
From Courtroom to Cookout: Derek Beat the Heat with GrillaZ Gloves
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You may know Derek Simpson as a lawyer, a sports agent, or that guy who is always showing off the latest editions to his grilling arsenal. Either way, you should also know this: he’s one of the minds behind GrillaZ gloves—the grilling gloves built to let you feel the meat, not the heat.
Recently featured in Huntsville City Lifestyle, Derek opened up about how a weekend grilling habit turned into a full-on gear obsession, and eventually, a product built for people who actually cook with fire.
“Just over fifteen years ago, my interest in grilling burgers expanded to experimenting with smoking and cooking over open flames,” Derek says.
Translation: He got bored flipping frozen patties and decided to master real fire.
Derek’s Go-To Gear for Keeping the Flames Rolling
When he’s not reading contracts or repping athletes, Derek’s in his backyard or out by the lake, feeding a crowd and chasing perfect grill lines. These are the must-have tools that make up his starting lineup:
Yoder YS480S Pellet Grill
Perfect for grilling or smoking nearly anything you can think of. Whether it’s 225° for ribs or 600° for steak, it holds steady like a champ.
Big Green Egg
Kamado magic in ceramic form. Derek saw BBQ legend Steven Raichlen grill Wagyu on one, and that was that he knew he had to have one for himself.
Pit Barrel Cooker
No tech. No buttons. Just meat suspended over a fire like nature intended. Set it, forget it, show up when the smell gets good.
Drip EZ Prep Tub
This container is perfect for marinating, mixing, or holding meat between grill rounds.
Drip EZ BBQ Blanket
Keeps briskets cozy while they rest. You get that post-cook tenderness and juiciness without leaving your meat out to dry.
Fireboard 2 Thermometer
If you want to track every degree from your phone while pretending to “watch the kids,” this is your tool. Accurate, easy, and loaded with features to level up your grill game.
GrillaZ Grilling Gloves
This is the one. High-heat resistance. Textured for grip. A smart pull tab that doesn’t leave you fighting your own hand. They're FDA-compliant, too—not that anyone ever reads the fine print.
“I’ve bought more grilling gloves than I can count,” Derek says. “So I made my own.”
GrillaZ: Born From Burnt Fingers and Better Ideas
This isn’t your average “as seen on TV” kitchen gimmick. GrillaZ gloves came from real experience, long cooks, high heat, sticky ribs, and gear that just wasn’t cutting it. The goal? Build gloves that work, without making you feel like you’re wearing oven mitts from 1985.
There’s nothing complicated here. No fake innovation. Just solid gear that lets you get in there with your hands, move hot stuff around, and still keep your fingerprints.
The pull tab? That was born from raw frustration. Derek got tired of trying to peel off sweaty gloves mid-cook while holding a platter with his elbow.
What Fuels the Fire
For Derek, grilling is about more than just feeding people; it’s a form of therapy. It’s smoke rolling off the back deck while someone cranks up a speaker. It’s steaks that turn into stories. Ribs that turn into traditions.
“I’ve never had a bad day cooking over an open fire,” Derek says.“Here’s to a great grilling season.”
Stay tuned. Stay saucy. And as always:
Feel the meat, not the heat.
Check out the full article in the June 2025 edition of the Huntsville City Lifestyle magazine.
Check out the full article in the June 2025 edition of the Huntsville City Lifestyle magazine.