Les Gold, the sharp-witted pawnbroker best known for his starring role on Hardcore Pawn, has built a multi-million-dollar fortune over the years. As of 2025, Les Gold’s net worth is estimated at $5 million — a reflection of his business acumen, television fame, and deep roots in the pawnbroking trade.
| Les Gold Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Date of Birth | June 20, 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Television Producer |
From Pizza Hustler to Pawn King
Born on June 20, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, Les Gold is a third-generation pawnbroker. His entrepreneurial journey began early—by age 7, he was making sales at his grandfather’s pawn shop, “Sam’s Loans.” At 12, he started his first business, reselling pizza slices to classmates at his Hebrew school. But his most successful venture began in 1978, when he opened American Jewelry and Loan on 8 Mile Road. The store became the foundation of his wealth.
In 1993, Gold moved the pawn shop to its current 50,000-square-foot location in Detroit. With his son Seth and daughter Ashley working alongside him, the business grew into a family-run empire, now spanning five locations across Michigan and employing about 200 people.
Hardcore Pawn Fame
Les Gold’s fortunes rose dramatically when Hardcore Pawn debuted on TruTV in 2010. The reality series, which showcased the gritty reality of life inside his pawn shop, aired for nine seasons and 162 episodes before ending in 2014. Unlike its glossier rival Pawn Stars, Hardcore Pawn leaned into the unfiltered chaos of Detroit’s diverse clientele and staff tensions—an approach that earned the show millions of loyal viewers.
Les and his son Seth served as executive producers beginning in season three, giving them creative control and a financial stake in the show’s success. While exact earnings from the show remain private, the exposure brought major foot traffic to the shop and transformed Les into a reality TV personality.
Books, Philanthropy, and Other Ventures
Les Gold capitalized on his TV fame by publishing a business memoir, For What It’s Worth: Business Wisdom from a Pawnbroker, in 2013. The book, which landed on the New York Times Best Seller List, offers insight into his journey and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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Gold is also a noted philanthropist. He regularly supports The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), a nonprofit that helps Michigan families pay heating and electricity bills. In 2013, a fundraising event hosted at his store raised over $40,000 for the cause.
Real Estate
Les Gold has been married to his wife, Lili, since 1975. In 1987, the couple purchased a 6,000-square-foot home on a 1.5-acre property in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, for $145,000. Today, that home is estimated to be worth about $1.5 million, further contributing to his net worth.
Les Gold Net Worth
Les Gold net worth is $5 million.
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