Driving 'American Trucker'

'Design Star' alum Robb Mariani is host, executive producer of salute to rigs

By Hal Boedeker, Orlando Sentinel television critic

4:04 p.m. EST, February 21, 2011

Robb Mariani of Central Florida first rolled into view on "HGTV Design Star" in 2007. Mariani, who is 43, didn't win that show — he placed fourth — but he made an impression. He jokes about the way he was edited by dubbing the show "Design Scar."

Now he's back as host of "American Trucker," which debuts at 10 p.m. Thursday on the Speed channel. (A second episode follows at 10:30.) In 13 episodes, Mariani talks about famous trucks and his respect for trucking. "The network loves my energy," Mariani says. "I can never fake that. I'm not an actor. I'm just a regular guy who loves trucks."

Executive producer Bud Brutsman calls Mariani the voice of the show: "His knowledge, passion and historical reverence for big rigs make him the perfect tour guide into the unique world of the American truck driver."

Why do you call it "Design Scar"?

People didn't get to know me as a person. I played a role in a reality show that was skewed. I was playing the villain. "Design Scar" is all in fun.

Is it the biggest break for you since HGTV's "Design Star"?

Oh, yeah. Now I'm one of the executive producers and I host it. It's a challenge. The network has the final say. I've told them as long as there is integrity to what we shoot, I'm OK. I don't want to put out a show that wouldn't be true to the industry and drivers. The industry is so big.

Is this the first time you'll be on national television since "Design Star"?

Yes. It wrapped in September 2007. I've worked since then to get where I am with "American Trucker." It's a labor of love. I have a crew and production company, but I'm the truck fanatic. I never wanted to go in front of the camera or host the show. My goal was to be an executive producer of a trucking show, but now I'm wearing both hats.

Is anything you're saying on this show written for you?

There is no script. I just improvise.

How would you describe your style?

Wide open. I get there and meet real people and extract information from them. I put them at ease. I use my over-the-top sense of humor.

Are you very different from how you were on "Design Star"?

Absolutely. Some people on "Design Star" wanted to kill me. I don't have a mean bone in my body. A network executive wants high-energy Rob. They like that, and I hope that translates into people wanting to watch my goofy self.

"B.J. and the Bear" is in the second episode. Why is that story so important to you?

When I was a little boy and traveling the interstate in my parents' mobile home, I'd see these trucks and they personified my image of America and manhood. All these guys were superheroes to me. I had two grandfathers who were truck drivers. With "B.J. and the Bear" I was sitting in front of the TV from show one. Greg Evigan had this phenomenal rig. I unabashedly love the stuff.

Did you continue to design after "Design Star"?

Oh, yes, I stayed pretty busy, because people knew me from the show. We were all trying to sell our design skills. I ended up being OK on camera, and it gave me some camera savvy afterward. "Design Star" loved that I owned a big rig and do interior design and they thought I'd be good on TV. I went on with a hidden agenda to put forth my love of trucks.