Title: Founder and Fellowship Director
Company: WNK Aviation Inc.
Location: Marathon, Florida, United States
Waylon Richard Carlson, Founder and Fellowship Director at WNK Aviation Inc, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in aviation and technology.
For more than 25 years, Mr. Carlson has established himself throughout a career marked by leadership, innovation and a commitment to service in both military and civilian sectors. As founder and fellowship director of WNK Aviation Inc. since 2022, he has guided the company from its initial focus on drones to a broader portfolio, leveraging his expertise in aviation, drones, counter-drone technology and special operations aviation. Under his direction, WNK Aviation Inc. maintains a lean core team — himself and three Department of Defense Skillbridge interns — while managing a global network of approximately 1,000 contractors engaged in government-related projects. Mr. Carlson’s approach emphasizes cost efficiency and mentorship, successfully assisting transitioning service members in securing civilian employment.
In addition to his stellar efforts at WNK Aviation Inc., Mr. Carlson has likewise excelled as the founder of Silent Watch Holdings LLC. Within this organization, he launched the Silent Watch fellowship group in May 2025, which now includes about 250 active-duty security and national security-focused students and 70 business members. The aforementioned group operates as a forum for discussion on topics such as drone technology, Veteran Affairs health care and current events. Notably, Mr. Carlson organized a cohort event in Moyock, North Carolina, where participants received training from U.K. Ministry of Defence specialists on internet safety and drone operations, including practical demonstrations with British Special Air Service members. Silent Watch also provides continuing education opportunities for its members.
Mr. Carlson’s recent professional development includes concluding his support as a contractor for Special Operations Command to join a dolphin rescue program dedicated to serving veterans. His daily routine reflects discipline and balance: beginning with self-care through physical exercise, tackling complex projects during the day and dedicating evenings to learning and personal growth.
From 2021 to 2025, Mr. Carlson excelled as a naval special warfare air liaison officer for the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), where he facilitated critical coordination between air assets and special operations teams. Concurrently, he held the position of director of global government alliances at Skydio from 2021 to 2024, advancing partnerships in unmanned aerial systems technology.
In 2025, Mr. Carlson was appointed as the director of strategic alliances at PDW, focusing on building relationships that supported defense initiatives. Prior to these roles, he was active as the C5ISR business development and unmanned aerial systems category manager at ADS, Inc., from 2020 to 2021, where he contributed to the integration of advanced technologies for defense clients.
Mr. Carlson’s impressive military career is foundational to his expertise and achievements. Serving in the U.S. Department of the Navy from 1998 to 2020, he progressed from avionics technician and rescue swimmer, operating in the back of helicopters, to naval aviator and weapons tactics instructor piloting aircraft at the front lines. He is especially proud of graduating from naval aviator school after beginning his military journey as an E1 through a special program; earning his wings was a defining accomplishment that set the stage for his subsequent administrative roles.
Prior to his military service, Mr. Carlson worked as a preventative maintenance technician at Grease Monkey International LLC from 1997 to 1998. He also established his unwavering work ethic as a customer service representative at Griff’s Hamburgers from 1995 to 1996. Mr. Carlson began his career as a retail sales associate at Marshalls Convenience Stores from 1994 to 1995.
To support his professional ambitions, Mr. Carlson initially pursued an education at Coastline College, from which he earned an Associate of Arts in electronics technology. He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in homeland security and emergency preparedness from Thomas Edison State University in Trenton in 2018. His commitment to continuous learning is further demonstrated by numerous certifications, including his commercial aircraft pilot certification from Federal Aviation Administration in 2018, his remote pilot certification from Federal Aviation Administration in 2019, his drone operator certification from European Union Aviation Safety Agency in 2022, his open water scuba diver certification from PADI in 2023, and his certified flight instructor designation from Federal Aviation Administration from 2019 to 2026.
In addition to his formal education, Mr. Carlson completed the fundamentals of systems acquisition management coursework at Defense Acquisition University in 2020, Skydio X2D professional operator training in 2021, Skydio 3D scan professional operator training in 2022, Skydio X10 professional operator training in 2024, and irregular warfare coursework at Joint Special Operations University in MacDill Air Force Base in 2024. Furthermore, he obtained both a certificate in engineering leadership from Cornell University in Ithaca and his basic unmanned aircraft systems operator BUQ-I/II certification from USSOCOM in Tampa in 2024.
Throughout his journey, Mr. Carlson has credited his strong faith as central to his resilience and decision-making process. He values personal mentorship — both positive examples and challenging ones — as key influences that have shaped his leadership style and professional philosophy.
Outside of his primary responsibilities, Mr. Carlson’s involvement in his industry at large is extensive. In addition to his status as a legacy society member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics since 2024, he has been a member of the Naval Helicopter Association, a defense advocacy member with the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, and an ambassador for the Global SOF Foundation. A dedicated grey shirt volunteer with Team Rubicon disaster relief, Mr. Carlson has moreover supported Spike’s K9 Fund, the Cub Scouts of America, and Silent Fellowship Cohort 250-02 over the years.
Mr. Carlson’s exemplary endeavors have been honored with a nomination to Navy Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor in 2008, to which he was eventually inducted in 2015. Honored twice as the instructor pilot of the year by the Naval Helicopter Association, he was also presented with the Lone Sailor Award and the Single Action Air Medal with Bronze V for Distinguished Combat.
Born in Ludington, Mr. Carlson is deeply committed to physical fitness and endurance sports such as ultramarathons, obstacle course races including Spartan races and tough mudders as well as flying — activities that reflect his drive for excellence and perseverance. He leads a small running team that recently raised $3,000 for Spike’s K9 Fund through race participation.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Carlson hopes to support his country further by pursuing public service roles where he can contribute positively amid national divisions — considering positions ranging from Congress or Senate to governor or local government — with an emphasis on amplifying younger voices within government leadership. His career stands as a testament to dedication, adaptability and service across military aviation, business innovation and civic engagement — qualities that continue to define his impact on colleagues, communities and the nation at large.
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