Surprising Things You Don’t Know About ‘American Pickers’

American Pickers has been one of the History Channel’s top shows since it first aired in 2010. Millions of viewers love watching Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz travel around looking for hidden treasures. The show has inspired many to look into their own basements and attics for any potential finds! However, many don’t realize that Mike Wolfe is not just the star. In fact, he’s also the show’s executive producer and creator. Wolfe has been a picker since he was a boy. It was only later on that he realized this hobby could be turned into an actual career. Moreover, a career that the public was so interested in! Thus, Mike Wolfe started to film his journey. Back when he began filming, he could have never predicted the huge star he would become.
In order to make the History Channel show you know and love, Mike Wolfe tirelessly pitched his show to networks for years. Finally, all his work paid off when the History Channel picked up the show. Ever since the very first season, American Pickers has been a huge success. As far as the American Pickers format, Wolfe keeps it pretty simple. Basically, Danielle Colby is their navigator of sorts. It’s her job to locate potential picking spots by researching online. Once she finds places, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz go out as the show’s explorers to scout the locations. It’s their job to thoroughly search these places for any gems within the junk.

The three meet up at Antique Archaeology, Mike’s store, in order to record what they’ve found. Between Mike and Frank, there’s no stone that is left unturned. That’s right, these pickers have thoroughly searched underground tunnels, decrepit attics, old factories and abandoned buildings. No matter how dusty and forgotten a place seems, they understand that there may be a gold find inside. Many of their finds eventually will be recycled or even refurbished to be sold in one of Mike’s stores. Besides, Antique Archaeology, he has another store in Nashville. Of course, there’s much to know about this famous trio and the show that they never show on television. Much of it goes beyond just antique hunting. Read about the behind the scenes secrets of the show and what Mike, Frank and Danielle are like off-screen.

Most Expensive Find

When Wolfe and Fritz find something valuable, they are more than willing to pay the price. Actually, in season 17, which premiered in April of 2017, we see their most expensive pick. If you remember that season premiere, they visited Oregon’s Zane Leek.

At that property, they met the owner, whose late husband collected vehicles. Even Oregon Live reported on their incredible find saying, “Wolfe and Fritz come upon some very rare four-cylinder motorcycles, dating back to the 1930s.” Can you believe they paid $90,000 for those motorcycles?

The Real Hobo Jack

Over the years, there have been some very quirky individuals on American Pickers, like Hobo Jack. Indeed, Hobo Jack owns tons of odd pieces.

Thus, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz enjoy searching through his belongings. Yet, there’s more to Hobo Jack than first glance. Actually, this man is a musician and published author. You can even buy his self-recorded music on his very own website!

Rumors That Producers Plant Finds

Nowadays, everyone suspects any reality show to be fraud. Of course, American Pickers is no exception.

Rumors have flown around about the show being staged and producers placing ‘finds’ at the sites before Mike and Frank arrive. Thus, the producers would know that Mike and Frank will find stuff and not waste time filming. Despite these rumors, Mike says there is no truth to them.

Mike Fights Back

Mike Wolfe has gone on the record to say the show is authentic and none of the rumors hold any weight. The only thing that can be seen as unauthentic is one minor detail.

Apparently, once the two men actually have their producers call those property owners in advance. Yet, that’s the only thing Mike Wolfe claims could be seen as ‘fake.’ Everything else, like the negotiating and searching, are exactly as seen on the show.

History Channel Bought Without Pilot

When Mike Wolfe came up with the series idea, he knew it could be gold. However, it took him a while to convince any network executives to believe in him.

After tweaking his original concept a bit, he got personal meetings with channels and could pitch his show. When Script interviewed him, Wolfe said, “It was the first show that History ever bought without a pilot. They wanted it right away and bought ten episodes.”

Possible Names

Over several years while Mike was trying to get his series picked up, he made a running list of titles. However, once the History Channel wanted the show, Mike needed to make a final decision. Thus he pulled from his list of catchy titles.

Some of these ideas include, “Mr. Picker,” “Flip This Junk,” and “Vintage Recycle.” Obviously, he felt American Pickers was best and we can’t argue with that!

Mike the Bike Racer

From when he was little, Mike Wolfe love picking. However, he did not imagine all those years that picking could ever turn into his career.

So, he turned to other career options. When he was in his 20’s, Wolfe worked as a pro bike racer! In addition, Wolfe owned two bike stores. From the money Wolfe got from selling a vintage motorcycle to a collector, he was able to finance opening those two stores.

Frank’s Favorite Part

Most stars would say money or fame is their favorite part of being a reality television star. However, that’s far from Frank Fritz’ answer.

Fritz went on the record to say to Quad-City Times, “The best part is meeting the people. It’s not the stuff. Believe it or not, not everybody has cable. A lot of the people have never seen the show.”

Mike’s First Big Find

Growing up, Wolfe always was enamored with vintage things. Yet, there was one specific time he recalls as the start of his picking career.

At just 6 years old, Wolfe found an old bike. It was in his neighbor’s trash. Wolfe took it and fixed it up. Then an older kid offered him five dollars for it. Wolfe took the cash, handed over the bike and ever since, he’s been addicted to picking.

His First Home Was A Garage Sale Buy

Naturally, Mike Wolfe frequents garage sales since, they’re the ideal places to find valuable, overlooked items. Strangely enough, he purchased his first home at a garage sale.

During his interview with Fast Company he revealed, “This guy was having a garage sale, and I ask him what he wanted for it [the house], and he goes, ‘I want 60K.’ I looked around and go, ‘You know what, I’ll take it.’ It wasn’t my dream home, it wasn’t the place I was going to die, but I saw an opportunity.”

“My City Has Pretty Much Turned Its Back On Me”

Although, Fritz doesn’t ask much of people, he does desire some recognition from his very own hometown. During Fritz’s interview with Quad-Times, he told them, “It feels like my city has pretty much turned its back on me. The Quad-Cities has a few people who have done something special.

Look at (Living Lands & Waters’) Chad Pregracke. I went to his premiere at the Adler when his pilot episode aired (the show was not picked up). I was happy to promote him. I like to help people…But no one in Davenport ever asks.”

Date Or A Pick Opportunity?

Mike Wolfe and wife, Jodi Faeth were dating many years before they tied the knot in 2012. She is completely supportive of his career.

However, she knew right away, he was addicted to picking. In fact, Jodi Faeth told The New York Times, “When I met him, he used to disguise picks as dates. He’d say, ‘We’re going to Wisconsin to a bed-and-breakfast. We were really going to Wisconsin to meet Speedo Joe.”

American Pickers’ Biggest Flip

Back in 2010, Wolfe and Fritz went to Forks Township in Pennsylvania to see an amusement park. Sadly, this park never recovered from 2004’s Storm Ivan.

Yet, the park’s owner still had all of the parks’ stuff. As Mike and Frank looked through the park’s items, they came across old slideshow banners. Amazingly, they only paid $700 for them. Turns out, one banner alone was worth a whopping $5,000 according to the appraiser!

Five Year Pitch

Once Mike Wolfe realized he had the idea for a potentially popular show, he went about his search for interested network executives. After five long years, he did not find any success. Wolfe was speaking with anyone in the industry he may want to talk.

Fortunately, a contact gave him critical feedback on changing his format. After doing this, he pitched the idea to the History Channel. They bought the show in 2009, and the rest was well, quite literally history.

He Turned Down Offers

During those five long years of searching for a network, Mike Wolfe did get some offers. Unfortunately, none of those offers really appealed to him. Once, he was approached by a man that worked for PBS. This particular person wanted to shape the show into something Mike was uncomfortable with. Thus, Mike said in his Script interview, “I was excited someone was interested. He started editing some of it.

But it wasn’t my vision, and when I was completely honest with him about that, he got really mad at me, saying, ‘What do you know…I’ve been in television for 25 years?’ I said, ‘Well, I know this isn’t what I want.’ I had to physically throw him out of my house. It was crazy…and then I was all by myself again.”

Operation Smile

When Mike Wolfe’s daughter Charlie was born, she had a cleft lip and palate.

For Wolfe and his family, they were able to easily secure the necessary medical care. Thus, the experience inspired Mike to become an ambassador for the nonprofit group, Operation Smile. If you never heard of the organization, they help provide medical care for children worldwide who are born with cleft lips or cleft palates.

Prince Mongo’s Castle Was A Nightclub

Among some of the strange characters on the show, one fan favorite was Prince Mongo.

On American Pickers, Mike and Frank got to pick through this man’s so-called, ‘castle.’ In fact, the castle is Ashler Hall, which used to be a nightclub that Mongo owned and ran. Due to over occupancy, they had to shut it down in the 90’s.

Prince Mongo For Mayor

More on Prince Mongo, the man who claims to be a 333 year old King of Zambodia…During the past few elections, this man ran for his office.

Despite several tries to be elected city mayor, he has yet to win. Apparently, his campaign was hurt years back when he tried to give away his prized castle. Sadly, this castle is no longer in his possession. A businessman named Kenny Medlin is the current owner.

Poverty Taught Mike How To Negotiate

Watching American Pickers, it’s clear both Wolfe and Fritz are very good at talking to people. Somehow, they’re always able to get others to sell for a fairly low price.

Actually, Mike believes his superb negotiating skills come from his unfortunate circumstances as a youth. During his childhood, his mother could not afford much. Thus, Mike quickly learned negotiating and bartering as a solution.

Can’t Find Them In The Shop Anymore

In each episode, the trio is at Mike’s shop called Antique Archaeology. Even though they’re always at Antique Archaeology on the show, if you visit Antique Archaeology, you probably will not see Mike, Frank or Danielle. No, it’s not that they’re avoiding fans.

However, Mike Wolfe explained that he cannot get his work done there anymore. He told The New York Times, “I never thought about how busy the store would be. I was so naïve to all of this.”

Frank Has Crohn’s Disease

When Frank Fritz lost some weight, rumors started flying. However, he made a Facebook post in 2013 to explain he suffers from Crohn’s disease. Fritz wrote, “A lot of you have been wondering about my health and my weight loss. I have an illness called Crohns Disease, which at times is difficult to deal with.

Well, I have been feeling great! I started losing weight and ran with it! I have been exercising and eating good. (except for last week at the Iowa fair)…Thanks for all of your kind words of concern! I couldn’t do what I do without all of you!”

Why Mike Chose Frank For American Pickers

Friends Frank and Mike go all the way back to their days in 8th grade. When Mike began filming he knew that he needed someone else on American Pickers. Immediately, he realized that Frank was the right fit. He told DailyFinance, “I would bring Frank because he was close, and he was fun to travel with.

When I started videotaping myself making the show, I honestly realized that I couldn’t sit and talk into a camera by myself, so Frank became a big part of the show because of the dialog between us and the relationship we have. That’s what’s great about it. We are both completely opposite people, but we love what we do.”

Mike’s Children Are 24 Years Apart

Mike Wolfe’s first child was born in 2012, and her name is Charlie. During that same year, Wolfe gained a stepson.

His wife Jodi Faeth had Kyle from a previous relationship. Thus, Kyle is 24 years older than Wolfe’s daughter Charlie. Despite the huge age gap, Mike emphasizes he loves his family the way it is now!

Why Mike Started Filming

For most of his life, Mike has been a picker. Yet, it never really occurred to him that he should record his ventures. That is until one specific afternoon with friends just after he returned from a special pick on the East coast.

All of his friends loved seeing his items and hearing all the stories about each find. At that moment, a friend told him he should film his ventures. Wolfe told Acreage Life, “I’d put the camera on a tripod in the middle of a gravel road and started talking into the camera. [Laughs] It’s funny to look back on that, but I ended up with hours of tapes.”

Recycle Everything, Even the Theme Song

Most of the finds that Mike and Frank bring back get recycled or restored for resale.

Besides the picks, the American Pickers theme song is actually recycled in its own way too! American Pickers‘ has a song by the Reckless Sons. Actually, Jingle Punks, a music licensing company, sampled the group’s song to turn it into the show’s theme song.

Mike Has A Children’s Book

Besides picker, Mike Wolfe is accomplished in many other ventures. He’s a dad, real estate investor and business owner.

Oh and did we mention author? Back in 2013, Wolfe was a co-author for the book, Kid Pickers: How To Turn Junk Into Treasure. In this kids’ book, you can read about tricks and secrets on picking. Technically, it was written for kids, but can actually help anyone starting out with picking.

Best Ideas At Night

Mike’s advice to people trying to conceptualize an idea is to make sure they have a notepad by their bed. Throughout those five years he was pitching his idea, he made sure to keep a notepad right by his bed.

In his interview with Robin Robins, Mike explained, “I have some of the most amazing thoughts at 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning. If I fell back asleep I wouldn’t remember what it was.”

Mama’s Boy

On the show, Frank Fritz comes off as likable, but definitely, a tough guy. So, viewers may be shocked to hear that Frank is indeed a mama’s boy.

When Danielle was interviewed by Monsters & Critics, they asked the one thing fans would be really surprised to hear about Frank. Danielle then said, “He loved his Momma like Elvis did. She was his everything to him.”

Danielle’s Passions

Of course, fans know Danielle loves dancing and picking. Though, there are other things she’s passionate about.

During that interview with Monsters & Critics, she revealed, “Women’s studies intrigue me. I want to know everything and I love to read. I will read over socializing every time if I can get away with it.”

Danielle’s Best Advice

Obviously, Danielle has knowledge in many fields. Thus, it’s clear she has some expert advice to give in picking or even burlesque dancing. Monsters & Critics asked her about the best advice she’s ever given. Danielle responded, “When in doubt, love.

Sometimes people just need to know that they’re not being judged and that they are loved and that they matter in order to see through the haze of nonsense that clouds all of our minds and makes us think that we are exclusively right and someone else is exclusively wrong. If you think about it, there’s very little right and wrong in the world.”

If Danielle Had It Her Way

Hypothetically speaking, if Danielle were to have a show, things would be very different than the American Pickers show we know. She told MLive, “They [Mike & Frank] pick one trend and engross themselves completely.

It’s really interesting but I would still tell the story from the perspective of the buyer and the pieces they collect. I still think that’s the most important thing – the story of the item and the person the item comes from.”

Mike’s Best Tips

In Mike’s interview with Anderson Live, he talked his top picking tips. He had three to share. Firstly, you need to go for the items you love that have their own story. Moreover, if you love this item, chances are someone else will as well.

The second piece of advice is to stay ahead of the trends. Wolfe explained in order to accomplish this, you must pay close attention to mainstream media, since media sets the tone. Lastly, he told pickers to price check their potential item’s value online.

Danielle Before Picking

Like Mike, Danielle too has been picker forever. However, she wasn’t always a professional. Thus, she looked to other jobs for paying her bills. Danielle told ShareTV, “Before American Pickers I was a clothing designer for Gorilla Clothing.

I don’t have any formal education in design. But when you have a couple kids and you have to provide for them, you do what you’re good at. I owned a shop and we made clothes, sold jewelry, and I also did energy healing. I still do all of that stuff for fun but not for my career.”

In A Fire, What Would They Grab?

Naturally, the group keeps most of their impressive finds at Antique Archaeology. Thus, there are some pricey and valuable items there. When ShareTV interviewed Danielle, they inquired about the one item each member would grab in a fire.

Danielle answered with, “Mike would grab his 1911 Indian motorcycle he keeps in his office, Frankie would grab the cash register, and I would grab Mike.”

More Than An Antique Shop

In Mike’s interview with Sitima Fowler, he said he wanted his shop to be more than your standard antique shop. Mike said, “We wanted to create an atmosphere where people can walk into the store and feel like they’re on a pick.

It’s not so much an antique shop, but more of a vintage experience…We want them to go away with feeling inspired and feeling that some of the stuff we are finding on the show isn’t junk…What’s old is new here.”

Dangers Of Picking

Though it doesn’t seem like a dangerous hobby, picking can really be quite scary. At times, people are very reluctant to allow Mike and Frank to go through their things. Once, someone opened their door by pointing a gun at Mike. When the History Channel interviewed Mike, he recalled the incident.

He said, “I knocked on a guys door and he came to the door with a pistol. I mean, right in my nose, right in my face…The only thing I could think say to say was ‘Hey, is that gun for sale?’” The guy thought it was funny and put the gun down.

Facing Rejection

Even though the pickers are quite famous now, people still turn them down. A lot of people simply don’t want strangers rummaging through their stuff. Yet, Frank Fritz believes there’s more to why people say no.

When the History Channel interviewed him, Fritz said, “A lot of people have never had money and they don’t need money…They don’t care about that stuff, they don’t care about your money. They never had it and they’re never going to have it.”

How Frank Became ‘The Bearded Charmer’

Mike has multiple nicknames for his pal Frank, but one notable one is, ‘The Bearded Charmer.’ So, what’s the deal with this one? Mike explained to the History Channel, “One time I was on a guy’s farm and he turned his dogs loose on me. They had me up against a wall. I was like ‘Listen, man just take the dogs away and I’ll get outta here.”

After the man refused, Mike was trapped until Frank came along. Somehow, Frank calmed the man and Mike was freed. Since then, Mike calls his friends, ‘The Bearded Charmer.’

Former Fire Inspector

Since Frank Fritz was young he was interested in the picking life. Though, like his friend Mike, he never believed it could be his full-time job. Thus, he was a firefighter and then, fire inspector for a total of 25 years.

While he worked those jobs, he still went about picking and looking for vintage firehouse-themed items. One object he paid $15 for, he was able to sell for $475! It was at that moment, he thought he may be able to make a living from picking.

Mike’s Salary

So, again Mike Wolfe is not just the presenter on American Pickers. No, he’s the creator and show’s executive producer. With those three titles, he is able to take in $500,000 each season. Then, besides American Pickers, he has his book, two stores and some other business ventures.

Thus, he amassed a net worth of around $5 million. Also, it’s expected to grow further.

Frank’s Fortune

For Frank, his passion for antique hunting and flipping them for profit was always there. In particular, he found himself interested in motorcycles and cars, basically any vintage transportation. Thus, he picks motorcycles, but additionally, he’s a collector.

Just like his partner, Frank has a store for selling his own picks. With the profits from his store, picks and antique collection, Frank reached a net worth of around $4 million. Wow!

Danielle Did Roller Derby

Judging from even just her appearance, one can see that Danielle Colby is a woman of eclectic taste. Of course, her hobbies also reflect that. Once upon a time, Colby managed and was a team member for the Big Mouth Mickies roller derby team.

Actually, that team was very talented and won a local championship. Unfortunately, Danielle Colby dropped the sport because of injuries.

Meaning Behind Danielle’s Tattoos

Many make the unfortunate mistake of carelessly choosing a tattoo. Thus, they often regret their decision later on. However, no one can claim that Danielle didn’t put thought into her tattoos.

Each of her tattoos represents a specific moment, person or lesson she learned over the course of her life. Although they are all meaningful, her favorite tats are the ones her kids designed!

Dolly Loves Danielle Colby

Once 2014 hit, American Pickers was already a household name. Actually, the team got so big that superstar Dolly Parton knew them! Thus, Parton contacted them to see if they could assist her in finding vintage items for her new ride, FireChaser Express at her amusement park. Naturally, the team was overjoyed to accept the job.

Once they gathered everything, Danielle drove it all down herself to from Iowa all the way to Tennessee, where she got to meet Dolly!

Danielle Colby’s Documentary

Combining her knowledge she had picked up about camera work from American Pickers and her passion for burlesque, Danielle changed the game in 2016. She was able to produce the documentary called Tempest Storm. The documentary focuses on a famous burlesque dancer named, you guessed it, Tempest Storm.

Danielle did such a phenomenal job that her documentary was nominated during the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival!

Danielle’s Alter-Ego

Obviously, everyone knows Danielle loves burlesque dancing. She’s quite open about this passion since it empowers her and makes her happy. When she’s performing on stage, she uses the name Dannie Diesel, as her sort of alter-ego.

During her WQAD-TV interview, Danielle said, “That was a name that my dad’s friend gave to me when I was three or four years old. I think I always identify with Dannie because it has always been there.”

History Channel Refused To Film Danielle

Mike knew right away he wanted Frank on the show, but he also really wanted Danielle. However, the American Pickers film crew were hesitant. Mike told Script that, “They [History Channel] came Sept 8th, they’re filming me and Frank, and asked who Danielle is.

They said, ‘We’re not filming her…we have no contract with her…History just wants you and Frank.’ I explained she is the one telling us where to go, and I think it would benefit all of us if they filmed her. They said no.” Fortunately, they budged and let Danielle on the show. Things would not be the same without her!

Danielle Colby’s Parents Were Strict Jehovah’s Witnesses

Now, this is really hard to believe after seeing Danielle’s unique and exotic style and hobbies. Believe it or not, she was raised in a very strict household.

Her parents were religious, Jehovah’s Witnesses. Sadly, her choices in life have led to an irreconcilable separation from her parents. Luckily, Danielle receives plenty of love and support from friends. And fans too!

Her Body Is A Memoriam

So we talked about her special tattoos, which all have specific meaning to her. However, there’s more to it than that. Danielle Colby spoke with Times Free Press about it, saying, “Every last one has special meaning.

A lot of them, unfortunately, are about death and love and people I’ve lost. A lot of my body is a memoriam of sorts. I just want to make sure to carry these people and moments with me the rest of my life. All of them are about my loved ones.”