Billy Derian

Billy Derian (born August 19, 1967) is an American television presenter and designer best known for hosting the Discovery Channel shows Backyard Brigade & Rods N Wheels. He is currently the host and lead designer on the DIY Network show Extra Yardage and the Discovery Channel/Velocity Channel hit "Rods N' Wheels". Derian has been featured on NBC's The Today Show, Wake Up with Al Roker and the syndicated BetterTV and numerous radio and TV media tours. Billy D currently is executive producer/creator of several network/cable shows.

Billy D's cherished current project is a power Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, TWISTED GYPSY (www.twistedgypsyband.com) which he produces and manages. The band is currently playing with professional musicians and donates proceeds to Children's charities in Southern California.

Billy and his partner Ruth Balentine are currently working directly with Disney on a revolutionary new Kid's show called "SWICHKIX" which is set for public launch Fall of 2017.

Designer/Builder

Derian began his career as a construction laborer, working in landscaping and for his family's pool company and as an automotive restorer under his father's mentorship. Derian quickly moved up the ranks in the company and began to take on more design projects. This led to Derian winning numerous IPSA awards and put him in a position to compete on HGTV's Landscaper's Challenge. Billy has also designed restaurant and home interiors along with designing custom classic cars. Several well-known designers currently consult with Derian on specialized projects.

Restaurateur/Chef

From 1994-1997 Derian created and opened Asian-based fresh fast food restaurants. In 2001, Derian opened a high-end Japanese fusion restaurant (Sushi Traditions) to rave reviews. The local eatery featured California cuisine and traditional Japanese flaire blended with an edgy presentation style and a twist of French sophistication. Derian fronted the design work, managed the construction, created the menu and acted as managing owner until selling the restaurant in 2003. Billy is a self-taught "commando-chef" and saucier, learning his cooking skills from trial and error working in the food industry off and on since 1983.

Television

From 2000-2003 Derian competed on several episodes of HGTV's Landscaper's Challenge eventually winning the competitions. Derian translated this newfound television success into a hosting job on Discovery Channel's Backyard Brigade. After a successful season Derian moved on to hosting several pilots and "sizzle reels" for major cable networks. In 2010, Derian hosted the pilot episode of Speed Channel's "Wheel Wars" AKA "Car Warriors". These shows led to Derian being cast as the host of the successful ongoing series Extra Yardage on the DIY Network. Derian also recently completed 3 episodes, as host of the HGTV series Showhouse Showdown slated to premiere in Summer 2011. Billy continues to host specials for Scripps Network; most recently 'Hotlist: Backyards' from Las Vegas for the DIY Network.

Currently (2014) hosting the DCI show called Rods n Wheels with his son Billy Jr., airing on the Discovery channel and Velocity.

2017 Producer/Co-EP: Discovery Channel (DCI) Restoration Wild & Blue Collar Backers

Derian was born in Newport Beach, CA and attended Canoga Park High School. After graduating, Derian formed the popular LA based Heavy Metal band Steel Wolf, as the lead singer. Billy was married for over 25 years prior to his divorce and has 2 sons; Billy Jr. (24) and Blake (19). Today Derian spends his free time producing and managing his tribute band (www.twistedgypysband.com) Derian also continues to design exterior environments for major hotel chains, restaurants, speed boats, classic cars, luxury interiors and exotic hot rods.

2012

"Hotlist: Backyards"

Host DIY Network

2013

• Secret project*

Discovery Channel

2014

Rods n Wheels

Dtour Network

2017 Restoration Wild, Discovery (producer)

2017

Blue Collar Backers, Discovery (Co-EP)