Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Trahan.
Shannon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into home inspections wasn’t random—it was built on decades of hard work, personal growth, and the desire to protect families just like my own. I officially became a licensed Home Inspector in Florida in 2019, but my experience goes much deeper. With a background spanning over 35 years in construction and home improvement, I’ve reached a level of knowledge and field-tested expertise that places me among the most seasoned professionals in the industry—Receiving over a dozen accredited certifications in the industry I am now at the level of a State-Licensed & Nationally Certified Inspector.
I’m also certified by the State of Florida as a HUD 203(k) Consultant, allowing me to assist buyers and homeowners in navigating renovation loans and rehab projects—another way I ensure people are getting the homes they deserve.
But this story really starts back in 1989, when I began my hands-on career erecting prefab metal buildings from warehouses to airplane hangers, and education communities, transferring to the home improvement world. I’ve worked in nearly every corner and trade of construction. My wife Amy and I used that experience to buy fixer-uppers—starting with a mobile home.
That kind of hustle and resourcefulness is what I now bring to every home inspection.
I co-founded Drone and Ladder Home Inspections with Amy Trahan—my wife of over 30 years. A current Keller Williams Realtor and RPAC major investor and now the 2025 President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Together, we also run Trahan Construction Services. Amy is not only my business partner but also the person who gave my life focus. Before her, I didn’t have much direction. When I met her, I saw the future I wanted to build—and I never looked back.
Our family grew, and so did our mission. Amanda, our oldest, is now the Education Director and team lead at Keller Williams Atlantic Partners Southside in Jacksonville. FL. That seed was planted early when we swapped cartoons for the real estate channel—lessons she didn’t know she was learning until later. Our son, Shannon Jr., started in construction with me. Digging French drains, replacing fascia, installing siding or there were times I’d have him dig holes just to fill them back in, while working along side him. Not as punishment, but as a lesson. During those hours, he listened to lectures about perseverance, discipline, and seeing the bigger picture, even when the task in front of him didn’t make sense. It wasn’t about the holes or landscaping it was about building grit. That mindset helped shape who he became. Today he 26 years old and 3 years ago became the youngest grade foreman’s in Northeast Florida working for AJ Johns Site Development. Those early lessons weren’t wasted—they were foundational. It taught him the value of perseverance and trusting the process. What seemed like pointless digging turned out to be training for leadership, grit, and long-term vision.. Our youngest, Anna, was born a two-pound premie and is now a confident, brilliant 14-year-old. Already starring in Lead roles in Jr. high school theater and giving graduation speeches with ease. We never forced our children into success. We guided them, loved them, and showed them what dedication looks like. The rest, they figured out themselves.
Drone and Ladder was born from a simple but powerful belief: every client deserves an inspection that’s thorough, honest, and never rushed. I’m not one of those 60-minute, checklist-driven guys. My inspections take 3–6 hours on average, and I give every home—whether it’s 1,200 square feet or 10,000—the same care and detail. My goal isn’t to “kill deals.” It’s to give clients the truth about what they’re buying, in a way they can understand and act on.
We don’t scare clients—we educate them. We distinguish between general maintenance and major concerns, always prioritizing clear, calm explanations over fear tactics. And because of that, we’ve maintained a 100% five-star rating since launching this company.
When I’m not inspecting homes, I still take on smaller construction projects because that’s who I am. I stay connected to the trades, the tools, and the work that started it all.
We love the Jacksonville and North Florida communities, and we’re here to serve—buyers, sellers, and the realtors who truly care about doing right by their clients.
At Drone and Ladder, we’re not just inspecting homes—we’re protecting futures.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey into home inspections didn’t start with a clean slate or a silver spoon—it started with struggle. I grew up in poverty. Not the kind people talk about casually, but the kind where you live in someone’s shed or a trailer with no electricity. The kind where your shoes have holes, your clothes are worn and mismatched, and you wear the same outfit to school because it’s all you have. I had one teacher in 6th grade who would bring me (what I assumed was her son’s) clothes I remember the shoes hurting my feet because they were too small but I wore them anyway because they didn’t have holes and it made me feel like I fit in better. We didn’t have guidance, mentors, or a roadmap. We had survival.
My father wasn’t in the picture. My mother—just 4’11” and tougher than most men—worked construction and in the oilfield throughout the ’70s and ’80s. As a woman in those industries, she didn’t make much, but she worked harder than anyone I’ve ever known. What she taught me, if anything, was this: Nobody is going to hand you anything. If you want something, you better be willing to work for it.
That stuck with me.
Early in my adult life, I worked just to live—paycheck to paycheck, like so many do. I thought if you could cover the bills and maybe party with the leftover scraps, you were doing okay. But when you’ve got three kids and you want more for them than you ever had, that mentality starts to fall apart. There was never much left for savings, never much room to grow. But I never gave up. I worked extra hours, nights, weekends—whatever it took—so my kids never felt what I felt growing up. They had birthdays, holidays, school supplies, and a roof over their heads, even if it meant myself going without.
Eventually, I found my way into home improvement work, starting in 1989. I learned every trade I could—electrical, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, structural, framing, flooring, windows, doors, siding, landscaping and more. Because I knew knowledge was power, and power meant I could build something better..
My wife Amy and I began our journey with a humble mobile home, transforming it into something truly special using leftover materials from high-end renovation jobs. When affluent families purchased homes, they often renovated right away, discarding beautiful cabinets, countertops, fixtures, flooring, tubs, built-ins, and crown molding — all still full of life and character.
Rather than let those materials go to waste, we salvaged and repurposed them with care and vision, bringing them back to our home in the trailer park. We completely reimagined the layout and design, pouring our time, creativity, and love into every detail.
When we put it on the market, it sold on the very first day — for five times what we originally paid. That success became our motivation. We used the profits to buy our first solid home, which eventually led us to buy, improve, and sell two more homes in the Jacksonville area.
Years later, with the help of our daughter, we took that same spirit and dedication into flipping additional homes. It was never just about the money — it was about building something from nothing, working together as a family, and seeing the potential where others saw scraps. That experience gave us a powerful glimpse of what was possible when passion meets purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Today, Drone and Ladder serves the Jacksonville and North Florida community with a full range of inspections:
• Full Home Inspections
• Pre-listing Inspections
• Phase Inspections for New Construction
• 4-Point Insurance Evaluations
• Wind Mitigation Reports
• Environmental Testing (mold, air quality asbestos, lead)
• Water Quality Testing
• HUD 203(k)
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We’re always open to working with people who value integrity, transparency, and doing the job right.
Realtors & Brokers:
If you’re a real estate professional who wants an honest inspector you can trust—not someone who sugarcoats or “kills deals,” but one who communicates clearly and fairly—you’re in the right place. I’ll help your clients understand the property without scaring them off, and I’ll back you up with professionalism and thoroughness that reflects well on you.
Homebuyers & Sellers:
If you’re buying your first home, your forever home, or getting ready to sell, I’m here to protect your investment. From full inspections to pre-listing evaluations, phase inspections for new builds, or 4-point reports for insurance—we’ve got you covered.
Support Us by Spreading the Word:
The best way to support what we do is by sharing your experience. Leave a review, refer a friend or client, or tag us online. Most of our business comes from referrals, and we’re proud of that. We’ve stayed 100% five-star rated by treating every inspection like it’s for family.
We don’t just want to work—we want to build lasting relationships with good people who care about doing the right thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.droneandladder.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bz6C3afDo/?mibextid=wwXIfr
