Richard Kevin Harrison, famously known as Rick Harrison, is an American businessman and reality TV personality known for owning the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
His fame skyrocketed with the reality TV show “Pawn Stars” on the History Channel, drawing millions to learn about unique historical items, antiques, and rare collectibles.
Rick and his father, Richard Benjamin Harrison, co-owned the shop from its opening in 1989 until his father’s passing in 2018. Rick Harrison’s net worth reflects his success, thanks to both the shop’s popularity and the show’s impact.
Let’s explore Rick Harrison’s net worth, early life, family, and his business success with the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
Rick Harrison Net Worth Breakdown
Rick Harrison net worth is around $9 million. This wealth stems from multiple income streams, with Pawn Stars being his most lucrative endeavor.
Since its debut in 2009, Pawn Stars has captivated viewers for over 21 seasons and 630+ episodes, bringing Rick an impressive $100,000 per episode.
Beyond television, he owns real estate investments, an investment portfolio with blue-chip companies, and precious metal investments, especially in gold and silver. His endorsements and TV show cast appearances further add to his revenue.
Other revenue sources include retail and resale profits from rare and unusual items at his store and earnings from his autobiography, “License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver”.
Additionally, Rick collaborates with American Hartford Gold, promoting gold and silver investments to people interested in diversifying their assets.
5 key Facts About Rick Harrison’s Success
Young Entrepreneur: Before the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Rick Harrison earned $2,000 a week selling fake Gucci bags as a teenager.
Living with Epilepsy: Harrison developed epilepsy at a young age. This condition kept him reading and led to his deep knowledge of history and antiques.
Early Global Fame: Pawn Stars became the highest-rated show on the History Channel. It made Harrison and his shop famous globally, with over 630 episodes aired.
Tiny Steps to Destination: The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop started in a modest 300-square-foot space. It later moved to its current spot on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Sharp Eye for Business: Rick credits his success to spotting the value in oddities and antiques, a skill he honed early through reading and teenage ventures.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 22, 1965, in Lexington, North Carolina, Rick Harrison grew up in San Diego, California.
He experienced a challenging childhood, partly due to his epilepsy, a condition that led him to stay indoors often and develop a deep love for reading.
His parents, Joanne Harrison and Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr. (known as “The Old Man”), played essential roles in his upbringing.
Joanne provided love and stability, while Richard, a U.S. Navy veteran, instilled a sense of discipline and work ethic.
In 1981, the Harrison family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, marking a significant turning point in Rick’s life. His father’s desire to open a business led to the founding of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
Although Rick initially struggled in school, he quickly showed a knack for entrepreneurship, getting involved in small business ventures at a young age.
Personal and Family Life
Rick Harrison has had a colorful personal life. He married three times, first to Kim Harrison from 1982 to 1985, then to Tracy Harrison from 1986 to 2011, and finally to Deanna Burditt. He has three children, including Corey Harrison, who works with him at the pawn shop.
Rick and Corey share a strong bond, visible on Pawn Stars, where Corey often displays a sense of humor reminiscent of his father. Family plays a central role in Rick’s life, but it hasn’t been without complications.
Legal battles, especially involving his mother, Joanne Harrison, have surfaced, primarily related to family trust issues and the ownership of assets.
Despite these challenges, Rick remains devoted to his children and keeps a close-knit family circle, balancing fame and personal life with respect.
The key facts and figures about Rick Harrison:
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Richard Kevin Harrison |
| Nickname | Rick Harrison |
| Known For | Owner of Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Star of Pawn Stars |
| Estimated Net Worth | $9 million |
| Earnings from Pawn Stars | $100,000 per episode |
| Number of Pawn Stars Episodes | 630+ episodes over 21 seasons |
| Primary Residence | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Famous Las Vegas Property | Red Rock Country Club Home (Sold for $3.15 million) |
| Parents | Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr. (“The Old Man”) and Joanne Harrison |
| Children | Corey Harrison and two others |
| Marriages | Three (Kim Harrison, Tracy Harrison, Deanna Burditt) |
| Pawn Shop Founded | 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Other Business Ventures | Endorsements with American Hartford Gold, Cryptocurrency Investments |
| Investments | Real Estate, Gold, Silver, Stocks in blue-chip companies |
| Autobiography | License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver |
| Legal Controversies | Family Trust Issues with Joanne Harrison; Chumlee‘s gun and drug charges |
| Personal Health | Childhood Epilepsy |
| Top Keywords | Pawn Stars, Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, History Channel, real estate investments |
Rick Harrison Net Worth Journey
Rick’s journey to building his net worth began early, with several entrepreneurial ventures that set the foundation for his future success.
His interest in the resale business and historical items fueled his passion for the pawn shop industry.
Rick Harrison Net Worth: His First Business Venture
Rick’s initial dive into business came from a surprising angle. As a teenager, he started selling knock-off Gucci bags to earn quick cash.
This early hustle taught him about retail and resale and introduced him to the business world.
Rick’s entrepreneurial drive only grew from there, and his ambition eventually led him to work alongside his father in launching their first pawn shop.
Rick Harrison Net Worth: Diving Into Pawn Shop Ownership
In 1988, Rick and his father, Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., officially opened the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop on Las Vegas Boulevard.
This was no easy feat, as they had to secure a pawn shop license during a time when Las Vegas had limited available licenses.
Despite the real estate downturn of the 1980s and strict licensing challenges, they pushed through, building a unique business catering to tourists and locals alike.
Rick Harrison Net Worth: Growing the Pawn Shop
As Las Vegas grew as a tourist hub, so did the pawn shop. Rick leveraged the city’s reputation to attract visitors to his store, marketing it as a place where anyone could find rare and unique items.
Over time, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop became one of Las Vegas’s top tourist attractions. Rick’s understanding of small business ownership helped him navigate the ups and downs, from economic shifts to changes in the real estate market.
Rick Harrison Net Worth: Launching “Pawn Stars”
Rick’s big break came when Left field Productions approached him about making a reality TV show.
The concept for Pawn Stars was born, and it quickly became a hit on the History Channel.
Viewers loved the mix of historical items, negotiations, and the quirky dynamics between Rick Harrison, his father “The Old Man,” Corey Harrison, and Chumlee Russell.
The show’s success not only skyrocketed Rick’s fame but also transformed his net worth.
Investments
He has made smart real estate investments in Las Vegas and beyond. Notably, he acquired luxury properties, including a $3.15 million home in the exclusive Red Rock Country Club.
Beyond real estate, Rick has a diverse investment portfolio. It includes stocks in blue-chip companies and precious metals like silver and gold.
Moreover, Rick has partnered with American Hartford Gold. He endorses silver and gold investments as a way to hedge against inflation and secure assets.
His savvy investing shows a sharp eye for entrepreneurship. Consequently, he has grown his wealth well beyond the pawn shop business.
Rick Harrison on Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies
Rick Harrison has been an advocate of new investments, including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
He has publicly spoken about his interest in the crypto world, emphasizing the potential gains and risks involved.
Although he’s not a full-time investor in digital currency, he recognizes the opportunities Bitcoin presents in modern finance.
Rick’s open-minded approach to cryptocurrencies aligns with his investment philosophy: diversify, adapt, and stay ahead of the curve. For many fans, this insight into Rick’s financial mindset is inspirational, showing that he’s always exploring new avenues for wealth growth.
Rick Harrison: Controversies and Lawsuit
As a celebrity, Rick Harrison has not been free from controversy. He faced a significant legal issue involving his mother, Joanne Harrison, over family trust issues and alleged disputes over family assets.
Another notable controversy involved Austin “Chumlee” Russell, who was charged with gun and drug violations. These incidents affected the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop but also reinforced Rick’s resilience in maintaining his brand.
While these legal disputes have sparked media interest, they haven’t significantly affected Rick’s reputation in the pawn shop industry.
He continues to manage his business and personal life with a strong sense of professionalism, despite the public scrutiny.
What Can We Learn from Rick Harrison’s Life?
Rick Harrison’s life offers many lessons in entrepreneurship, determination, and resilience.
His journey shows that small business ownership has challenges. However, it also offers growth and learning.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Rick’s story highlights the power of persistence. Additionally, it reveals the benefits of investing in real estate, gold, and silver to create a strong financial foundation.
He faced struggles with epilepsy in childhood. Later, he battled challenges in the business world. Through it all, Rick teaches us perseverance.
Success doesn’t come easily. Still, he shows that adapting to new opportunities, like reality television, can unexpectedly transform one’s life.
Conclusion
Rick Harrison’s journey from a teenager selling knock-off goods to a reality TV show star and respected pawn shop owner is nothing short of inspiring.
His wealth, estimated at $9 million, is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and business sense.
The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop has become a symbol of Las Vegas, and Pawn Stars continues to attract audiences worldwide.
With investments in real estate and precious metals, Rick’s financial success serves as an example of smart entrepreneurship.
His story reminds us that dedication, a willingness to take risks, and a keen eye for opportunity can lead to great achievements.
Rick Harrison’s life is a blend of business savvy, family loyalty, and a deep love for history—a true American success story.
FAQs About Rick Harrison
What is Rick Harrison’s net worth?
Rick Harrison’s estimated net worth is around $9 million.
How did Rick Harrison start his career?
Rick Harrison began his career by founding the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop with his father, Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., in 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What is the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop?
The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is a famous pawn shop in Las Vegas, known for its unique and rare items and for being the central location of the TV show “Pawn Stars.”
What made Rick Harrison famous?
Rick Harrison gained fame through the History Channel reality TV show “Pawn Stars,” which showcases his life as a pawn shop owner and the unique items that come through his shop.
How much does Rick Harrison make per episode of Pawn Stars?
Rick Harrison reportedly earns around $100,000 per episode of “Pawn Stars.”
Who are the key cast members of Pawn Stars?
The key cast members include Rick Harrison, his son Corey Harrison, and their family friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell.
Has Rick Harrison been involved in any controversies?
Yes, Rick has faced family trust disputes with his mother, Joanne Harrison, and has also dealt with controversies involving his co-star Chumlee’s legal issues.
What other businesses is Rick Harrison involved in?
Aside from the pawn shop, Rick Harrison is involved in real estate, precious metal investments, and has endorsed American Hartford Gold.
What is Rick Harrison’s view on cryptocurrency?
Rick Harrison has shown interest in cryptocurrency as a modern investment and is vocal about supporting various forms of digital assets.
How did Rick Harrison’s childhood health impact his life?
Rick struggled with childhood epilepsy, which inspired his early fascination with reading and ultimately influenced his entrepreneurial spirit.
What life lessons can we learn from Rick Harrison?
Rick Harrison’s journey highlights resilience and adaptability. It also shows the importance of seizing opportunities. These qualities have helped him build a successful career in reality TV and business.
Brian Adams is an experienced blogger at Shining Profiles, known for his in-depth coverage of celebrity lifestyles. With a passion for uncovering unique stories, Brian brings insightful perspectives on the personal and professional lives of celebrities. His engaging writing style keeps readers informed and entertained, making him a trusted voice in the world of celebrity news.
