Peter LeCouffe

After finishing the GIS program at Selkirk College, Peter LeCouffe was offered a stable job with an Albertan company where he could ply his newfound skills. It was tempting, but instead LeCouffe listened to his heart, stayed in the Kootenays and along with a partner became an entrepreneur in the fullest sense of the word.

His business? Flying drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as they are known in the industry. In a little under two years since Harrier Aerial Surveys was started, drones have gone from almost unheard of to the technology of the future. The future is now for LeCouffe’s venture as his company provides accurate survey data to a wide range of clients with the touch of a remote control device.

How did you come to choose this line of work?

Working with my now business partner, Robert Simmerling, on a school project, I was introduced to the use of drones in geomatics. The opportunity then presented itself for collaboration. Weighed against a job offer in Grande Prairie, I chose adventure and a career more in line with my lifestyle.

What is it about your work that has you excited to get out of bed in the morning?

The prospect of working on a different project every day and answering specific questions get me excited for work. Enjoyment also comes from working with clients from start to finish—from data acquisition to providing the answers they are looking for.

What’s your focus for 2016?

With the drone industry excelling at its current rate, our goal is to keep the foot on the gas and stay on the cutting edge of technology. This way we can continue to be the experts in our field and in turn offer this expertise to our clients. 
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur in the Kootenays?

Just like many visitors to the Kootenays, seven years ago I was introduced to this beautiful place and a beautiful girl . . . I have never looked back! Knowing this was the place to make my life, all I had to do was create a job to suit it.