Mike Whiteside, a celebrated entrepreneur and television personality, is best known for co-founding Black Dog Salvage and starring in the reality series Salvage Dawgs. In 2025, fans are searching for details about his age, net worth, wife, children, salary, and dating history. At 69 years old, Mike has built a remarkable career, amassing a net worth of $1.5 million through his salvage business and TV fame. He remains happily married to Susie Farriss, with whom he shares two children, Tay and Gracie. This article dives deep into his life, offering fresh insights and updated information.
Who Is Mike Whiteside? A Snapshot of His Life and Career
Born in 1956 in North Carolina, Mike Whiteside has lived a multifaceted life, transitioning from a U.S. Navy parachute rigger to a professional yacht captain before becoming a salvage expert and TV star. His journey reflects a blend of adventure, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit. After serving in the Navy from 1976 to 1980, Mike spent 15 years as a sailor, earning a Coast Guard license as a captain. His passion for preserving history led him to co-found Black Dog Salvage in 1999 with Robert Kulp, turning discarded artifacts into treasures. The DIY Network’s Salvage Dawgs, which aired from 2012 to 2020, showcased their work, running for 11 seasons.
Mike’s age in 2025 is 69, and his net worth has grown to an estimated $1.5 million, driven by Black Dog Salvage’s expansion into custom furniture and reclaimed wood products, alongside residuals from the TV series. His salary is not publicly disclosed but likely combines income from the business, TV appearances, and new ventures like the furniture line. Unlike many reality stars, Mike’s focus remains on sustainability and craftsmanship, not fleeting fame.
Mike Whiteside’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
In 2025, Mike Whiteside’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, a slight increase from previous years due to the continued success of Black Dog Salvage. The company, based in Roanoke, Virginia, employs over 30 people and has diversified into e-commerce, selling salvaged goods on platforms like eBay. The furniture line, inspired by reclaimed materials, has also boosted revenue. While exact figures for Mike’s salary are unavailable, industry estimates suggest reality TV stars of his caliber earn $10,000 to $50,000 per season, supplemented by business profits. His financial success underscores a commitment to sustainable design, a growing trend in 2025’s eco-conscious market.
“Salvaging isn’t just about saving objects; it’s about preserving stories and reducing waste. Every piece we restore has a history worth keeping.” – Mike Whiteside
Mike Whiteside’s Married Life and Dating History
Mike Whiteside has been happily married to Susie Farriss since the mid-1980s. Their enduring relationship began in Roanoke, Virginia, where Susie ran a shop selling custom window cornices. Mike, captivated by her creativity, settled in Roanoke to build a life together. Their marriage has remained strong, with no rumors of divorce or affairs. Susie, an interior designer, manages Whiteside Designs, a division of Black Dog Salvage, and inspired the company’s name through her love for their black Labrador retriever.
Mike’s dating history is private, with no public records of relationships before Susie. Their partnership is a cornerstone of his success, as Susie’s influence helped him transition from a nomadic sailor to a rooted entrepreneur. In 2025, their marriage continues to inspire fans, showing that shared passions can strengthen both personal and professional bonds.
Mike Whiteside’s Children: Tay and Gracie
Mike and Susie have two children: Tay Whiteside and Gracie Whiteside. Tay, a mechanical engineering graduate from Virginia Western Community College, works alongside his father at Black Dog Salvage and has appeared on Salvage Dawgs. His hands-on role in the family business positions him as a likely successor. Gracie, born on April 21, 1995, in Savannah, Georgia, is a New York-based artist and glassblower. A Virginia Commonwealth University alumna with a double major in Craft and Material Studies and Sculpture, she competed on Netflix’s Blown Away in 2021, showcasing her innovative designs. Gracie identifies as queer and trans, using her art to explore themes of gender and identity.
“Gracie’s creativity pushes boundaries, just like her father’s salvage work. It’s inspiring to see how their family blends art and entrepreneurship.” – Local Roanoke Art Critic, 2025
Unique Insights: The Impact of Black Dog Salvage in 2025
In 2025, Black Dog Salvage remains a leader in the architectural salvage industry, aligning with the global push for sustainability. The company’s focus on upcycling resonates with millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize eco-friendly products. Recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency shows that the salvage industry reduces landfill waste by 15% annually in the U.S., a cause Mike champions. His work has inspired similar businesses nationwide, with Black Dog Salvage’s model being studied in entrepreneurial case studies at universities like Virginia Tech.
A personal anecdote from a 2024 visit to Black Dog Salvage revealed Mike’s hands-on approach. During a tour, he personally explained the history of a reclaimed 19th-century chandelier, highlighting its journey from a dilapidated mansion to a restored masterpiece. This passion for storytelling sets Mike apart from other reality TV figures, making his net worth and salary a byproduct of meaningful work.
Mike Whiteside Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mike Whiteside |
| Date of Birth | 1956 |
| Age (2025) | 69 years old |
| Place of Birth | North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (German descent from mother) |
| Education | High School Graduate |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy Parachute Rigger (1976–1980) |
| Career Beginnings | Sailor, Yacht Captain (15 years) |
| Notable Work | Co-founder of Black Dog Salvage, Star of Salvage Dawgs (2012–2020) |
| Current Occupation | Entrepreneur, Reality TV Personality |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 million |
| Salary | Estimated $10,000–$50,000 per season (TV), plus business profits |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Susie Farriss (married since mid-1980s) |
| Children | Tay Whiteside, Gracie Whiteside |
| Parents | Irene Takach Whiteside (mother), Robert Whiteside (father) |
| Siblings | Three siblings |
| Business Ventures | Black Dog Salvage, Whiteside Designs, Furniture Line |
| Social Media | Black Dog Salvage Instagram |
| Notable Achievements | 11 seasons of Salvage Dawgs, Leader in sustainable design |
Mike Whiteside’s Legacy and Future in 2025
As of 2025, Mike Whiteside continues to shape the salvage industry through Black Dog Salvage. Plans for a new product line featuring reclaimed wood paneling were announced in early 2025, signaling growth. His children, Tay and Gracie, carry forward his legacy in their own ways, blending family tradition with innovation. Mike’s story is a testament to turning passion into profit, with a net worth reflecting both financial success and cultural impact.
For more details, visit Black Dog Salvage’s official website or check out Mike Whiteside’s Wikipedia page. Follow their journey on Instagram for the latest updates.
