History’s Greatest Picks: Who is Mike Wolfe?
Mike Wolfe fronts History’s Greatest Picks on Sky HISTORY, but how did he originally become a familiar face on the popular reality show American Pickers?
Image: History's Greatest Picks with Mike Wolfe
When you rummage through the back of your cupboard or drawer, it’s easy to assume that what you find there is just…junk. In many instances, though, it could be a very different story.
Unearthing the overlooked stories behind vintage finds is what Mike Wolfe, the longtime host of Sky HISTORY’s American Pickers, is all about. He’s had plenty of practice, too.
What originally sparked Mike’s love of treasure hunting? How has it sent him criss-crossing the United States in search of valuable items to sell on? Oh, and what can we expect from the new Sky HISTORY series History’s Greatest Picks with Mike Wolfe, starting Monday, 20 April at 8pm?
How Mike Wolfe caught the scavenging bug
Mike Wolfe was born on 11th June 1964 in Joliet, Illinois. He and his siblings, Robbie and Beth, were raised by single mother Rita. Robbie grew up to establish the landscaping company RJ Wolfe & Sons and regularly appear alongside his brother on American Pickers.
On childhood walks home from kindergarten, Mike would notice local residents throwing out intriguing-looking junk. So, he couldn’t resist the urge to collect it and bring it home, storing these bicycles, toys and other discarded items in the garage.
With Mike having gathered this clutter for free, he soon saw the appeal of selling it for potentially big money. This revelation inspired Mike to become an antique picker – that is, a specialist who searches obscure places for relics to sell at a high markup.
How Mike got American Pickers off the ground
Mike Wolfe has become famous for his love of bicycles. In his early adult life, he even opened two brick-and-mortar shops to sell them. However, Mike changed course after discovering eBay and realising how much easier it would be for him to sell online rather than in person.
This all led Mike to start a new business, Antique Archaeology. The company’s first store opened in LeClaire, Iowa, in 2000. After realising the potential of a reality show based on his job of picking, Mike pitched the idea to TV executives.
The resulting show, American Pickers
, first aired in 2010 and has since ran for a mammoth 27 seasons. It follows Mike and his co-host (originally the late Frank Fritz and later Robbie) scouring the likes of basements and barns for collectibles to sell.
Memorable Mike moments on American Pickers
The cast of American Pickers have gone through quite a journey together in the more than 15 years the show has been on air. Frank passed away in 2024 but continues to be fondly remembered by fans for the comic relief he brought to the screen.
All the while, Danielle Colby has routinely held the fort at the Antique Archaeology office in LeClaire during the boys’ adventures on the road. In any case, Mike has had many great on-screen moments of his own over the years. Here are just some highlights.
Mike meets the ‘Mole Man’
One of the most legendary characters to have featured on American Pickers is the ‘Mole Man’ in the first-season episode of that name. Mike and Frank explored his massive, 26-room underground storage area and quickly saw how Ronald Heist (to use his real name) garnered his quirky nickname.
Michelle proves a tough negotiator
Long-term American Pickers viewers are accustomed to seeing Mike’s skilful bartering with potential sellers. However, even Mike met his match in the 25th season’s opening episode, ‘Classic Car Cemetery’.
He and Robbie met up with Michelle, who had been hoarding three Pepsi-Cola signs. As it turned out, the South Carolina woman certainly knew how to drive a hard bargain.
Mike initially offered $1,500 for all three signs. ‘$1,550,’ Michelle replied. ‘$1,520,’ Mike countered. ‘$1,530,’ Michelle offered. Mike came back with ‘$1,525’, but Michelle insisted: ‘No, $1,530.’ Mike couldn’t help visibly laughing as he eventually acquiesced.
What to expect from History’s Greatest Picks
Mike Wolfe has shown his mettle when it comes to plucking overlooked gems out of obscurity. On his new Sky HISTORY series History’s Greatest Picks, however, you’re not going to see Mike himself doing the picking. Instead, he’s going to tell intriguing stories about marvels picked by generations of his forebears.
The fascinating artefacts set to feature on History’s Greatest Picks range from vintage vehicles to rare pop-culture oddities. History’s Greatest Picks starts Monday, 20 April at 8pm on Sky HISTORY.
Keen to keep yourself in the loop when it comes to Mike Wolfe’s future TV appearances? Start by signing up for the Sky HISTORY newsletter.
