Rick Harrison: The Life Of A Pawn Star Mogul

Rick Harrison is a successful American businessman, reality TV personality, and pawnshop guru. As co-owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the lead character on the hit History Channel reality program Pawn Stars, Harrison has become well-known as one of the most knowledgeable and perceptive people in the business. With his keen business sense and deep understanding of ancient artifacts, he has been able to convert a humble pawnshop into a globally known brand.

Harrison’s overnight success was not instantaneous. He faced several obstacles throughout his early years, from financial hardships to navigating the complexities of the pawn business. His ability to evaluate rare items, negotiate deals, and educate viewers on the history of rare memorabilia has turned Pawn Stars into an instant hit. Off screen, he has expanded his entrepreneurial interests and continues to transform the industry.

Quick Bio

Who is Rick Harrison?

Richard Kevin Harrison, commonly known as Rick Harrison, was born on March 22, 1965, in Lexington, North Carolina. Rick’s father, Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., was a U.S. Navy veteran, and his mother, Joanne Rhue Harrison, instilled in him the interests in history, business, and negotiation from an early age that would be valuable to him in his future life.

Harrison became a national sensation as the featured star of Pawn Stars, a reality television show offering a behind-the-scenes look at the pawn business. The show, launched in 2009, quickly became among the History Channel’s most popular programs. It follows the day-to-day activities at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, where Rick, his late dad Richard “Old Man” Harrison, his son Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison, and their close friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell review, buy, and sell all manner of strange and valuable items, and thus the program is informative as well as entertaining.

Early Life

Rick Harrison’s early life was shaped by scarcity and inquisitiveness. When he was two years old, his family moved to San Diego, California, due to his father’s military commitments. It was then that he became interested in reading, particularly historical novels and books, following a diagnosis of epilepsy. Frequent seizures kept him in bed for long durations, during which he would read books on history and business.

Although he was curious intellectually, Harrison struggled with traditional schooling. He attended Taft Middle School but didn’t graduate from high school until the tenth grade. His entrepreneurial streak manifested itself early on when he started selling knockoff Gucci bags to make money. He quickly realized he was a born salesman and negotiator, skills that would form the foundation of his eventual career in the pawn business.

Career Beginnings

Rick began his venture into the pawn industry in 1981 when his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. His father, Richard “Old Man” Harrison, opened a small second-hand shop called the Gold & Silver Coin Shop. Rick worked during the day with his dad while doing odd jobs at night. The shop handled the sale and purchase of rare coins, jewelry, and antiques.

By the late 1980s, the Harrisons realized that they could expand their business into a bona fide pawn shop. It was not easy to get a pawn license in Las Vegas, however, as city laws made it difficult. They persisted for years before finally acquiring the license they needed in 1989 and opening the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop off the Las Vegas Strip.

Business was steady, but it didn’t become a cultural icon until Rick suggested the idea of a reality TV show. He spent years trying to locate a network that wanted a pawn-themed show before Pawn Stars finally was picked up by the History Channel in 2009.

Rise to Fame with Pawn Stars

Pawn Stars was the first show that signaled a career milestone for Rick Harrison. The series became an instant hit and was one of the most-watched reality shows on television, garnering millions of viewers. As opposed to ordinary pawnshops, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop handled unusual historical relics, antiques, and precious items, so every episode was an intriguing experience.

Rick’s expertise, combined with his father’s classic experience, Corey’s dynamic enthusiasm, and Chumlee’s humor, created an engaging synergy that resonated with audiences. Viewers were thrilled to learn about the historical significance of items brought into the store, from vintage cars to odd coins and even memorabilia for celebrities.

Over the years, Pawn Stars has spawned numerous spin-offs and brought tourism to Las Vegas. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and want to encounter Rick and his crew face to face.

What is Rick Harrison Doing Now?

Despite the long-running show, Rick Harrison remains very much involved in his business and other ventures. He continues to be in charge of the day-to-day activities of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop alongside fulfilling his TV obligations. Besides his business in the pawn shop, Rick has also been involved in other activities, like publishing his book License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver and participating in some philanthropic undertakings.

Lately, he has also been very vocal concerning small business matters, advocating for pro-entrepreneur economic policies. He has also served as a guest speaker at numerous business and entertainment events, discussing his own success story and the pawn business.

Rick Harrison’s Physical Appearance

Rick Harrison stands approximately 6 feet tall and has a solid, rugged build. His shaved head and goatee make him easily identifiable and recognizable. He typically wears casual attire, including polo shirts, jeans, and a laid-back demeanor, which is fitting for the laid-back yet business-savvy personality that fans adore.

Net Worth

The net worth of Rick Harrison is approximately $9 million in 2025. He primarily earns from having the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, earning his salary for working on Pawn Stars, from books, and other ventures. Even the shop makes a substantial amount of money because of popularity since tourists travel often to spend their money buying collectibles and memorabilia.

Rick has also invested shrewdly in other businesses and real estate, solidifying himself financially once again.

Social Media

Rick Harrison similarly enjoys a large social media following, particularly on Instagram and Twitter. He consistently updates followers regarding his shop, behind-the-scenes photographs from Pawn Stars, and musings about his own life. Social media engagement allows fans to stay in touch with what he is doing and access the dramas of pawnshop life.

Future Prospects And Vision

In the future, Rick Harrison remains committed to building his brand and finding new opportunities. While Pawn Stars remains a reality TV staple, he has made veiled hints at diversifying his business empire outside of pawnbroking. Whether through prospective television ventures, additional business enterprises, or professional mentorship, Rick is committed to innovation and success.

Despite facing personal and professional failures, Rick Harrison’s business skills and determination are a source of inspiration for all. From a high school dropout to a multimillion-dollar business magnate, his success is a testament to how determination and education can fulfill any dream.