Get To Know Mike Wolfe: The Man Behind "American Pickers"

So, How Much is Mike Wolfe Worth?

Let me tell you about Mike Wolfe. He’s not just some guy you see on TV. Mike Wolfe, an American reality television star and an antique enthusiast, boasts a net worth of $7 million. Now, you might know him as one of the co-hosts of The History Channel’s hit show "American Pickers," which premiered back in 2010. Picture this: Mike and his partner Frank Fritz travel across the country, digging through old shops, sheds, barns, and garage sales in search of antique treasures. And guess what? "American Pickers" is one of The History Channel's most popular shows, with over 300 episodes spanning 22 seasons. But that's not all—Mike didn’t just star in the series. Oh no, he created it and serves as an executive producer too. In 2012, he inked a deal with Indian Motorcycles, even came up with a sitcom that CBS bought, and even made a cameo on "NCIS." Oh, and he’s written a couple of books: "American Pickers Guide to Picking" in 2011 and "Kid Pickers: How to Turn Junk into Treasure" in 2013. This guy's got talent oozing out of every pore.

Mike Wolfe's Early Days

Mike Wolfe didn’t start out as the big TV star we know today. He was born on June 11, 1964, in Joliet, Illinois. Raised by a single mom named Rita, along with his siblings Beth and Robbie, Mike moved to Bettendorf, Iowa, where his passion for antiques began. As a kid, he'd rummage through neighbors' trash for old bikes and soon started exploring alleyways and abandoned houses, always on the lookout for items he could sell. It was during his time at Sudlow Intermediate School that he met Frank Fritz, who would later become his co-host on "American Pickers." They’ve been picking buddies ever since, and Mike graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1982. That’s where it all started for him.

Mike's Career: From Bikes to Barn Finds

Mike’s love for antiques didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Believe it or not, it started before he even entered elementary school. His fascination with antique bikes led him into the world of competitive racing and eventually to opening his own bike shop called The Village Bike Shop. But Mike didn’t stop there. He began actively seeking out vintage bikes and other treasures, and one of his most memorable finds was a warehouse brimming with Indian Motorcycles. In 2000, he opened Antique Archeology in Le Claire, Iowa, and later expanded with a second location in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2011. By 2012, he was selling his very own lighting collection, Rustorations, at the Nashville store.

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Now, here’s the part where Mike really hit the big time. His knack for finding hidden gems caught the attention of The History Channel, leading to the premiere of "American Pickers" on January 18, 2010. That debut episode drew over three million viewers, making it the network’s highest-rated premiere since "Ice Road Truckers." According to the show’s official website, Mike’s always on the lookout for items with a story, things that help fill in the gaps in America’s everyday history. Beyond the show, Mike launched Two Lanes, a line of American-made apparel and accessories, and owns Two Lanes Guesthouse in Columbia, Tennessee. This guesthouse allows visitors to see some of the incredible finds from the show, beautifully integrated into the decor. And if that wasn’t enough, he also owns Trek Bicycle Shop, located right below the guesthouse.

Mike's Personal Life: Family and Philanthropy

Mike’s personal life is just as fascinating as his career. He welcomed his daughter, Charlie, with Jodi Faeth on January 30, 2012. They tied the knot on September 8, 2012, after an 18-year courtship. Now, here’s a heartwarming story: Charlie was born with a cleft palate and had to undergo two surgeries before her first birthday. This experience inspired Mike and Jodi to become ambassadors for Operation Smile, an organization dedicated to helping children with cleft conditions worldwide. Unfortunately, Jodi was diagnosed with stage 2 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in December 2013. But here’s the good news: by May 2020, Mike proudly announced on Instagram that Jodi had been cancer-free for six years. Talk about a strong family!

Mike's Real Estate Adventures

When it comes to real estate, Mike Wolfe knows what he likes. In 2012, he purchased a stunning 5,100-square-foot home in the Leiper’s Fork area of Franklin, Tennessee. This property sits on a sprawling 32 acres and features a library, four porches, a phone booth, and even a fenced-in dog run. Mike and Jodi made some renovations, adding marble countertops and new light fixtures in the kitchen. But what really sealed the deal for Mike was the basement with barn doors—perfect for storing his impressive collection of 40 motorcycles. This place is truly a reflection of his personality and passions.