Remembering Frank Fritz, ‘American Pickers’ star and Quad Cities native

American Pickers: From Small Shop to National Sensation

Some people call us pickers. We’re the guys behind the popular show American Pickers, which may be the show for guys who like stuff. But it has quickly become one of America’s favorite reality TV programs.

That’s a major plus in our business—if it rolls, no matter where we go. Whether we’re in Texas, New York, or Kentucky, fans everywhere are excited to meet us. In just 4.5 months, Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their shop, Antique Archaeology, went from obscurity to infamy. Their show on the History Channel had a surprising debut season, averaging 4 million viewers, with some episodes attracting as many as 6 million.

“We’ve been in meetings at the network where they’re just dumbfounded about it,” said Wolfe. Fans from all over the country now flock to Le Claire, Iowa, to visit Antique Archaeology. With 7,000 emails, 2,000 phone calls a day, and 150,000 hits on their website each month, it’s clear the pickers are hugely popular.

What makes the show so captivating? According to Wolfe, it’s the combination of Frank and his relationship with the people they meet, the rare items they find, and the different locations they visit that draws in viewers.

A Growing Business

Success, however, has brought its own set of challenges. The shop has expanded, hiring four additional staff members to keep up with the increased demand. Plans are in the works to build an addition onto the shop and even open a new location in Nashville in the near future.

Of course, there are critics. Some argue that the pickers don’t pay enough for the antiques they collect, while others say they pay too much. But one thing is clear—they’re changing the antique industry. Many antique shops around the country report that business is up, thanks in part to the increased interest in vintage items sparked by the show.

In fact, Le Claire is now hosting its first-ever American Pickers weekend, complete with kids’ activities, a petting zoo, an antique flea market, a car show, and even a tractor event.

Opening Doors for More Shows

The success of American Pickers has paved the way for more collectible-based shows, and fans can expect to see more shows like it in the future. The antique industry is thriving, and the pickers couldn’t be happier for it.

“We’re so fortunate and happy that this happened to us,” said Fritz. “It’s exciting, man. The response from Le Claire and the Quad Cities has been overwhelming.”

A Special Night for Le Claire

Monday night, hundreds of people from around the Quad Cities gathered at the Capitol Theater for the television debut of American Pickers. Fans lined up for autographs and expressed their excitement about the show’s success.

“I love antiques,” said one fan. “I just wanted to come out here and see the guys.”

The show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, friends since middle school, as they travel the country hunting for antiques. Whether it’s an old barn or a chicken coop, the pickers have a unique ability to sift through junk and find what they call “rusty gold.”

Le Claire Thrives

Despite bad weather and construction projects around the area, the city of Le Claire saw an impressive turnout for the American Pickers event. With people traveling from all over the country, the event was a huge success.

“I am so thrilled,” said one local resident. “There was rain this morning, and this many people still came out to see our pickers. It’s incredible.”

For the city of Le Claire, the pickers have been a blessing. “Having the pickers here helped save us,” said another local. “We’re so proud of them.”

In the world of antiques, American Pickers has created a legacy, and Le Claire has become a must-see destination for collectors from across the country.