We're impressed and obsessed with American Pickers, the History Channel-television show chronicling Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz not for their professional organizing skills, decluttering dilemmas, predatory storage wars or extreme hoarding clean-ups, but rather for the search of "picker heaven" — highly unusual, re-saleable collectibles they can buy wholesale, fix up, and resell for profit in their stores.
Mike and Frank scour through mid-west and southern state homes, barns, basements, outhouses and warehouses– wherever there are old bikes, road signage, soda fountains, Laurel and Hardy memorabilia, film posters, old toys and abandoned White Castle buildings. They're not interested in opening a museum, this is inventory for Antique Archaeology, their two stores located in LeClaire, Iowa and Nashville, Tennesee.
What is surprising about the show is how they treat the collection's owners– with celebration, heart, respect and intelligent deal-making. We don't think we've ever seen a judgemental look or conversation that would be considered negative. It's refreshing! That's why so many people open up their homes and collections to the show.
What is your favorite part of American Pickers?
Laurel and Hardy image courtesy of Cool and Collected. Billboard image courtesy Daily Billboard.
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