History Channel has a penchant for converting hobbies and businesses into lucrative star-run businesses. It’s no different when it comes to their show, “American Pickers,” and the man at its helm – Frank Fritz. This charismatic character made his fortune working in the antique collecting and dealership industry. His travel habits and his ability to make money from almost anything he thinks of make him a person who attracts the fascination and support of a wide range of viewers. Fritz’s story speaks to people of all kinds; his fight against illness and his perseverance creating a sympathetic character.
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Early life and family
Parents
Frank Fritz was born on October 11, 1965, in Iowa, United States, to Bill and Susan Fritz. Unfortunately, her father didn’t stay long, running away with another woman. Despite the trauma this caused Susan, not to mention Frank, Susan was able to move on and married Richard Zirbes in 1974. Richard worked as a tire salesman and Susan also contributed to the finances of the house by working for a construction company.
Frank Fritz’s childhood
The roots of his future profession were sown in his early youth, as Frank had a passion for collecting an assortment of items from beer cans to postage stamps – Frank was determined and had an entrepreneurial spirit .
When Fritz’s passion for motorcycles peaked, he took jobs at Quad City Automatic Sprinkler and Coast to Coast Hardware, to earn enough money to buy his own bike. He fulfilled his dream as a teenager, buying his own brand new Harley Davidson for the substantial sum of $4,100 – a price his parents balked at.
Education
Frank attended Sudlow Intermediate High School, then moved to Bettendorf High School from where he enrolled in 1982. He decided to forgo a college education and instead entered directly into the workforce.
Career
fire inspector
A fire inspector has the imperative task of assessing fire risks, fire prevention and evaluating extinguishing equipment.
Fire inspectors ensure that public places and private businesses are up to standard and provide sufficient safety for the general population. Frank started working as a fire inspector in 1987 and remained in that position for 25 years before moving on. Yet even then, his collecting habits could not be suppressed. Fritz has compiled an impressive collection of fire station ornaments and treats he found at work. When he sold an item from his collection for $475, he realized his collecting habits could be the key to a lucrative new career.
ancient archeology
Realizing his passion, Frank enlisted the help of his close high school friend, Mike Wolfe, and together they opened the antique shop, Antique Archaeology.
The store also established an online presence which allowed the pair to achieve a wider reach in selling their stock. The couple follow leads all over North America, attending auctions, garage sales and homes to locate these valuables.
“The American Gatherers”
History Chanel premiered on January 18, 2010 and set new audience records. The show’s debut episode garnered over 3.1 million views – more than the debut of any other show on the channel. The show follows events unfolding in ancient archaeology, featuring Frank Fritz, his friend Mike Wolfe and roller derby star turned picker Danielle Colby. The team works together to find promising leads and locations, with Mike and Frank hitting the road to bring back a bounty.
They don’t always follow the plan and will deviate from their path to explore barns, houses, outbuildings, and other locations in hopes of finding the perfect piece. Fritz also made guest appearances in various spin-offs of the show, including 2011’s “American Restoration.” His fame also gave him the opportunity to voice his own character in “American Dad” in the 2017 episode ” Family Plan”.
Private life
Relationships
Frank managed to keep all whispers of his dealings from the media. For a time it was speculated that he was in a relationship with his business partner Mike, but this has since been debunked – Fritz maintains that he is not gay.
However, in recent years he has become less secretive and now shares photos and updates about a woman named Diane, who he is in a relationship with.
Legal issues
On July 30, 2017, Fritz was arrested by police when he was caught driving the wrong way on Interstate 80. Upon examination, he was found to be under the influence of a combination of Xanax and alcohol, and he was arrested. After being tried, Fritz was ordered to pay a $625 fine, along with one year of probation, and forced to comply with drug-related interventions.
Fashion show! Showing one of my new picks!
Posted by Frank Fritz of American Pickers on Monday, July 3, 2017
Health problems
Frank Fritz raised a lot of eyebrows when he suffered a dramatic weight loss. While most assumed it was a dietary and lifestyle choice, Frank revealed that it wasn’t at all, but due to his long-term battle with Crohn’s disease. . The disease focuses on the intestinal tract, causing many painful symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Many people live their entire lives with the disease, Fritz himself having had it for more than 30 years. Fritz tends to his health as best he can, which means having a tightly regulated eating schedule.
Appearance
Frank Fritz has extremely friendly traits. He has dark brown hair and sports a handlebar mustache and beard. Due to his battle with Crohn’s disease, Fritz’s weight can fluctuate, but he weighs around 156 pounds (71 kg) and is 5 feet 4 inches (1.65 m) tall.
Net Worth and Salary
Like many History Channel stars, Frank is paid around $10,000 per episode he appears in. This, along with the success of Antique Archeology, has allowed him to amass a net worth of over $4 million by mid-2020.
