Les Gold

Les Gold established his influential business, American Jewelry and Loan, in 1978. Originally located in the Green Eight Shopping Center on 8 Mile Road, the enterprise expanded significantly, relocating in 1993 to a 50,000 square foot former bowling alley on Greenfield Road in Detroit. This flagship location anchors a network that has grown to five branches, including a second location opened in Pontiac in 2011. American Jewelry and Loan collectively employs up to 200 individuals and serves approximately 1,000 customers daily across its Detroit, Hazel Park, Pontiac, and Southgate, Michigan branches.

Production for ‘Hardcore Pawn’ concluded in 2014, with final episodes airing in 2015, as truTV recalibrated its programming focus. Beyond his television presence, Les Gold further cemented his status as a business authority with the release of his book, ‘For What It’s Worth: Business Wisdom from a Pawnbroker.’ Published on June 1, 2013, by Penguin/Portfolio, the book distilled Gold’s unique entrepreneurial philosophy and extensive experiences, quickly achieving significant commercial success. It earned a coveted spot on The New York Times Best Seller list, solidifying his influence in the business world. His insights continue to inform and inspire, reflecting decades of strategic business operation and customer engagement.

Today, Les Gold continues to lead American Jewelry and Loan, maintaining its prominent position as a major pawnbroking enterprise. He remains an active figure, drawing on his deep industry knowledge and media appeal. Gold is also a committed philanthropist, actively supporting causes such as The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW Fund), for which he has personally raised over $40,000 through various events. His multifaceted career, spanning successful entrepreneurship, record-setting television, and best-selling authorship, underscores his enduring marketability and expertise.