Mike Wolfe is a man with a passion for uncovering hidden gems. As the co-host and creator of the hit TV show “American Pickers,” he has made a career out of scouring the country for rare antiques and collectibles.
But Wolfe’s story is about more than just finding valuable treasures – it’s about a lifelong love affair with the unique and the discarded and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit that has propelled him to the top of his field.
Who is Mike Wolfe?
Mike Wolfe was born in Joliet, Illinois, on June 11, 1964. Raised by a single mother and his two siblings, Wolfe was fascinated with old bikes and other discarded items from a very young age. He would scavenge the alleyways and abandoned homes of his childhood neighborhood, searching for anything that could be repaired, restored, and resold.
This early “picking” habit would eventually blossom into a full-fledged career. After attending Bettendorf High School in Iowa, where he met his future “American Pickers” co-host Frank Fritz, Wolfe opened his bike shop, The Village Bike Shop.
He also began actively seeking out vintage motorcycles and other antique finds, a passion that would ultimately lead him to create the show that would make him a household name.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mike Wolfe |
| Date of Birth | June 11, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Joliet, Illinois |
| Age | 58 years old |
| Height | 6’0″ |
Age and Physique
At 58 years old, Mike Wolfe is still going strong. Standing 6’0″ tall, he has a lean, athletic build that belies his decades of scouring junkyards and crawling through dilapidated barns. With his tousled brown hair, rugged features, and signature black hat, Wolfe’s look perfectly suits his image as a modern-day treasure hunter.
Personal Life and Relationships
In his personal life, Mike Wolfe has been happily married to his wife, Jodi Faeth, since 2012. The couple has one daughter, Charlie Faeth Wolfe, born in 2012. Tragically, Jodi was diagnosed with stage 2 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013, but she has since made a full recovery and is now six years cancer-free.
The Wolfe family lives in a sprawling 5,100-square-foot home in the Leiper’s Fork area of Franklin, Tennessee. The property, which Wolfe purchased in 2012, sits on 32 acres and includes features like a library, four porches, and even a phone booth—the perfect setting for a passionate collector and history buff like Wolfe.
Net Worth and Salary
Mike Wolfe’s success as the co-host and creator of “American Pickers” has translated to a substantial net worth, estimated to be between $4 million and $7 million. Much of this wealth comes from his lucrative salary on the show, which is reported to be around $500,000 per season.
In addition to his TV earnings, Wolfe has found success through various business ventures. He owns two Antique Archeology stores, one in Le Claire, Iowa, and another in Nashville, Tennessee, serving as retail spaces and backdrops for the “American Pickers” show.
He has also published two books, “American Pickers Guide to Picking” and “Kid Pickers: How to Turn Junk into Treasure,” and launched his line of American-made apparel and accessories called Two Lanes.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $4 million – $7 million |
| Annual Salary | $500,000 per season |
Company Details and Investments
Of course, the cornerstone of Wolfe’s business empire is his hit TV show, American Pickers. Premiering on The History Channel in 2010, the series has become one of the network’s most popular programs, airing over 300 episodes across 22 seasons. As the show’s creator and executive producer, Wolfe has been instrumental in its long-running success.
In addition to his work on “American Pickers,” Wolfe has also branched into other entrepreneurial ventures. In 2012, he signed an endorsement deal with Indian Motorcycles, a brand he has long been passionate about. He has also ventured into real estate, purchasing a 32-acre property in Tennessee that serves as the home base for his Two Lanes Guesthouse rental business.
Professional Career
Before becoming famous on television, Mike Wolfe had already established himself as a successful entrepreneur and antique hunter. In the 1990s, he owned and operated two bike shops in Iowa, parlaying his childhood love of vintage bicycles into a thriving business. He also competed as a professional cyclist, further honing his skills in vintage and rare finds.
Wolfe’s reputation as a savvy picker eventually caught the eye of The History Channel. After pitching the idea for “American Pickers” for several years, the network finally gave him the green light in 2010. The show’s debut episode attracted over 3 million viewers, becoming the network’s highest-rated premiere since “Ice Road Truckers” in 2007.
Investment and Funding
Much of Wolfe’s success can be attributed to his keen business understanding and willingness to take calculated risks. In 2012, he secured a lucrative endorsement deal with Indian Motorcycles, leveraging his passion for vintage bikes and motorcycles into a profitable partnership.
That same year, Wolfe also sold a sitcom pitch to CBS, further diversifying his revenue streams and demonstrating his versatility as an entertainment industry entrepreneur. While the details of this project have remained largely under wraps, it’s clear that Wolfe has a knack for identifying and capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
Contact Details and Social Media
Fans of Mike Wolfe and “American Pickers” can stay updated with the latest news and updates by following him on social media. Wolfe is active on Instagram (@mikewolfeamericanpicker), sharing glimpses into his life as a professional picker, family man, and all-around adventurer.
Additionally, those interested in connecting with Wolfe or learning more about his work can visit the official “American Pickers” website (https://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers) or reach out to his team at Antique Archeology, his network of antique stores and picking hubs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Instagram Handle | @mikewolfeamericanpicker |
| Official Website | American Pickers Website |
Conclusion
At his core, Mike Wolfe is a genuine American original—a modern-day treasure hunter with an unwavering passion for the unique, the vintage, and the discarded. Through his hit TV show “American Pickers” and his various business ventures, he has built a thriving career and inspired countless others to embrace their inner picker and see the value in the things the world has cast aside.
With his infectious enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless pursuit of the next big find, Mike Wolfe has cemented his place as one of the most fascinating and influential personalities in the world of antiques and collectibles.
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