Billy Gerhardt: The Backbone of Oak Island’s Excavation and the Legend of “Billy Buckets”

Billy Gerhardt is a notable figure associated with The Curse of Oak Island, a popular reality TV series that follows treasure hunters exploring the legendary Oak Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Gerhardt appears as himself in both The Curse of Oak Island and its companion series The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down. He is known for his role as a heavy equipment operator and is credited under Gerhardt Property Improvement, a company involved in the excavation and construction efforts on the island.

Billy Gerhardt has been a key part of the show since 2017, featuring in 138 episodes of The Curse of Oak Island and 17 episodes of The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down. His expertise with heavy machinery has been crucial in assisting the Lagina brothers and their team as they investigate the island’s mysterious past.

In addition to his appearances on The Curse of Oak Island, Billy Gerhardt has worked in the Art Department for television series such as From (2022), where he contributed for 10 episodes, and Chapelwaite (2021), where he worked for 3 episodes. His diverse background in both reality TV and production design showcases his versatility in the industry.

Billy Gerhardt has become an unexpected fan favorite on The Curse of Oak Island, known for his no-nonsense work ethic, heavy equipment skills, and memorable one-liners like “Yep.” Despite being a man of few words, Billy’s presence looms large on the show, where he’s earned a reputation as a dependable and skilled excavator operator.

Billy’s Crucial Role in Oak Island Discoveries

Billy Gerhardt’s contribution extends far beyond his entertaining persona. His skill as a heavy equipment operator has been instrumental in some of Oak Island’s most crucial discoveries.

The Swamp Discovery

Billy played a pivotal role in the exploration of the Swamp area alongside Rick Lagina and Tom Nolan. While excavating a paved stone walkway, Billy’s precise digging uncovered an intricate stone path that appeared deliberately constructed. Geoscientist Dr. Ian Spooner later confirmed the structure’s artificial origin and identified wooden samples that hinted at a timeline predating the famous Money Pit. This revelation shifted the team’s understanding of Oak Island’s mysterious past.

Artifact Excavations

Working closely with Gary Drayton and Jack Begley, Billy’s careful handling of excavation spoil piles led to the discovery of several important artifacts, including a chunky old pick, a round-point spade, and other tools — suggesting significant digging activities had taken place on the island centuries ago.

The “Yellow Brick Road”

Billy’s skilled excavation work exposed a stone pathway dubbed the “Yellow Brick Road,” reinforcing theories that an organized, deliberate effort had been made to conceal or structure the island’s landscape. Surveyor Steve Guptill conducted precise measurements to analyze the path, supporting the belief that this feature played a key role in the island’s history.

The 90-Foot Stone Search

Billy’s expertise was also crucial in the search for the legendary 90-Foot Stone near the Dartmouth Heritage Museum. Despite uncovering several large stones, the elusive artifact remained hidden. Nevertheless, Billy’s precision and perseverance earned praise from his team members, who trust him implicitly in difficult excavations.

The Legend of “Billy Buckets”

Fans have affectionately nicknamed him “Billy Buckets,” a testament to his unmatched expertise in moving earth on the mysterious Oak Island. While Rick and Marty Lagina often strategize in the War Room, Billy is the one in the trenches — or rather, behind the controls of an excavator — meticulously digging up the island’s secrets. His calm demeanor and steadfast attitude have made him a cornerstone of the show’s operations.

Billy’s role goes beyond just excavation. During a labor strike in 2019, when workers halted operations, Billy stood out by continuing to show up and operate his machinery without pause. This act of dedication earned him immense admiration from fans, who praised him as a dedicated and loyal worker. His unwavering commitment has led some fans to describe him as a “one-man Wolfpack,” tirelessly committed to the mission no matter what.

In November 2022, Billy’s absence from the spotlight sparked a strong reaction from fans, with Reddit users demanding “More Billy!” Some jokingly speculated that Billy’s influence had grown so powerful that other cast members, including Barkhouse and Laird, were plotting to reduce his screen time to limit his growing dominance. This playful theory portrayed Billy as a hidden mastermind who knew the island’s biggest secrets — a man too powerful to be kept on the sidelines.

By February 2024, Billy’s growing influence had reached new heights, with fans affectionately declaring him “the only one who matters.” Reddit users described spotting him in public as a “highlight of their week,” underscoring his status as a local legend in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Fans humorously suggested renaming the show to The Billy Gerhardt Show, adding that without Billy, the entire Oak Island operation would collapse. Some called him the “Heavy Equipment Expert,” while others claimed that strapping a metal detector to his excavator bucket would uncover every hidden relic on the island.

In March 2025, an amusing image surfaced online showing Billy seemingly dozing off inside his excavator while filming. Fans lightheartedly remarked that Billy’s nap symbolized how many viewers felt about the slow pace of the treasure hunt. One user joked that Billy was “lamenting the last time he could see his junk,” while another quipped that “Billy’s belly looks more like the Ninja Turtles than the Ninja Turtles.” Despite such jokes, fans continued to rally behind Billy, declaring him the heart of the operation and the only one who truly kept the Oak Island excavation moving forward.

In an amusing turn of events, a Reddit user even shared a story of their girlfriend having a crush on Billy. The girlfriend wanted her partner to dress up as Billy for Halloween — complete with pillows to mimic Billy’s hefty frame. Fans chimed in with humorous advice, suggesting clown masks modified to resemble Billy or calling him the “real treasure of Oak Island.”

Theories and Fan Lore

The Oak Island “curse,” which suggests seven must die before the treasure is found, has sparked countless fan theories. Some speculate Billy is destined to fulfill this prophecy — a theory fans jokingly call “Billy’s final form,” blending humor with genuine concern for his health.

Fans often comment on Billy’s robust frame, with one viewer humorously suggesting that Gary Drayton should run his metal detector over Billy because “he may have eaten the treasure.” While some fans have expressed concern for his well-being, they overwhelmingly root for him, hoping each season that Billy will show up looking healthier and stronger.

Some fans take the legend a step further, imagining Billy merging with his excavator to become the ultimate treasure-finding machine — the “Billcavator.” This playful exaggeration speaks to how beloved Billy is within the Oak Island community.

Big Man, Bigger Skills

Viewers often joke that Billy’s mastery of the excavator scales directly with his size — the “fatter the excavator operator, the better they are.” Despite lighthearted jabs about his weight, Billy’s skill is no joke. Fans routinely claim that if Billy were left to run the project on his own, he’d steam-shovel the entire island out of existence in record time.

Some even imagine a spin-off series called Billy Buckets, where each episode would feature Billy operating a different kind of earth-moving equipment, starting every episode with his signature phrase, “Ok, let’s dig!”

A Trusted Team Member

Throughout his time on The Curse of Oak Island, Billy has consistently demonstrated precision, dedication, and a deep understanding of excavation techniques. His ability to manage challenging digs while preserving potential artifacts has made him indispensable to the Lagina brothers and their team. His calm presence and expertise have been vital in piecing together clues that could unlock the island’s deepest mysteries.

Billy’s commitment to the Oak Island project has also earned him respect within the show’s production crew. While some cast members engage in on-camera dramatics, Billy’s practical, grounded presence provides a stabilizing force that keeps the project moving.

A Community Hero and Business Leader

Beyond the show, Billy is known to locals in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, as a hardworking businessman and a genuinely kind person. His company, Gerhardt Property Improvement, has built a solid reputation for quality work and reliability in the region. Established with a strong focus on excavation, construction, and landscaping, Gerhardt Property Improvement has grown steadily over the years. The company handles diverse projects, including foundation excavation, drainage solutions, and large-scale site preparation for residential and commercial clients.

In addition to Gerhardt Property Improvement, Billy owns Gerhardt Trucking, a business that specializes in transporting heavy machinery and construction materials. This company plays a vital role in ensuring that large-scale excavation equipment, essential for Oak Island’s extensive digs, is available and properly positioned for the project’s demanding requirements.

Billy has also participated in industry events like Geotab Connect, where he engaged with fans of The Curse of Oak Island and explained how his businesses utilize Geotab technology to manage vehicle tracking and equipment efficiency. His commitment to leveraging modern technology demonstrates his forward-thinking approach in the construction and excavation industry.

For many, Billy Gerhardt isn’t just a heavy equipment operator — he’s the unsung hero of Oak Island, a man whose calm demeanor and hard work have left an indelible mark on the island’s ongoing mystery.