Apparently, Paul Sr.’s shop was going through some major financial issues and his show wasn’t even on air. He, therefore, had to make a decision right away.
It was actually his staff that begged him to agree to the deal and participate in the challenge show. When he realized how much money they’d make, he agreed!
Surprise Success
When American Chopper became a huge hit, the Teutul family instantly went from total unknowns to actual celebrities!
Imagine just receiving love and messages from people all around the world hoping to meet them, see their choppers, and get autographs!
Paul Sr. Said No
After the father-son relationship fell, Paul Jr. decided to open up his own shop. This eventually became the spark and beginning of the network’s new show.
They initially approached Paul Sr. but he wasn’t too keen on the idea. He obviously eventually agreed and the show American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior was born!
Hey, Big Spenders
But we’ve come to the core of all the financial issues that the entire OCC crew was going through- they were spending way too much.
They obviously had plenty of money running in when the show was on air but even when the money stream slowed down, they continued with their insane expenses.
Was It The Moolah?
Apparently, the OCC crew grew at an alarming rate with 100 workers all the way until the end of the show! Unfortunately, no one knew how to handle such a large bunch of new kids and some ended up getting underpaid.
In fact, Mikey was paid just $10 an hour while Paul Sr. was making a crazy $80,000 per year!