Derek Bieri, creator of Vice Grip Garage, transformed his passion for restoring forgotten cars into a thriving online community and hit TV show, overcoming years of corporate life to follow his dream.

In the world of automotive restoration, few stories are as compelling as that of Derek Bieri, the charismatic creator behind Vice Grip Garage.

Born in Minot, North Dakota, on May 16, 1984, Derek’s life has been a rollercoaster ride filled with grit, determination, and a passion for reviving forgotten cars.

His journey is not just about fixing up old vehicles; it’s a testament to the power of chasing dreams against all odds.

Growing up on a farm, Derek learned the value of hard work early on. “If something broke, you fixed it,” he recalls, reflecting on the lessons taught by his father and grandfather. “There was no running to the store for a replacement.

You had to make things last.” This hands-on approach instilled in him a deep understanding of mechanics and a love for all things automotive.

By the time he reached his teenage years, Derek had developed a natural talent for mechanics, welding, and restoring battered machines. “I didn’t learn from books or classrooms,” he explains.

“My education came from trial and error, long nights in the garage, and a lot of busted knuckles.” His reputation for tackling seemingly impossible car projects grew, and soon he found himself navigating the corporate world, a stark contrast to his true passion.

For years, Derek traded his wrenches for suits, working a stable 9-to-5 job that paid the bills but left him unfulfilled. “I was living the dream, but it wasn’t my dream,” he admits. Despite the comfort of a steady paycheck, the call of the garage was too strong to ignore.

In 2007, inspired by the burgeoning online car community, he took a leap of faith and began filming his restoration projects.

“I started with what I had—a cheap camera and a whole lot of enthusiasm,” Derek shares. His early videos were rough around the edges, but they captured the essence of his work: a genuine love for cars and a willingness to tackle the tough jobs that others wouldn’t.

“I wanted to show people that it’s not just about shiny restorations; it’s about saving cars that have been forgotten.”

Derek’s big break came when he decided to tackle a 1969 Camaro Z28. “It was a mess, but I saw potential,” he recalls.

His down-to-earth humor and no-nonsense approach resonated with viewers, and slowly but surely, Vice Grip Garage began to gain traction. “It wasn’t overnight success; it was hard work and persistence,” he explains.

As the channel continued to grow, Derek faced a pivotal decision: continue with his corporate job or dive headfirst into the unpredictable world of online content creation.

“I chose the garage,” he says, a smile spreading across his face. “Leaving the office behind was the best decision I ever made.”

With his newfound freedom, Derek poured his heart and soul into Vice Grip Garage.

The channel exploded in popularity, attracting millions of subscribers who were captivated by his authenticity and passion. “It was incredible to see the community grow,” he reflects. “I wasn’t just building a brand; I was building a movement.”

In 2021, Derek made a significant life change, relocating his family from Minnesota to Tennessee.

“It wasn’t just about a new house; it was about a new lifestyle,” he explains. Tennessee offered a lower cost of living, better weather, and more time to focus on what truly mattered: cars and family.

“In Minnesota, I spent over an hour commuting each day. That’s a month each year wasted on the road,” he laments. “Moving south meant I could spend that time in the garage.”

The move also placed Derek in the heart of one of America’s most vibrant motorsport regions. “Racing has always been a part of my life,” he says. In 2021, he participated in the Midwest Drags event, piloting a lowered ice cream truck just for fun.

But the real challenge came when he entered the Rocky Mountain Race Week with his Mustang, affectionately named El Toro. “That car was a beast,” he exclaims, recalling its impressive 8-second runs on the drag strip. “It reignited my passion for speed and competition.”

Derek’s success did not go unnoticed, and in 2022, Motor Trend offered him his own show, “Roadworthy Rescues.”

The premise was simple yet thrilling: find neglected cars, restore them under tight deadlines, and bring them back to life. “The pressure was intense, but I loved every minute of it,” he shares.

His first episode featured the revival of a 1967 Mustang that had sat untouched for nearly three decades. “I was excited but nervous,” Derek admits. “It was a huge challenge, but I thrive on that kind of pressure.”

The show quickly gained a following, showcasing not just Derek’s mechanical skills but also the stories behind each vehicle.

However, success came with its share of challenges. Rumors circulated about a potential lawsuit involving Vice Grip Garage, but Derek brushed them off as baseless speculation.

“I made a joke about a Chevy C10 being a lawsuit, and some people took it literally,” he laughs. “There was never any real trouble.”

One incident, however, was all too real—a theft at his farm. Someone swiped a valuable carburetor, prompting Derek and his family to offer a $55,000 reward for information.

“Losing that part was frustrating, but it showed how invested my fans were,” he says. “Vice Grip Garage isn’t just a channel; it’s a community.”

Behind the scenes, Derek’s wife, Jessica, plays a crucial role in keeping the operation running smoothly. “She’s my rock,” he says, beaming with pride. Their three sons are also growing up in the garage, learning the trade just as Derek did.

“Our youngest, Bentley, even started his own channel, Little Grip Garage,” Derek shares. “It’s amazing to see the next generation of car lovers coming up.”

As Derek reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the challenges he’s faced. “I’ve been in tough spots before, but nothing compares to the pressure of tight deadlines and bad weather,” he admits.

“Just recently, I found myself staring down a 1979 Foxbody Mustang that hadn’t run in over 23 years, with a snowstorm on the way. No pressure, right?”

With determination and a little bit of luck, Derek is ready to tackle whatever comes his way.

“Every car has a story, and I’m here to tell it,” he says, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. From rust to riches, Derek Bieri’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the love of cars.