Tex-Air Drone

Read Barnhill is the owner of Tex-Air Drone, specializing in precision agriculture, aerial mapping, LiDAR, thermal imaging, and drone data solutions for agricultural and industrial clients across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Raised in the Amarillo area, Read has spent decades building businesses focused on technology, operations, and innovation.

In 1993, he introduced microbulk CO2 systems to the Lubbock market through his industrial gas company, Amarillo Helium, helping modernize carbonic gas delivery for local restaurants and convenience stores. He later sold the company to Praxair in 1997, then built a bulk and microbulk operation across Texas before selling to Airgas and retiring in 2017. Retirement didn’t last long before his wife encouraged him to get back to work. Today, Read combines his operational experience with advanced drone technology to deliver high-accuracy aerial intelligence solutions. His daughter is a proud Texas Tech graduate.