Gionni Thompson is an avid do-it-yourselfer and is the first winner of DIY Network’s Stud Finder, a nationwide contest to find America’s best handyman and next home improvement host. His winning smile and larger-than-life personality made this Denver high school chemistry teacher the clear winner. On Sunday, Nov. 11 at 10 p.m. ET, Thompson debuts as the host of Finished in 48 – the network’s newest five-part docudrama-style half-hour that showcases real experiences of trying to complete big projects in just 48 hours. Viewers will also want to tune in at 9 p.m. ET for an encore presentation of the network’s one-hour Stud Finder Special highlighting the head-to-head challenges Thompson faced that earned him the title of DIY Network’s first Stud.
One year ago, Thompson was chosen from hundreds of prospective Stud Finders who attended open casting calls or sent video submissions directly to the network. In a surprise visit, DIY expert host Amy Matthews (Sweat Equity, Today Show Tips) declared Thompson as DIY’s first Stud in front of his very own chemistry class. His wife Tonya and five-year-old son Giovanni, the high school principal, marching band and cheerleaders were all on hand for the celebration. As part of his prize package, the Colorado native also made his very first trip to New York City and landed appearances on NBC’s Today Show and Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends.
“Finished in 48 represents two firsts for DIY,” says Freddy James, DIY’s vice president of programming. “Not only is Gionni the winner of our first Stud Finder contest, but it’s the first show that really illustrates what kind of projects families can complete in one weekend. It pits the homeowners' DIY skills against the clock to get the job done.”
DIY's Finished in 48 is designed for the weekend warrior and Thompson rolls up his sleeves and gives it everything he's got to help homeowners do the impossible in just two days! Whether building a custom bar in a bonus room or replacing that old-school baby blue bathroom tile, the clock is ticking and time is precious. It’s only 48-hours and homeowners have deadlines to meet and one shot to get the project done before getting back to the daily grind. Their only hope is Thompson, who has fixed and flipped eight houses in 11 years. Knowing what these homeowners will go through, Thompson helps them get the job on the right track and provides them with tricks of the trade along the way. DIY’s Finished in 48 premieres on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 10 p.m. ET and airs every weekday at 6:30 p.m. ET the week of November 12-16.
For more information on Finished in 48 and DIY’s Stud Finder winner Gionni Thompson, visit the network’s companion Web site at www.DIYnetwork.com. DIY Network is available nationwide on DISH Network Ch. 111 and DirecTV Ch. 230. For additional cable channel designations, check local listings or visit www.DIYnetwork.com/tv.
