Les Gold is an American pawnbroker, entrepreneur, reality TV star, author, and media personality. A third-generation pawnbroker, He is the patriarch of the 'American Jewelry and Loan' pawnshops in Detroit, which have been extended to Pontiac and Michigan. Gold earned international fame for his reality show 'Hardcore Pawn,' featuring his family and the entire extended team of 'American Jewelry.' The show might have been just another blatant rip-off of the cult favorite 'Pawn Stars,' but its soaring success and unique content made 'Hardcore Pawn' different from others. From a gynaecologist’s exam tables to gold teeth, the show has traded some interesting and bizarre items that have held the audience’s attention for nine successful seasons. Gold has been associated with pawnbroking for decades and is now a pioneer in the industry. He is not just a great entrepreneur, he has a long history of community involvement. Gold and his family have contributed a lot to the aspiring entrepreneurs in Detroit and have even provided low-cost training and mentoring.
