Most Expensive Pick
If you've watched the show you know that Mike and Frank are willing to spend almost a ridiculous sum of money for the things they want. Season 17 of 'American Pickers' premiered in April 2017, and the first episode showed viewers their most expensive find during a visit to Zane Leek in Oregon.
The owner's late husband had been a vehicle collector and it was reported by Oregon Live that during this episode, "Wolfe and Fritz come upon some very rare four-cylinder motorcycles, dating back to the 1930s." These motorcycles cost Mike and Frank about $90,000.
Many Of The Interesting Characters You See Aren't Real
The show initially is somewhat of a reality show, and so they need to keep it interesting to keep their viewers coming back. There have been many interesting characters on the show that Mike and Frank have run into over their many seasons. One of these characters is Hobo Jack, who owns many random items, and Mike and Frank have gone to his property many times to search for items.
What you don't know about Hobo Jack, is that he's actually a published author and musician. If you're interested, you can purchase his self-recorded music through his website.
Producers Often Plant Items In Properties
As mentioned before, 'American Pickers' is a reality show before anything else, meaning that it is not 100% real.
It's said that producers often place items ahead of the arrival of Mike and Frank, knowing that they'll find picks and film time won't be wasted.
Mike Tries To Set The Record Straight
Mike has gone on record stating that the rumors that have circulated about the show not being "100% real" are untrue. However, there is only one part that is "partially" untrue according to Mike.
When Mike and Frank pick a property they would like to check out, the producers call property owners ahead of time. BUT, all the searching and negotiations you see on TV are real.
It's The First Series Bought By The History Channel Without A Pilot Episode
Mike Wolfe knew that the show was television gold, and all he had to do was convince the network executives, which took a while. Once he fixed the initial ideas of the show and was able to book a personal meeting with the channel, he was able to throw them a very persuasive and intriguing pitch.
They immediately bought ten episodes and wanted it right away.
Possible Series' Title Name
Wolfe had a few years to think about a possible title for the show, but when the show was immediately picked up, he was forced to decide.
He made a list of what he believed would be catchy titles which included, "Vintage Recycle, Flip This Junk" and "Mr.Picker." Obviously, the name "American Pickers" was chosen.
Mike Used His Precious Antique Bicycle To Open Stores
Since Mike was younger, he enjoyed picking antiques, but he believed this could not be turned into a full-time career. He decided to do other things for money.
In his early 20s, he was a professional bike racer and owned two bike stores. He financed the opening of his stores by selling a vintage motorcycle to a collector.
Meeting The People is Frank's Favorite Part
If you were to ask a normal reality star what their favorite part of doing a show is, the response would most likely be "fame or money". However, for Frank, his favorite part is meeting the owners of the properties. He told Quad-City Times, "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 Profitable Find
Mike claims that even as a child, he was always fascinated by "vintage" items. He also recalls the first moment he wanted to pursue a career in "picking". When he was 6-years-old, he found an old bike in his neighbor's trash.
He decided to fix up the bike, and a boy offered him $5 dollars for it. He took that trade and from that day on, Mike became immersed in "picking".
He Bought His First House At A Garage Sale
Mike has always loved going to garage sales, and he knows that they're the best place to find overlooked valuable items. In an interview with Fast Company, he said, "This guy was having a garage sale, and I asked him what he wanted for it , 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 Turned It's Back On Me" - Frank
Frank Fritz reveals that he believes he doesn't ask much of others. However, he as admitted that he would like recognition from his hometown. He said in an interview with Quad-City Times, that "It feels like my city has pretty much turned it's 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."
"He Used To Disguise Picks As Dates"
Before getting married in 2012, Mike Wolfe and Jodi Faeth dated several years. After trying for years to downplay his obsession with picking, Jodi knew that it was a huge passion of his.
"When I met him, he used to describe 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." Jodi has been very public about her support for her husband's career in the picking industry.
Most Profitable Flip
In 2010, the pickers visited a very small amusement park in Forks Township, Pennsylvania that had been hit by Tropical Storm Ivan in 2004. The park never quite recovered from the storm but the owner held on to all of the park's possessions.
While searching through all the items, Mike and Frank found old sideshow banners. They only paid $700 for all of them and upon appraisal, they discovered just one banner was worth $5,000.
Mike Tried To Pitch The Show For Five Years
After realizing he had great potential for a show on his hands, Mike began to search on how to pitch this idea to network executives. The process overall took 5 years and he saw no success. He talked to anyone and everyone in the industry who would be willing to listen to him.
One of these contacts gave him feedback and told him that he needed to change the format for the show. After taking this advice, he pitched to the History Channel who bought it in 2009.
He Turned Down a Bunch of Offers
Through the five years Mike tirelessly pitched to network executives, he did get some offers. However, the offers did not appeal to Mike. A man who worked at PBS was interested in turning the show into something that Mike didn't like. He said in an interview with Script, that "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."
Why Wolfe Chose Frank
Mike and Frank have been friends for a very long time, since 8th grade to be exact. When Mike started filming, he realized he could not be the only personality on the show. When he chose Frank, he knew he was the perfect choice. He told DailyFinance, "I would bring Frank because he was close, and he was fun to travel with.
WhenI started videotaping myself making the show, I honestly realized that I couldn't sit and talk into the camera by myself, so Frank became a big part of the show because of the dialogue 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."
Picking Can Be Dangerous
It seems simple, but picking can actually be a dangerous pastime. People are often very reluctant to let the guys pick through their stuff. They recall that one time, someone even opened the door with a gun in their hand.
Mike said during an interview with the History Channel, "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 to say was 'Hey, is that gun for sale?" Mike said the guy thought it was funny and decided to put the gun down.
They Are Often Rejected
Although Mike and Frank are famous, they still hear the word 'no' from many people. Surprisingly enough, many people do not want two strangers searching their property. But, Frank believes there are other reasons people might tell them no.
Frank told the History Channel that, "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."
Mike Makes Big Bucks
Mike is not only a presenter for the series, but he is also the creator and executive producer. With these positions, Mike earns a salary of $500,00 per season.
He also has two stores, a book and other ventures, making his net worth over $5 million.
Frank Also Has a Big Fortune
Like Mike, Frank has always had a passion for finding antique items and turning them into profit. He's always been especially interested in vintage transportation such as cars and motorcycles. Not only does he pick motorcycles, but he also collects them.
Frank also has a store where he sells his items. Frank has gained a net worth of $4 million that is also growing.
Ripping People Off
PRODUCERS ARE THE REAL PICKERS
Although the show makes viewers think that the onscreen American Pickers team is responsible for all of their finds, the reality is much different. Mike and Frank maintain that the show is completely real, but no one can dispute that they aren’t the only ones who go looking for potential treasure. In most cases, producers are the ones who read through viewer submission and choose where to go.
The cast may have a little say in the matter, but they aren’t the ones on the front-lines, figuring out the newest hot spots. In fact, many people who have dealt with American Pickers claim that the producers work out the prices ahead of time as well. They agree on the price, then tell the seller to ask for more money so they can capture negotiations on camera.
LEGAL ISSUES
DANIELLE’S BURLESQUE CAREER
Danielle American Pickers 15 Secrets From American Pickers You Had No Idea About
Danielle doesn’t limit herself to one career – she has many. Before starting with American Pickers, Danielle had a successful career as a burlesque dancer. In fact, she kept it up during the filming of the show as well. What’s more, Danielle owned her own boutique called 4 Miles 2 Memphis.
She doesn’t view burlesque dancing as anything but an art form and puts her money where her mouth is. She produced a documentary that focused on Tempest Storm, one of the most famous burlesque dancers in the history of the style. Danielle also uses the resources of the show to “pick” in her free time. She has her sights set on vintage costumes for burlesque dancing, instead of the traditional picks of the rest of the team.
PLANTED ITEMS
HOBO JACK THE AUTHOR
Hobo Jack is a recurring guest on American Pickers and a fan favorite. He’s not just your average hobo, though. Hobo Jack is an author of multiple published books under his belt. Mike Wolfe has written a few books of his own, but it’s Hobo Jack’s publications that got more attention. Generally, Hobo Jack styles himself as an all-around artist.
Jack doesn’t limit himself to one form of expression. He’s released multiple albums under his own name as well. He has five albums as of now, and they’re available for purchase on his website. Because of his unique living circumstances, it can take a long time for Jack to fulfill orders, so it’s best to buy them soon if you want them in time for next Christmas.
DANIELLE’S TAX PROBLEMS
PREDETERMINED PRICES
American Pickers Prices 15 Secrets From American Pickers You Had No Idea About
Although many of the episodes feature on-screen haggling with customers and sellers, not many of the prices are ever in question. The producers determine the prices before the cameras even start rolling, giving buyers and sellers little wiggle-room for making a deal with Mike and Frank. As we covered above, the producers even tell their subjects to ask for more money when selling items to the pickers. They try to enhance the drama this way, but the target price was never in question.
Producers decide the prices, then give their subjects a script to use in their “haggling” scenes. Most of the time, the deals heavily favor the pickers themselves. That shouldn’t be a surprise, but the show’s representation of how these prices are determined is rather disingenuous.
MOLE MAN’S EXPLOITATION
FRANK FRITZ ISN’T ABOUT THAT LIFE
American Pickers Frank Fritz Life 15 Secrets From American Pickers You Had No Idea About
Whether the show is real or staged, there’s no question whether or not Mike Wolfe is committed to picking as a lifestyle. He started slipping “junk” at an early age and never looked back. Frank Fritz, on the other hand, wasn’t a professional picker before the show started. He got into the business when he started with American Pickers, but it isn’t a passion like it is with his partner.
While Mike has spun his American Pickers fame into multiple ventures, Frank seems content to let the show play-out and go on his way. He’s not passionate about picking and has even stated that nothing he’s found has ever really impressed him. When it comes down to it, Frank is just a part of the show for the money. He’s a collector but isn’t as passionate as his partner.
THE SHOW MIGHT NOT BE ON FOR MUCH LONGER
CRAZY FAN THEORIES ABOUT FRANK AND MIKE’S RELATIONSHIP
American Pickers Rumors 15 Secrets From American Pickers You Had No Idea About
While it doesn’t make the most sense in the world, the internet ran with rumors that Frank and Mike were actually in a homosexual relationship together. Fans speculated that since the couple spends so much time together, it’s possible that they’re actually closer than some may think. These rumors don’t have a ton of weight to them. Mike spoke to his wife multiple times throughout filming, even when she was just his girlfriend.
Frank, on the other hand, is more private about his personal life. This has led some fans to speculate that Frank, if not Mike, is gay. It really doesn’t matter, but the internet was keen to know more about Frank’s life. As the show progressed, Frank opened up a bit more about his personal relationships, helping to stifle the rumors.
A SURPRISING NET WORTH
STAGED SCENES
American Pickers Staged Scenes e1512588478702 15 Secrets From American Pickers You Had No Idea About
Given the multiple staged aspects of American Pickers, it should come as no surprise that many of their scenes are orchestrated by the production team. The prices are set and the haggling scenes are staged, but those aren’t the only aspects of American Pickers that are predetermined. The driving scenes raised eyebrows with many online skeptics. American Pickers makes it seem like Mike and Frank are driving across the country to find treasure in unlikely places.
In reality, though, that’s not how they get there at all. The driving scenes appear to be almost entirely staged, with B-roll footage filmed of their car driving on certain roads. The banter might not be scripted, but Mike and Frank in a car is a setup – not organic like the show suggests.