Corey Harrison's Origin and Early Life
Corey Harrison, known as Big Hoss on the History series Pawn Stars, was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He grew up in the same city where his family operates the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, giving him deep roots in the local pawn and collectibles trade from an early age. His upbringing in Las Vegas shaped his hands-on approach to valuation, negotiation, and customer service that fans see on the show.
Corey is the son of Rick Harrison and the grandson of Richard "Old Man" Harrison, who founded the family pawn business. He started working in the shop as a teenager, learning inventory management, pricing, and appraisal directly from his father and grandfather. This early immersion in the Las Vegas pawn environment is a key reason he became the public face of daily operations on the series.
Corey's Current Role and Business Activities
Day-to-Day Operations at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
Today, Corey remains a central figure at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, handling high-value items, negotiating deals, and managing staff on the floor. He works alongside his father Rick and other team members to evaluate merchandise ranging from jewelry and coins to rare memorabilia and firearms. His role focuses on turning inventory quickly while maintaining the shop's reputation for fair offers and expert knowledge.
Expansion Beyond the Shop Floor
Corey has expanded the family brand through merchandise lines, public appearances, and media projects tied to the Pawn Stars franchise. He leverages the shop's fame to support tourism in Las Vegas and to promote the broader pawn industry as a legitimate segment of the retail and finance ecosystem. These efforts help the business reach new customers who first learned about the shop through the television series.
Where Corey Stands Now in the Pawn and Finance Landscape
Industry Context and Public Recognition
The pawn industry, including businesses like the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, serves a significant niche in consumer finance by offering short-term loans and resale services. Corey's visibility on Pawn Stars has contributed to broader public awareness of how pawn shops operate and their role in local economies. His work highlights the importance of transparency, appraisal skills, and customer trust in this sector.
Corey's Influence on Pawn Shop Culture
Corey's on-screen persona and business decisions have influenced how customers perceive pawn shops, encouraging more people to consider pawn transactions as a practical financial option. His approach emphasizes expertise, honesty, and a focus on items with real market value, aligning with industry standards promoted by organizations such as the National Pawnbrokers Association. By continuing to run the shop and engage with fans, Corey maintains a direct connection to the core operations that made the Harrison family famous.