Vice Grip Garage (VGG) is a Tennessee-based automotive media brand founded by Derek Bieri in 2018. It focuses on the “creator economy,” providing budget-conscious restoration education and entertainment through “Run and Drive” videos.
It has become one of the most entertaining car restoration channels on YouTube. Known for reviving abandoned vehicles and attempting to drive them home, the channel blends mechanical skill with humor and storytelling.
As of 2026, the estimated Vice Grip Garage net worth is around $3 – $5 million. VGG earns from YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships and brand deals, merchandise sales, vehicle flips, and partnerships within the automotive industry.
In this article, we break down Vice Grip Garage’s earnings, income sources, and overall financial growth to understand how the channel generates its revenue.
Table of Contents
Bio Details
- Real Name: Derek Bieri
- Date of Birth: May 16, 1984
- Age: 41
- Birthplace: Minot, North Dakota, USA
- Nationality: American
- Profession: YouTuber, automotive content creator, entrepreneur
- Height: 6 feet (approx.)
Vice Grip Garage Earnings Breakdown
Vice Grip Garage generates income through multiple revenue streams, making it more than just a YouTube channel.
Estimated Monthly Earnings are $30K – $70K while Yearly Earnings are $360K – $840K.
The detailed information regarding the income-generating sources is as follows:
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
| YouTube | $15K – $25K a month |
| $3K – $5K a month | |
| $2K – $5K a month | |
| Sponsorships & Brand Deals | $5K – $20K a month |
| Merchandise & Website Sales | $5K – $15K a month |
| Vehicle Flips & Sales | $5K – $10K a month |
Brand Partnerships and Merchandise Revenue
Vice Grip Garage operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store offering branded apparel and accessories. Its official website, ViceGripGarage.com, serves as a central hub featuring sections like Home, Shop, Events, Gift Cards, and Support, while also linking to the YouTube channel, listing Cars for Sale, and showcasing Wildfire Lifts.
The brand frequently features budget-friendly automotive products such as Berryman Fuel System Cleaner and MasterPro Wheel Bearing Grease, which are typically partner-promoted rather than self-branded items.
Vice Grip Garage maintains strong industry partnerships, most notably with O’Reilly Auto Parts, where Derek Bieri curates “Revival Essentials” lists. Additional collaborations include Valvoline VR1 Motor Oil, Berryman, and TruFuel.
Assets & Lifestyle
The “ViceGrip Lodge” property, also featured on his secondary channel, serves as a primary filming and project site. Bieri has expanded operations by acquiring approximately half a city block, clearing multiple structures to create a large parking space for events.
He also owns a separate property called “Rusty Acres,” used to store a large number of project and non-running vehicles. Additionally, he acquired an old building with plans to convert it into a workspace or potential museum for iconic project cars.
Car Collection
While his collection frequently rotates through buying and selling projects, several highlights stand out:
- Mecum Auction Collection: In 2025, he offered five curated vehicles through Mecum Auctions
- Roadworthy Rescues Vehicles: He owns cars featured in his TV series
- Large-Scale Collections: A notable video showcased a 250-car collection explored with his wife
- Unique Builds: Includes classic muscle cars like Camaros and unusual creations such as a wooden Lamborghini
Business Operations
Vice Grip Garage continues to expand beyond content creation:
Media Assets: The main YouTube channel remains the core asset, with 2.5M+ subscribers as of April 2026
Events: Hosts “Cars and Coffee” events, investing heavily in infrastructure to accommodate large crowds
Career Journey and Rise of Vice Grip Garage
Derek Bieri built Vice Grip Garage around a simple yet compelling concept, bringing long-forgotten vehicles back to life. Many featured cars have been sitting idle for years, sometimes decades, before being revived using minimal tools and ingenuity.
What truly sets the channel apart is Derek’s personality. His humor, storytelling style, and ability to simplify complex mechanical processes make even detailed restorations accessible. Over time, this unique approach has helped him build a loyal audience and a strong presence in the automotive YouTube niche.
Before YouTube, Bieri worked as a corporate executive but found the lifestyle unfulfilling. He began filming projects on a broken iPhone and eventually transitioned to full-time content creation.
His success led to the MotorTrend show Roadworthy Rescues, where he continues reviving abandoned vehicles. By 2026, the channel had surpassed 2.5 million subscribers and over 650 million views.
Notable highlights include restoring a 1972 Chevelle as a tribute to its original owner. In 2021, he moved from Minnesota to a 22-acre property in Lewisburg, Tennessee, known as “ViceGrip Lodge” to support year-round filming.
Despite a serious dirt bike accident in February 2023, he quickly recovered and participated in Sick Week 2023, achieving a personal best with his 1970 Dodge Challenger.
Personal Life
Derek Bieri has been with his wife, Jessica Bieri, for over 25 years, celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary in July 2025. Jessica plays a key role in the business, handling logistics, organization, and even mechanical tasks during events.
The couple has three sons, including Bentley, who runs his own channel, Little Grip Garage, focusing on go-karts and dirt bikes under Derek’s guidance.
Born on May 16, 1984, Bieri grew up on a farm in rural North Dakota, where he developed his mechanical skills. He later served in the U.S. military as an IT specialist before transitioning into corporate work and eventually YouTube.
In 2021, the family relocated to Tennessee but has since considered further moves for increased privacy. Derek also made a full recovery after a serious dirt bike accident in 2023.
Final Thoughts
Vice Grip Garage has carved out a strong niche in automotive content by blending mechanical expertise with entertainment. Derek Bieri’s journey highlights how passion-driven content can evolve into a sustainable and successful business.
