If you’re wondering how it is exactly that Mike Wolfe has created a $5 million net worth for himself based off of picking, it’s probably got something to do with the fact that he’s been doing it since childhood. Before he was even a teenager, he came upon his first lesson in sales when he found a bike and decided to flip it for $5. From that point on, he knew what his mission in life was and he was determined to make his dream a reality.
After the $5 bike, he started working his way up to the bigger and better sales. The first time he made any real money was when he bought another bike for $50 and turned around and sold it for 100 times more than what he paid for it. If he was making that kind of money when he was a kid, it’s no wonder he’s made such a successful career out of picking!
They Both Have Hefty Salaries
Unlike a lot of television stars, you wouldn’t exactly pick neither Mike nor Frank out of a crowd and use them as a shining example of someone who made a ton of money – but they do. For starters, each of them receives an impressive annual salary of $500,000, and that doesn’t include any of the artifacts that they sell.
Mike has the highest net worth of anyone on the show, coming in at an estimated $5 million. Although Frank isn’t far behind, as he’s got one of his own that’s only about $1 million less than his co-stars. Both of the pickers have some serious side hustles going on alongside of their time on the show, as well.
Un-Reality Show
The show may be somewhat based on reality, but it’s far from being completely real. In fact, a large portion of the show is planned out in advance to make it flow, and to make everything more interesting. For instance, a lot of the scenes of the men in the van are taken on different days than the actual picking.
Of course, American Pickers isn’t exactly a scripted reality show, but it’s not completely candid, either. Producers often set everything up ahead of time, so that Mike and Frank don’t have to deal with a lot of the actual work behind-the-scenes. They’ll film for several hours at a time and put together enough B-roll footage that they don’t have to stick around for too long after
Mike Is An Ambassador For Operation Smile
Say what you will about Mike Wolfe, but one thing is for sure: the guy has a good heart, which he’s proven through his charitable contributions and his work with organizations like Operation Smile. But his work with this particular group hits a little close to home for him.
Mike’s daughter, Charlie, was born with a condition known as “cleft lip/palate.” Those born with this condition often require surgery, due to the fact that it prohibits eating and other regular functions required of the mouth. Luckily for Charlie, her father was able to afford the surgery and all of the best care imaginable, but not all children who suffer from the birth defect are so lucky – and that’s where Organization Smile comes in. The non-profit helps to cover the surgery for children who need it.
The Theme Song’s History
Some fans probably pay a bit more attention to the theme song than others, but it may interest them all to know that it actually comes with quite a story. Jared Gutstadt, creator of Jingle Punks, a music agency, is the one who put it together for them.
Gutstadt is known for his catchy tunes for hit shows like The Voice, Pawn Stars and The Real Housewives. To date, he’s produced music for more than 500 shows and is currently working in the hip-hop industry.