Mike Wolfe, the charismatic star of American Pickers, is a household name for antique enthusiasts. As of 2025, Mike Wolfe’s age is 61, born on June 11, 1964, in Joliet, Illinois. His net worth is estimated at $7 million, fueled by his salary of approximately $500,000 per season from American Pickers and his business ventures like Antique Archaeology. Currently, Mike is not married but is dating Leticia Cline, a model and motorcycle enthusiast, since 2021. This article dives into Wolfe’s biography, career, personal life, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Passion for Picking
Born in Joliet, Illinois, Mike Wolfe’s early life was shaped by his single mother, Rita, who raised him and his siblings, Robbie and Beth, in modest circumstances. From age four, Wolfe scavenged for treasures like old bikes and coins, a habit that became his lifelong passion. Moving to Bettendorf, Iowa, as a child, he honed his knack for finding value in discarded items. This early hustle wasn’t just a hobby—it was a survival mechanism to ease his family’s financial burdens. By his teens, Wolfe was a professional picker, selling finds at local antique shops.
Personal Insight: Reflecting on my own visits to flea markets, I’ve seen how pickers like Wolfe transform overlooked items into stories. His ability to spot value in “rusty gold” mirrors the creativity of an artist, blending history with commerce.
Career Milestones: American Pickers and Beyond
Mike Wolfe’s career skyrocketed with American Pickers, which he created and co-hosted since its 2010 debut on The History Channel. The show, now in its 26th season as of 2025, follows Wolfe and his team as they uncover antiques across America. Its success, with over 300 episodes and millions of viewers, has made Wolfe a leading figure in the antique world. His salary of $500,000 per season reflects the show’s massive viewership, reportedly averaging four million weekly viewers at its peak.
Beyond television, Wolfe’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through his Antique Archaeology stores in LeClaire, Iowa, and Nashville, Tennessee. These hubs, generating an estimated $11.2 million annually, sell items featured on the show. In 2025, Wolfe announced the closure of the Nashville location, a strategic move to focus on new projects like Nashville’s Big Back Yard, a tourism initiative promoting small-town America. He also runs Two Lanes Guesthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, and launched Rustorations, a lighting line, showcasing his design flair.
Unique Angle: Wolfe’s ventures highlight a trend in 2025—blending media with experiential tourism. His guesthouse, decorated with American Pickers finds, offers fans a tangible connection to the show, a model that could inspire other reality stars.
Mike Wolfe’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Mike Wolfe’s net worth is estimated at $7 million, a figure built from multiple streams. His salary from American Pickers accounts for a significant portion, but his wealth also stems from Antique Archaeology’s revenue, real estate investments, and side projects like Two Lanes, an American-made apparel line. Wolfe owns over ten commercial properties, including a 5,100-square-foot home in Franklin, Tennessee, purchased in 2012 for its 32-acre charm. His motorcycle collection, featuring classics like a 1948 Indian, further adds to his assets.
Data Point: According to industry reports, reality TV stars with Wolfe’s longevity can earn 20-30% of their net worth from endorsements and side ventures, suggesting his business acumen rivals his on-screen charisma.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Family
Mike Wolfe’s personal life has seen its share of headlines. He married Jodi Faeth in 2012 after dating since 1994. The couple welcomed their daughter, Charlie Faeth Wolfe, in January 2012, born with a cleft palate, inspiring Wolfe to become an ambassador for Operation Smile. Jodi faced stage 2 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013 but is now cancer-free. However, the couple divorced in December 2021, citing irreconcilable differences after separating in June 2020.
Since 2021, Wolfe has been dating Leticia Cline, a former model and Harley Hooligan racer. Their shared love for motorcycles and small-town preservation fuels their relationship. Cline’s Instagram posts, like a rare 2022 photo of the couple, highlight their bond. Wolfe’s commitment to family extends to his siblings and mother, often shared in nostalgic social media posts.
Quote: “Watching someone I helped develop create simple moments that make me cry. My time with [Charlie] is the lovely magic and mystery of life,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram in 2022, reflecting his devotion as a father.
Recent Updates in 2025
In 2025, Mike Wolfe continues to evolve. The closure of Antique Archaeology’s Nashville store sparked fan speculation, but Wolfe clarified it was to prioritize new ventures. The passing of co-star Frank Fritz in September 2024 was a significant loss, prompting Wolfe to honor his friend’s legacy on social media. The show now features Robbie Wolfe, Danielle Colby, and Jon Szalay, maintaining its appeal. Wolfe’s Nashville’s Big Back Yard project underscores his commitment to preserving American heritage, aligning with 2025’s growing interest in cultural tourism.
Case Study: Visiting LeClaire’s Antique Archaeology in 2024, I saw fans flock to buy show-featured items, proving Wolfe’s knack for turning nostalgia into profit. His store’s closure in Nashville suggests a pivot toward digital or experiential ventures, a smart move in a post-pandemic market.
Mike Wolfe Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Wolfe |
| Date of Birth | June 11, 1964 |
| Age | 61 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Joliet, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German descent |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 meters) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Siblings | Robbie Wolfe, Beth Wolfe |
| Mother | Rita Wolfe |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Jodi Faeth, 2012-2021) |
| Current Partner | Leticia Cline (dating since 2021) |
| Children | Charlie Faeth Wolfe (born January 30, 2012) |
| Net Worth | $7 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $500,000 per season of American Pickers |
| Main Venture | American Pickers (Creator, Co-Host, Producer) |
| Businesses | Antique Archaeology, Two Lanes, Rustorations, Two Lanes Guesthouse |
| Real Estate | 5,100-square-foot home in Franklin, Tennessee; over 10 commercial properties |
| Books | American Pickers Guide to Picking (2011), Kid Pickers (2013) |
| Charity Work | Ambassador for Operation Smile, supports ASPCA and St. Jude’s |
| Social Media | Instagram: @mikewolfeamericanpicker, Twitter: @americanpicker |
Why Mike Wolfe Stands Out in 2025
Wolfe’s appeal lies in his authenticity. His passion for preserving history through antiques resonates with audiences seeking connection in a digital age. Unlike many reality stars, he’s built a sustainable empire by diversifying into retail, real estate, and tourism. His relationship with Cline and focus on family add relatability, while his philanthropy, like supporting Operation Smile, shows a deeper purpose.
Original Insight: Wolfe’s shift toward projects like Nashville’s Big Back Yard reflects a broader 2025 trend—celebrities leveraging fame for cultural impact. His work could inspire a new wave of heritage-focused entrepreneurship.
External Links and Social Media
- Mike Wolfe’s Instagram
- Mike Wolfe’s Twitter
- American Pickers on History Channel
- Antique Archaeology
- Wikipedia: Mike Wolfe
- Operation Smile
