Rick Harrison, an American businessman and television personality, has garnered significant fame and wealth as the co-owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. With a net worth estimated at $9 million as of 2025, financial success is marked by various ventures and a notable television presence.
Early Life and Background
Born Richard Kevin Harrison on March 22, 1965, in Lexington, North Carolina, he faced health challenges early in life. Moving with his family to San Diego, California, at the age of two, began experiencing epileptic seizures by age eight. This condition often confined him to bed, but it fostered a deep love for reading, especially history books.
Rick Harrison attended Taft Middle School but dropped out in his sophomore year to pursue entrepreneurial dreams, initially selling counterfeit Gucci bags. This venture reportedly earned him $2,000 per week, laying the groundwork for future business pursuits.
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Career Beginnings
In 1981, the Harrison family relocated to Las Vegas, where his father opened the Gold & Silver Coin Shop. Rick began working in the shop while simultaneously repossessing cars at night.
The family faced challenges, including a loss of lease in 1988, but persevered by moving to a new location and securing a pawn license in 1989. This pivotal moment led to the opening of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop on Las Vegas Boulevard, marking the beginning of a successful journey.
By the year 2005, the pawnshop became a financial powerhouse, lending out approximately $3 million annually, generating about $700,000 in income from loans. Known for its eclectic inventory, the shop emerged as a popular stop for unique items and gamers in need of quick cash.
Rise to Fame with Pawn Stars
Rick Harrison’s vision for turning the pawnshop into a reality television concept came to fruition after pitching the idea for four years. Following earlier media exposure, including a PBS documentary and a feature on Comedy Central’s Insomniac with Dave Attell, the History Channel launched Pawn Stars in July 2009.
The show skyrocketed to fame, quickly becoming the highest-rated series on the History Channel. As of June 2023, Pawn Stars has aired 21 seasons and 633 episodes, solidifying its position as a cultural phenomenon. His role as “The Spotter,” renowned for his insight into undervalued artifacts, contributed significantly to his public persona and financial success.
Personal Life and Relationships
Rick Harrison navigated a series of personal relationships throughout life. His first marriage to Kim brought the birth of their two sons, Corey and Adam, but ended in separation. Following a brief relationship, he found a partner in Tracy, whom he married but later divorced.
His third marriage to Deanna Burditt occurred in 2013, yet this union was also short-lived, culminating in divorce in 2020. In 2021, Rick married Amanda Palmer, although they too parted ways in 2023.
As of 2024, he is reportedly dating Las Vegas nurse Angie Polushkin. Tragically, in January 2024, Rick faced the devastating loss of his son Adam to a fentanyl overdose.
Financial Ventures and Future Prospects
Rick Harrison’s net worth largely derives from multiple income streams:
- Gold & Silver Pawn Shop: Co-owning the pawn shop remains the cornerstone of his wealth.
- Television Earnings: The success of Pawn Stars significantly bolstered the financial status.
- Book Sales: Harrison authored License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver, which reached #22 on The New York Times Best Seller list in 2011.
- Real Estate Investments: He has ventured into real estate, including the development of Pawn Plaza, a retail complex adjacent to the pawnshop.
- Product Endorsements: He has participated in various product endorsements and paid speaking engagements, further enriching his financial portfolio.
Challenges and Legal Battles
Following the death of his father, Richard Harrison, in 2018, a legal dispute arose between Rick and his mother, Joanne. The lawsuit alleged unauthorized asset transfers that involved the family business, leading to significant financial scrutiny.
Conclusion
Rick Harrison’s journey from a young entrepreneur with humble beginnings to a successful television personality is a testament to resilience and innovation. Owning a pawn shop and navigating the complexities of reality television has turned challenges into opportunities, shaping a legacy that continues to evolve.
With a net worth of $9 million, Rick Harrison represents the potential for success born from hard work, perseverance, and savvy business sense. As he contemplates future political aspirations, the scrutiny of both his personal and business life will no doubt remain a topic of intrigue.
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