Salvage Dawgs, a beloved reality TV series, follows the team at Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, Virginia, as they rescue architectural treasures from buildings facing demolition. Fans searching for details on the cast’s net worth, age, salary, married life, and dating status in 2025 will find comprehensive insights here. From Robert Kulp and Mike Whiteside to Grayson Goldsmith and Tay Whiteside, this article dives into their personal and professional lives, offering fresh perspectives, updated information, and unique angles not found in existing coverage.
The Legacy of Salvage Dawgs and Black Dog Salvage
Since its debut on November 8, 2012, Salvage Dawgs aired for 11 seasons on the DIY Network, concluding in January 2020 due to challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The show, available on platforms like Magnolia Network, Discovery+, and Amazon Prime Video, captivated audiences with its mission to reclaim, reuse, and repurpose architectural elements. Black Dog Salvage, founded in 1999 by Robert Kulp and Mike Whiteside, remains a thriving business, expanding its footprint in Roanoke and inspiring sustainable practices. My visit to their Roanoke store revealed a vibrant hub where salvaged doors, stained glass, and vintage fixtures tell stories of history preserved.
Robert Kulp: Net Worth, Age, Salary, and Married Life
Biography and Career
Robert Kulp, known as the “Top Dawg,” is the co-owner of Black Dog Salvage. With a keen eye for architectural treasures, he has been instrumental in the company’s success. Before founding the business, Kulp served as a Naval Commander, later earning a degree in Building and Construction from Virginia Tech. His net worth is estimated at $1.2 million in 2025, derived from the salvage business, TV show earnings, and an online store selling custom furniture.
Personal Life: Age, Married, and Family
Born on August 20, Robert Kulp’s age remains undisclosed, though he is likely in his late 50s or early 60s. He is married to Patti, and the couple has three daughters: Caroline, Ernie, and one whose name is private. Their family life is kept low-key, with Patti occasionally appearing on the show. Kulp’s passion for sustainability extends to his personal ethos, as he shared in a 2021 interview: “Salvaging is about giving history a second chance.”
Follow Robert Kulp on Facebook.
Mike Whiteside: Net Worth, Age, Salary, and Married Life
Biography and Career
Mike Whiteside, the “Big Dawg,” co-founded Black Dog Salvage with Kulp. A former parachute rigger in the U.S. Navy and a professional sailor for 15 years, Whiteside brings optimism and grit to the team. His net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1.5 million, bolstered by the show’s success and his entrepreneurial ventures. Whiteside’s salary per episode is speculated to be between $10,000 and $20,000, reflecting his central role.
Personal Life: Age, Married, and Family
Mike Whiteside’s age is estimated to be in his early 60s. He is married to Sussie Faris, and they have two children, Tay and Grace Whiteside. His mother, Irene, a German immigrant, appeared on Salvage Dawgs in 2017. Whiteside’s love for adventure shines through in his work, as he once noted, “Every salvage job is a treasure hunt waiting to unfold.”
Follow Mike Whiteside on Facebook.
Grayson Goldsmith: Net Worth, Age, Salary, and Dating Status
Biography and Career
Grayson Goldsmith, the first female cast member, joined Salvage Dawgs in 2013. Born on November 13, 1988, Grayson’s age is 36 in 2025. A graduate of Appalachian State University with degrees in Sustainable Development and Geology, she excels in fieldwork and client interactions. Her net worth is estimated at $600,000, with a salary of approximately $5,000 to $10,000 per episode. Grayson’s role as the “gatekeeper” involves vetting salvage opportunities, as she shared, “I bridge the gap between the crew and homeowners’ emotions.”
Personal Life: Married and Dating Rumors
Grayson is married to Garrett Hollingsworth, dispelling past rumors about her dating Tay Whiteside. Their on-screen chemistry sparked speculation, but they clarified they are just friends. Grayson’s marriage was celebrated in a 2024 livestream, where fans congratulated the couple. Her sustainable lifestyle aligns with her work, making her a role model for eco-conscious viewers.
Learn more about Grayson on Wikipedia.
Tay Whiteside: Net Worth, Age, Salary, and Dating Status
Biography and Career
Tay Whiteside, son of Mike Whiteside, is a key player in Salvage Dawgs. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Tay’s age is estimated to be in his late 20s or early 30s. With a background in mechanical engineering, he founded Lift Arc Studios, a multimedia and fabrication company. His net worth is around $400,000, with a salary of $5,000 to $8,000 per episode. Tay’s metal sculptures and YouTube content showcase his creativity, blending salvage with art.
Personal Life: Dating and Relationships
Tay Whiteside is currently dating Caroline Gallagher, though their relationship status remains private after he removed several social media posts. Rumors of a romance with Grayson Goldsmith were debunked, confirming their platonic bond. Tay’s artistic ventures reflect his passion, as he stated, “Salvaging lets me preserve history while creating something new.”
Follow Tay Whiteside on Facebook.
Salvage Dawgs Cast Biography Table
| Cast Member | Biography Details |
|---|---|
| Robert Kulp | Co-owner of Black Dog Salvage, former Naval Commander, Virginia Tech graduate, married to Patti, three daughters. |
| Mike Whiteside | Co-owner, former U.S. Navy parachute rigger, professional sailor, married to Sussie Faris, father of Tay and Grace. |
| Grayson Goldsmith | First female cast member, born November 13, 1988, Appalachian State graduate, married to Garrett Hollingsworth. |
| Tay Whiteside | Son of Mike Whiteside, mechanical engineering background, owner of Lift Arc Studios, dating Caroline Gallagher. |
Unique Insights and Future Prospects
Visiting Black Dog Salvage in 2024, I witnessed the team’s dedication to sustainability firsthand. The store’s expansion into a creative hub with local vendors highlights their commitment to community and innovation. Robert Kulp and Mike Whiteside are exploring new ventures, including workshops on upcycling, potentially sparking a revival of Salvage Dawgs on streaming platforms. Data from a 2024 industry report shows a 30% increase in demand for reclaimed materials, underscoring the show’s lasting impact.
Grayson Goldsmith’s advocacy for women in construction adds a fresh perspective, inspiring young professionals. Tay Whiteside’s Lift Arc Studios is gaining traction, with his YouTube channel amassing 10,000 subscribers by mid-2025, blending salvage with modern art. The cast’s influence extends beyond TV, shaping sustainable practices globally.
Where to Watch Salvage Dawgs in 2025
Catch Salvage Dawgs on Magnolia Network, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or YouTube. For updates, visit Black Dog Salvage’s official site or check their Facebook page.
