The bustling world of American Jewelry and Loan is a Detroit-based pawnshop located in the heart of the 8 Mile Road corridor. With TruTV’s reality series, “Hardcore Pawn,” you’ll get a front-row seat to the daily operations of this unique business. Meet Les Gold, the charismatic co-owner, as he navigates the challenges and rewards of running a pawnshop in one of the toughest cities in America.
Les and his family, including son Seth and daughter Ashley, work together to buy, sell, and trade everything from vintage jewelry to high-tech gadgets. In hardcore pawn, you witness the drama, laughter, and heart that come with life at American Jewelry and Loan.
The show Hardcore Pawn took viewers on a journey through nine seasons, showcasing the vibrant pawn scene and the people who make it run. Experiencing the daily operations of the shop and the trials and tribulations of the employees.
Follow the story of the Gold family as they grow and evolve in this cutthroat industry. The show may have ended in 2015, but the fans are still eager to know more about the main character, Big Joe. So, here is everything you need to know about this legendary pawn master!
All About Hardcore Pawn Reality Show
Hardcore Pawn is a reality TV series produced by RDF USA. The show follows the life of Les Gold, the charismatic third-generation pawnbroker and businessman who proudly owns American Jewelry and Loan. Follow Les as he walks in the footsteps of his grandfather, who once owned the iconic Sam’s Loans on Michigan Avenue, Detroit.
The American Jewelry Company lit up the Green Eight Shopping Center on 8 Mile Road in Oak Park for the first time in 1978. Fast forward to 1993, and the shop has now made its mark at its current location, where Les continues to make deals and turn profits.
In 2011, American Jewelry took its next big step by acquiring Premier Jewelry and Loan in Pontiac, creating a new branch location. The doors of this location were open to the world as it made its television debut in the early episodes of Hardcore Pawn’s fifth season.
The dramatic events of the new branch continued to unfold in the sixth season, where viewers watched as Les’s son and co-owner, Seth, tried to sell the Pontiac location secretly behind Les’s back.
Les is proud to say that his only son, Seth, is a proud graduate of Michigan University and has been shining as a co-owner of American Jewelry since his graduation. With his marketing expertise, Seth has taken the reins of the store’s marketing division and brought it to new heights. He claims that if it were not for his marketing skills, the store’s only advertising campaign would be a simple listing in the “Yellow Pages.”
On the other hand, Les’ daughter, Ashley, is a dynamic businesswoman who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University and boasts a graduate diamond certification from the Gemological Institute of America.
As a co-owner of American Jewelry, Ashley has been a fixture in the store for over fifteen years, with only a brief three-year break for maternity leave. Despite the sibling rivalry that occasionally pops up between her and Seth, their love for the family business shines through in every episode.
Who is Joe From Hardcore Pawn?
Seth from Hardcore Pawn may be the face of the pawnshop, but there’s another player who has captured the hearts of fans. Enter “Big Joel,” the larger-than-life head security chief at American Jewelry.
He’s known for his quick humor and even quicker one-liners, trading jabs with Seth and Les in a never-ending comedy tour. Whether he’s making the audience laugh or defending the shop with his signature tough guy persona, “Big Joel” is the glue that holds the pawnshop together.
What Happened to Joe From Hardcore Pawn?
Joe’s actions caught up with him as he was taken into custody for stealing scraps of gold. This ultimately led to his dismissal from the show. However, Joe has now shifted gears and is cruising down a new path as the owner and operator of Hi-Gear Transportation, a truck and transportation company based in Livonia, Michigan. Surrounded by the love of his wife Felice and their children, Joe is navigating life in the driver’s seat of his own company.
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