I aim to share the beauty of favorite spots, like Mt Graham, Gila river, Red Knolls, Stockton Pass, etc. I’m William “Bill” Wiley II — a safety-driven leader, creative storyteller, and FAA Part 107 drone pilot dedicated to capturing moments that matter. Before my 15+ years in mining operations, safety, and technical training with Freeport-McMoRan, I spent over 14 years with Mercedes-Benz, starting
at the legendary Schumacher European, LTD in Scottsdale, Arizona, parking and washing cars. I worked my way up to become a highly sought-after fixed operations consultant for Mercedes-Benz dealers nationwide, collaborating with industry giants like the Penske Automotive Group, the Penske family-owned dealerships, and even the only factory owned dealership, Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan. Mentored by some of the most accomplished automotive icons — and guided by the values instilled by my late mother — I have developed the leadership, precision, and integrity that define my work today. In mining, I rose to senior leadership roles, creating industry-recognized onboarding programs, driving operational improvements, and implementing systems that strengthened safety culture and performance. My ability to merge technical expertise with people-focused leadership has allowed me to excel in high-stakes environments where precision and trust are essential. These experiences have given me a unique blend of operational discipline, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Today, I channel that same dedication into LuridX, a drone photography and videography business serving families, businesses, and communities. My mission is simple: to capture memories for families and companies with professionalism, artistry, and do it safely. Whether flying drones over the Gila Valley or editing a multi-scene narrative, I approach every project with the same commitment — Lurid X Motto "3R's - Respect the story, Respect the people, and Raise the bar."
