Mike Wolfe, the creator and star of American Pickers, has always been more than a TV personality. At his core, Wolfe is a storyteller, preservationist, and cultural archivist who believes that the past should not be discarded—it should be repurposed, celebrated, and lived in. Over the years, audiences have seen him crisscross America’s backroads in search of forgotten treasures, but behind the television spotlight lies a man deeply committed to giving history a second life.
In recent years, Wolfe’s “passion project” in Columbia, Tennessee, has captured public attention. Far from being just another renovation, it has become a symbol of his mission to revitalize small towns while reflecting his personal journey of transformation through divorce, new beginnings, and even life-threatening challenges.
This article dives into Wolfe’s celebrated restoration work, his divorce settlement with ex-wife Jodi Faeth, and the trials he has faced in recent years—ultimately painting a picture of a man still deeply passionate about preserving the past while navigating the uncertainties of his own future.
The Passion Project: Reviving Columbia, Tennessee
For Wolfe, Columbia, Tennessee, isn’t just another dot on the map—it has become a canvas for his vision of heritage preservation. His most celebrated endeavor has been the restoration of a historic Esso service station in the town’s center. Once a derelict structure, Wolfe envisioned it as a vibrant community hub, and after extensive work, he unveiled it as a carefully reimagined space.
Vintage details such as non-functioning fuel pumps, period signage, and carefully restored masonry transport visitors back in time. Yet, the site is not just a static museum—it’s a living, breathing gathering place complete with a fire pit and green space where people can connect. This project, often referred to in local media as “Revival”, reflects Wolfe’s philosophy: preservation should not be passive but should actively serve and inspire communities.
Local residents and fans alike have responded with admiration. Many online comments describe the reveal as “beautiful,” underscoring Wolfe’s ability to merge authenticity with livability. Unlike a traditional restoration focused purely on aesthetics, Wolfe’s project in Columbia has injected new cultural energy into the town while strengthening its sense of identity.
The Columbia Esso station isn’t his only investment. Wolfe has also been involved in broader efforts to rejuvenate Columbia’s downtown corridor, including work on Motor Alley, further anchoring him as a modern-day steward of Americana.
How Much Did Mike Wolfe Pay His Ex-Wife?
While Wolfe’s professional pursuits have often been celebrated, his personal life has not been without turbulence. His marriage to Jodi Faeth ended in divorce in 2021, after nearly a decade together. Legal records and entertainment media outlets revealed a significant financial settlement.
As part of the divorce agreement, Wolfe was ordered to pay:
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$634,000 in alimony
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Nearly $6 million in equitable distribution of the marital estate
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Royalties from American Pickers: 50% of post-tax royalties from Seasons 1–10 up until December 31, 2021, and 40% of royalties from January 2022 through December 31, 2026
The settlement ensured that Faeth would continue to benefit from Wolfe’s success well beyond their split, with royalties forming a long-term financial tether between them.
For Wolfe, who had built a brand around antiques, storytelling, and his iconic “picker” lifestyle, the divorce was not just a personal rupture but a financial recalibration. Yet, as in his professional life, he appeared determined to move forward, channeling his energy into both his passion projects and his role as a father to their daughter, Charlie.
What Has Happened to Mike Wolfe?
Life since the divorce has been eventful—sometimes uplifting, other times harrowing.
A Serious Car Accident
In September 2025, Wolfe and his girlfriend, motorcycle racer and entrepreneur Leticia Cline, were involved in a devastating car crash in Columbia, Tennessee. Reports indicated that both Wolfe and Cline were hospitalized following the accident. While Wolfe was discharged relatively quickly, Cline sustained severe injuries, including a broken jaw in three places, fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, and spinal swelling that required multiple surgeries.
The crash shook Wolfe’s fan base, but it also highlighted the close bond between him and Cline. Updates confirmed that both were recovering at home, though Cline faced a long road of rehabilitation. For Wolfe, the incident was another reminder of the fragility of life, even as he continued to pour his energy into restoration work and television projects.
Closing Antique Archaeology Nashville
In April 2025, Wolfe announced the closure of his Nashville Antique Archaeology store after 15 years. The location had become a pilgrimage site for fans of American Pickers, filled with curiosities featured on the show. However, Wolfe explained that he was slowing down, choosing to focus more on family life and community projects.
His original store in LeClaire, Iowa, remains open, serving as the beating heart of his brand. Still, the Nashville closure marked a turning point—Wolfe’s gradual pivot from retail operations toward deeper, more personal projects like his Columbia restoration.
Continuing American Pickers
Despite personal challenges, American Pickers has continued to thrive. By mid-2025, the show was entering its 27th season, proving its enduring appeal. While the lineup has shifted over the years—particularly with Frank Fritz’s departure—Wolfe remains the central figure, guiding viewers through the forgotten corners of American history.
Beyond Picking: A Broader Legacy
Wolfe’s journey speaks to something greater than television fame. His passion projects, particularly in Columbia, have demonstrated that small towns can be revitalized by respecting history rather than replacing it. His work is not just about salvaging antiques but about salvaging the cultural spirit embedded in communities.
The Columbia Esso station stands as a physical representation of his philosophy. In many ways, it mirrors his own life—marked by restoration, resilience, and reinvention. The station, like Wolfe, carries the weight of history but also the promise of a meaningful future.
Conclusion
Mike Wolfe’s passion project in Columbia, Tennessee, is more than a restored building; it is a metaphor for his life. Amid divorce, financial obligations, personal loss, and near-tragedy, Wolfe continues to pour himself into preserving stories and spaces that matter. His resilience has allowed him to transform not only forgotten relics of America’s past but also his own circumstances.
For fans and admirers, Wolfe’s story is a reminder that passion, when combined with perseverance, can restore more than buildings—it can restore purpose. As he continues to write the next chapters of his life, both personally and professionally, Wolfe’s projects ensure that history lives on in ways both tangible and inspiring.
And for those following his journey, stories like these are why platforms such as Blog Loom continue to explore and document the enduring legacies of figures like Mike Wolfe.
