A generation ago, homeowners became hysterical upon seeing Ed McMahon on their doorstep, knowing that a giant check for Publisher's Clearinghouse wouldn't be far behind. Nowadays it's the instantly recognizable, wide-toothed grin of Ty Pennington, who has helped to transform the lives of dozens, while inspiring millions more, as host and design team leader of the popular ABC series "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Under the leadership of the charismatic home design guru, the series is consistently rated in the Top 20 of all television programs and has won two Emmys for Outstanding Reality Program as well as two People's Choice Awards.

Pennington rose to national attention as the quirky and creative carpenter on the groundbreaking home improvement series, Trading Spaces. Ty continues to develop products for the "Ty Pennington Style" line at Sears, and is the ambassador for the Sears American Dream campaign

In 2003, Ty put pen to paper and created Ty's Tricks (Hyperion), which became a New York Times bestseller. The book is part reference, part behind the scenes into Ty's own home, which he completely remodeled himself. Ty's is currently writing another book, to be released by Simon and Schuster next year.

Ask Ty what makes him tick and he'll say "It's about the joy of doing things for others. Extreme Makeover is about family, it's about America and it about these random acts of kindness that can restore your faith in people."