Richard Rawlings: The Man Behind The Muscle Cars And Million-Dollar Empire

How Much is Richard Rawlings Worth?

Alright, let’s talk about the man who’s turned his passion for cars into a multi-million-dollar empire. Richard Rawlings, a Texan through and through, has amassed a net worth of $18 million. Now, that’s not bad for a guy who started out building cars in his garage. But this isn’t just about numbers. Richard’s journey from a kid obsessed with hot rods to the star of Discovery Channel’s "Fast N' Loud" is nothing short of inspiring. As the owner of Gas Money Garage, Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill, and other ventures, Richard has built an empire that resonates with car enthusiasts and business-minded folks alike. So, how did he do it? Let’s dive in.

Early Days: The Boy Who Built Cars

Richard Rawlings wasn’t born with a silver spoon, but he sure was born with a wrench in his hand. Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Richard was one of those kids who just couldn’t get enough of cars. His dad was his first mentor, taking him to auto shows and teaching him the basics of car-building. By the time Richard was 14, he’d already bought his first car—a green 1974 Mercury Comet. Can you imagine a teenager doing that today? But Richard wasn’t done there. By the time he turned 16, he’d already bought and sold several cars, all before he could legally drive. Talk about hustle. In high school, Richard cruised around in a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, which was pretty much the coolest car a kid could have back then. He graduated from Eastern Hills High School in 1987, ready to take on the world.

Fast N' Loud: Building Dreams, One Car at a Time

Before Richard became the face of "Fast N' Loud," he dabbled in a few other careers. He worked as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, and paramedic, but his heart was always in cars. In 2002, Richard took a bold step by selling his printing and advertising company, Lincoln Press, to fund his dream of opening Gas Monkey Garage. And boy, did it pay off. Gas Monkey Garage quickly became a global hub for hot rods, attracting customers from all over the world. Since 2012, the garage and its crew have been the stars of Discovery Channel’s "Fast N' Loud." Alongside his team—Aaron Kaufman, KC Mathieu, and Scot McMillan—Richard scours the country for rare cars, restores them, and sells them to collectors like Dennis Collins and Jay Riecke.

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But Richard’s TV career doesn’t stop there. Since 2017, he’s also been co-hosting "Garage Rehab," where he helps struggling auto shops turn their businesses around. And if that wasn’t enough, Richard expanded his empire by opening the Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill in Northwest Dallas in 2013. He even added a live music venue, Gas Monkey Live, in 2014. In 2015, Richard published his first autobiography, "Fast N' Loud: Blood, Sweat, and Beers," giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at his life. And in 2019, he licensed the Gas Monkey brand to a line of energy drinks, proving that his brand has staying power.

Life Beyond the Garage: Richard’s Personal Journey

Richard’s personal life has been as colorful as his career. In 1990, he married Karen Grames, but the marriage only lasted a year. Then, in 1999, he married Suzanne Mergele, and the two were together until 2009. But love found them again, and they remarried in 2015. However, life has its twists, and in 2019, Richard announced their separation and divorce. That same year, Richard found love again with Katerina Deason, proposing to her with a heartfelt message that melted hearts across social media.

But Richard’s life isn’t just about love and business. He’s also a daredevil at heart. Back in the '90s, Richard took a bullet while protecting his 1965 Mustang 2+2 from a carjacker. Talk about bravery. And if that wasn’t enough, Richard is also a transcontinental racer. He once held the world record for the fastest Cannonball Run, completing the 2,811-mile journey from New York to Los Angeles in 31 hours and 59 minutes. That’s an average speed of 87.6 mph! He’s also won the Gumball 3000 and The Bullrun rally twice each, proving that he’s not just a car builder but a true racer.

Home Sweet Home: Richard’s Dallas Retreat

When Richard’s not building cars or racing across the country, he’s enjoying life at his home in Dallas, Texas. Built in 1960 on 1.46 acres, this mid-century modern masterpiece is just four miles from Gas Monkey Garage. The house boasts three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms. But the real showstopper is the bar with a retractable door, perfect for hosting guests. The home also features multiple decks, a sunken bathtub, a zen garden, an outside master bath, and even a private lake. It’s the perfect place for Richard to unwind after a long day of building dreams and chasing speed records.