F. What happened to Hardcore Pawn?

It was the year 2010 when a new series broke out in reality TV format called “Hardcore Pawn” or “Empeños a lo Bestia” in Spain.

The series focused on the day-to-day operations of American Jewelry and Loan, a pawn shop located in Detroit’s 8 Mile corridor. The main protagonists were Les Gold, the co-owner of the pawn shop, along with his children Seth and Ashley.

During its 9 seasons, the show managed to offer a glimpse into the intriguing pawn scene in the city, the happenings with the clients and the family problems of the owners. The show concluded in 2015, so we wonder how the characters are doing today.

Les Gold

Les, co-owner of American Jewelry and Loan stores, became a popular television personality due to his appearance on “Hardcore Pawn.” After the series ended, Les appeared on Food Network’s “Chopped” to showcase his cooking skills and on LeagueOne: In the Spotlight!

In 2019, Les, expressed his desire to open more American Jewelry and Loan stores in and outside of Detroit. He added that he is not considering retirement at all. When asked about the possibilities of seeing “Hardcore Pawn” on television again, the TV personality revealed that he is open to the idea.

In 2021, he opened new pawnshops in Southgate and Lincoln Park, both cities in Wayne County, Michigan. In addition, he has been an active presence, on behalf of the company, at charity events held in Detroit, such as Wigs For Kids. Currently, Les is committed to growing his pawnshop chain and works tirelessly with his son Seth to improve the family business, which reportedly employs about 200 people.

Seth Gold

Seth Gold is the son of Les Gold and co-owner and vice president of American Jewelry and Loan. Since concluding the program, Seth has focused on expanding the family business through innovative measures. In 2019, Seth and Les launched FastPawn in partnership with PawnMate Inc. Conceived by Seth, the online payment service helps renew loans or make loan/reserve payments digitally.

He was also part of the expansion of the pawn business in Southgate and Lincoln Park.
Seth hosts a podcast called “Goldtone Podcast,” where he and Les talk to celebrities from various fields. As for their current relationship, Seth has kept it away from the media. However, he maintains a commendable presence in public affairs in the city of Detroit. In 2018, he and his father contributed $10,000 to a microloan group for high school students aspiring to start their own businesses.

Ashley Broad Gold

Ashley Broad is the daughter of Les Gold and sister of Seth Gold. Until the conclusion of the show, she served as head of the store’s jewelry department. But in 2015, she launched her independent online jewelry store called Pawn Chick Shopping, which is now known as AshleyGold.com.

She currently designs and produces handmade jewelry for her store. In addition, Ashley does social media consulting through her firm AKB Consulting.
In addition, Ashley does a radio show titled “Pawn Chick Radio,” where she talks primarily about fashion. In 2020, Ashley achieved a weight loss of 16 kilos through a strict diet and exercise. Although she is focused on her independent business, she remains close to her family. Ashley is married to Jordan Broad and resides in Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan.

Big Joe

Joel “Big Joe” Shannon was the head of security for American Jewelry and Loan.

Rich Pyle

Rich Pyle was a store manager at American Jewelry and Loan for 25 years. He had to leave the store after a dispute with Les despite apologizing for the same. After leaving the store and the reality show, Pyle appeared on National Geographic’s “Meltdown.” According to sources, he then launched a clothing line called RPM Gear with Darren Hamilton..

Currently, Pyle is the host and executive producer of “Hole Nation,” a sports and news program covering the sport of cornhole. He is also the drummer for the Detroit-based band Daniel Harrison and $2 Highway. Pyle is a regular presence on the Motown music and cornhole scenes. Apparently, he has chosen to keep his private life, especially his relationship status, hidden from public view.

Felix

Fielding “Felix” Teichman was a security employee at American Jewelry and Loan, who was part of the show until its sixth season. However, Hardcore Pawn did not address Fielding’s departure from the series. Most people remember him for his long, bushy beard. Following his departure from the series, he has chosen to stay away from the spotlight, except for a minimal presence on social media. In 2016, Fielding moved to Austin, Texas.

Karen

Karen Mitchell is the niece of Les Gold and cousin of Ashley Broad and Seth Gold. She was co-manager of the jewelry department at American Jewelry and Loan for the last two seasons of Hardcore Pawn. She currently lives happily with her husband and children.

Bobby

Bobby Janiec was an employee at American Jewelry and Loan, who reportedly left the store in 2016. After the show’s conclusion, Janiec appeared in the automotive-centric reality series “Wrench Wars.”

Until 2021, he was the spokesperson for Bar’s Products Inc, a motor vehicle manufacturing company in Holly, Michigan. After leaving the company, Janiec became a freelance broadcaster, streamer and actor.
Janiec is a popular presence on TikTok and OnlyFans. He is also very active on Twitch, where he streams while playing games. In addition, Janiec has an online merchandise store, where he sells mugs, hoodies, aprons, t-shirts and water bottles, among other things. On the personal side, he keeps most of his life a secret.

Visiting the pawnshop

Some Spanish youtubers have traveled all the way to Detroit to visit the famous pawn shop, and to their admiration, they ran into Les Gold and his son Seth.