Current Role at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
Rick Harrison remains a co-owner and lead operator of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, the business that became famous through the History Channel series Pawn Stars. The shop continues to operate as a retail pawn and jewelry business, handling high-value items such as gold, silver, diamonds, watches, and memorabilia. Harrison is publicly identified as a licensed pawnbroker and active manager of daily operations at the Las Vegas location, where the store remains a popular tourist destination and a functioning pawn establishment according to Forbes.
The shop's inventory and transaction model follow standard pawnbroking practices, offering short-term loans secured by collateral and retail sales of merchandise. Harrison has described the business as a core part of his identity and a platform that supports his other ventures and philanthropic efforts. The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop maintains a public presence through its physical location, official website, and social media channels, where it shares updates on items, promotions, and events.
Business Ventures and Investment Activities
Beyond the pawn shop, Harrison has engaged in a range of business activities tied to collectibles, entertainment, and consumer brands. He has been involved in the buying and selling of rare items, including classic cars, toys, comics, and movie memorabilia, often through auctions, private deals, and partnerships with specialty dealers. These activities align with his long-standing interest in collecting and appraisal, which formed a central part of the Pawn Stars format as noted by Forbes.
Harrison has also participated in media projects, appearances, and brand collaborations that extend the Pawn Stars franchise and related intellectual property. He has worked with production companies and networks on specials, events, and cross-promotional efforts tied to the History Channel and other platforms. These ventures are structured as part of his broader personal brand and business portfolio, which includes licensing, merchandise, and public-facing engagements related to the pawn and collectibles space.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Rick Harrison and his family have directed resources toward charitable causes, primarily through the Harrison Family Foundation and other giving vehicles. Their philanthropy focuses on areas such as education, health, children's welfare, and community development in the Las Vegas region. The foundation has supported nonprofits, schools, and medical organizations through donations, fundraising events, and direct contributions per reporting by Forbes.
Harrison has also used his public profile to promote awareness for specific causes, including campaigns tied to children's hospitals, animal welfare, and veteran support. The family's giving is often channeled through structured donations and partnerships with established nonprofits rather than one-off personal gifts. These efforts are part of a broader trend among reality TV personalities to leverage their visibility for sustained philanthropic impact, with the Harrison family maintaining a consistent presence in local and national charitable initiatives.