🎧 Episode Summary

What happens when an old pilot’s logbook sparks a new generation of aviators? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker introduces us to Brandon Martini, Co-CEO of Stratus Financial, whose personal journey from maxed-out credit cards to helping 1,000 new pilots earn their wings proves one thing: the dream of flight doesn’t have to stay out of reach. From starting a flight school with one plane and a $96 office, to launching a financial platform that partners with over 400 flight schools, Brandon’s story is a blueprint for perseverance and innovation in aviation finance.

Then, Shawn takes us on a deep dive into the Aeroverse — the new streaming platform built exclusively for aviation lovers — and closes with a high-energy look into the fast-growing global sport of Drone Soccer, where coding, flight, and competition collide to inspire the next generation of aviators.

This episode is all about visionaries — the ones who don’t wait for permission to make aviation more accessible, more entertaining, and more inclusive.

✨ Thank you to ASA (Aviation Supplies and Academics) for helping us reach the next generation of aviators and aviation enthusiasts!

✈️ Key Points
Brandon Martini’s Journey

• Inspired by his grandfather’s logbook and funded his first lessons with $2,500 in Christmas gift certificates.


• Maxed out credit cards to finish flight training while supporting a family.


• Opened a one-airplane flight school in Riverside, California.


• Founded Stratus Financial after traditional banks rejected aviation students.


• Helped nearly 1,000 pilots finance their dreams, partnering with 400+ flight schools.


• Recognized on the NBAA 40 Under 40 list for innovation in business aviation.

Lessons from Brandon’s Story

• When opportunity doesn’t knock, build your own door.


• Persistence is more valuable than perfect timing.


• Aviation finance can be human, ethical, and built around student success.


• Barriers are only permanent if you let them be.

Inside Aeroverse: The Streaming Home for Aviation Enthusiasts

• Founded by Charles Cook on the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ flight.


• Features exclusive content like Throttle Jockey (hosted by Chelsea Smith), Creating Scrappy with Mike Patey, Aviation 101, and Jimmy’s World.


• Partnerships with AOPA and EAA make Aeroverse both entertaining and educational.


• $7/month subscription with ad-free aviation shows, live airport streams, and downloadable content.

Drone Soccer: Where Aviation Meets Esports

• Originated in South Korea; now growing across the U.S. through schools and STEM programs.


• Combines coding, aerodynamics, and teamwork into one competitive sport.


• Supported by the US Drone Soccer Association and companies like Boeing.


• Helps students earn real-world aviation experience and pathways to FAA Part 107 certification.

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: When the cost of flight becomes the challenge

0:45 – 6:40 | The Journey of Brandon Martini: From logbook to legacy

6:41 – 8:21 | Lessons in persistence and the power of building your own system

8:22 – 8:50 | Transition: From finance to the future of aviation media

8:51 – 14:26 | Inside Aeroverse: The new streaming world for pilots and dreamers

14:27 – 15:46 | Acknowledgment: Carol Cali and GlobalAir.com article on Aeroverse

15:47 – 20:26 | The Drone Zone: The rise of drone soccer

20:27 – end | Challenge and closing thoughts: The future of flight is in your hands

🔗 Links

• Stratus Financial: https://www.stratus.finance


• Aeroverse: https://www.aeroverse.tv


• ASA: https://asa2fly.com/


• US Drone Soccer Association: https://www.usdronesoccer.org


• Done Cadets: https://dronecadets.com/


• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/


• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/