. My clients know they’re getting someone who is certified, who knows what they’re doing.”
Initially, AGL cast a wide net, performing photography and videography services for a wide range of industries. However, Doyle honed in on a particular niche: real estate, architects, and construction. “I decided to focus exclusively on working for [these clients], as there was a clear niche that needed to be filled.”
The refinement came with a learning curve, and Doyle realized quickly that he needed to expand his expertise outside of just drones. “I did a few jobs for realtors with regular ground photos that I totally botched. I quickly realized how important taking high quality photos is for their marketing purposes, so I decided to dig in and dedicate myself to the craft. I invested in myself and took courses and diligently studied everything there is to know about real estate and architecture photography.”
Today, AGL serves realtors, architects, contractors, and construction companies, to help them view their properties and worksites from a new perspective.
“I’m dedicated and invested in every project. When I complete photo or video work for realtors and the property doesn’t sell right away, I take that personally!”
As AGL develops, Doyle continually looks for ways to give back. He is a member of the the Staten Island Rotary Club and deeply involved in No Kid Hungry, an organization that seeks to end child hunger, an issue that is near and dear to Doyle.
“My dad (now 86) grew up dirt poor and worked hard, and transformed himself into something from nothing. He became a well-respected Ophthalmologist,” said Doyle, with tears welling in his eyes. “He knew what it was like to go to bed hungry. Every dollar he earned, he invested in my sister and I. Kids can’t help what circumstances they’re born into. I see it as my duty to help and give back where I can.”
Doyle also serves as a mentor for the Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA), which trains high school students on how to plan, develop, and run their own businesses.
“Ultimately, this is what we're going to be remembered for, right? What type of person were you? My mother would tell me, ‘it's not about how many deals you close, how much money you make, or you know how good of a businessperson you are. It's how good of a person you are.’ What did you do to leave the world in a better place than when you came into it? At 37 years old, I finally realize what she was trying to tell me all those years ago. When I see these kids, I realize that the future looks bright on Staten Island.”
Doyle remains undeterred. “I’m probably the most resilient person there is. I’m doubling down on my passion and my craft. I’m so excited to see where this goes.”
With AGL experiencing explosive growth in recent months, and its client list continuing to grow, it’s still remains in its early stages, and there is no way for Doyle to go but up.
