Heather Storm left Garage Squad in 2018 after five seasons as a beloved co-host, sparking curiosity among fans about why she departed and what she’s doing now. She chose to leave to pursue personal projects, including her YouTube series Drive Yourself Local and her podcast Man Seeks Adventure. Despite speculation about her exit, Storm clarified it was her decision, though MotorTrend’s abrupt announcement caught her off guard. Today, she thrives as a travel influencer, automotive enthusiast, and entrepreneur, with a net worth estimated at $1.5 million in 2025. This article explores her journey, age, marital status, and new ventures.
Who Is Heather Storm? Age, Background, and Biography
Born Danielle Trotta on May 24, 1962, Heather Storm is 63 years old as of 2025. Raised in Westchester, Pennsylvania, and later Montana, she developed a passion for cars and outdoor adventures under her father’s guidance. Her early exposure to automotive work shaped her into a knowledgeable gearhead, making her a natural fit for Garage Squad. With a degree in Environmental Science from Oregon State University, Storm’s diverse career spans acting, modeling, producing, and hosting. Her vibrant personality and car expertise made her a fan favorite during her tenure on the show.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Danielle Trotta |
| Stage Name | Heather Storm |
| Date of Birth | May 24, 1962 |
| Age | 63 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Westchester, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, Oregon State University |
| Profession | TV Host, Actress, Producer, Model, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-host of Garage Squad (2014–2018) |
| Height | 5’7” (170 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| @heatherstormla | |
| YouTube | Heather Storm |
Why Did Heather Storm Leave Garage Squad? The Real Story Behind Her Exit
Heather Storm’s departure from Garage Squad in 2018 shocked fans when MotorTrend announced that Cristy Lee would replace her for the sixth season. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Storm expressed surprise at the network’s premature announcement, stating, “I wasn’t aware MotorTrend was going to make that announcement this week.” She emphasized that her exit was her choice to focus on personal projects, dispelling rumors of being fired. However, some fans speculated about behind-the-scenes tensions or contract disputes, though no concrete evidence supports these claims.
Storm’s love for Garage Squad was evident. She cherished working with car owners and helping them realize their automotive dreams. Her statement reflected gratitude: “As a car lover and gearhead, I’ve had such an amazing experience working on the show for four years.” Her departure marked a shift toward independent ventures, aligning with her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for travel and storytelling.
Is Heather Storm Married? Insights into Her Personal Life and Dating History
As of 2025, Heather Storm is not married and keeps her personal life private. There’s no public information about a current partner or past relationships, leading to speculation about her dating status. Fans often search for details about her husband or kids, but Storm has confirmed she has no children and has never been married. Her focus remains on her career and adventures, as seen in her social media posts about road trips and car culture. This privacy adds to her mystique, keeping the spotlight on her professional achievements rather than her personal life.
What Is Heather Storm Doing Now? Her Career, Salary, and Ventures in 2025
Since leaving Garage Squad, Heather Storm has built a multifaceted career. She hosts Drive Yourself Local, a YouTube series where she explores small-town America in her 1965 Ford Mustang, sharing driving tips and cultural insights. Her channel, with over 15,000 subscribers, showcases her love for classic cars and travel. In 2019, she co-produced Awesome Autos, a series exploring car shows with Jim Cunningham, further cementing her place in automotive media.
Storm also co-hosts the Man Seeks Adventure podcast with Brad Fanshaw and Dave Marek, discussing cars, travel, and lifestyle. As CEO of Black LAB Ventures, she manages a boutique event company focused on eco-friendly beverages. Her salary is not publicly disclosed, but her diverse income streams—hosting, producing, and endorsements—contribute to her net worth of approximately $1.5 million, per industry estimates. Her recent Instagram post about a Ford Bronco Badlands adventure highlights her ongoing passion for automotive exploration.
Heather Storm’s Net Worth and Financial Success in 2025
Heather Storm’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2025, driven by her work in television, endorsements, and entrepreneurship. Her time on Garage Squad boosted her visibility, leading to opportunities in commercials, modeling, and brand partnerships with companies like Nike and Adidas. Her role as a SEMA event promoter and appearances in automotive campaigns add to her income. Unlike many reality TV stars, Storm’s financial success stems from her ability to diversify her portfolio, blending her love for cars with media and business ventures.
Unique Insights: Heather Storm’s Impact on Women in Automotive Media
Storm’s tenure on Garage Squad broke stereotypes, showcasing women as knowledgeable gearheads in a male-dominated industry. In a 2018 interview, she shared, “I love inspiring young girls to embrace their passion for cars.” Her hands-on experience, learned from her father, resonated with viewers, especially women who felt underrepresented in car culture. A 2023 study by the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation noted that female representation in automotive media increased by 15% since 2015, partly due to figures like Storm who normalize women’s expertise in the field.
Her YouTube series Drive Yourself Local offers a unique angle, blending automotive content with travel storytelling. Unlike traditional car shows, it emphasizes cultural connections, appealing to a broader audience. For example, her episode on Route 66 highlights local diners and car museums, weaving history with personal anecdotes. This approach sets her apart from competitors, providing value beyond technical car repairs.
Heather Storm’s Legacy and Future Prospects
Heather Storm’s legacy on Garage Squad remains strong, with fans still clamoring for her return. Her departure opened doors for new hosts like Cristy Lee and Bogi Lateiner, but Storm’s charisma and authenticity left a lasting mark. As of 2025, she continues to innovate, with rumors of a new automotive travel show in development. Her ability to connect with audiences through social media—189,000 Instagram followers—and her blog, On the Road, ensures she remains a prominent figure in automotive entertainment.
For the latest updates, follow Heather Storm on Instagram, explore her YouTube channel, or visit her official website. For more on her background, check her Wikipedia page.