A Family Business, Born of Bargains
The clanging of the shop door, the familiar banter, the glint of potential treasure – these are the hallmarks of Pawn Stars, a show that has captivated audiences worldwide. But beyond the historical artifacts, the vintage finds, and the shrewd negotiations, lies a dynamic cast of characters who have become household names. At the heart of this television phenomenon is Corey Harrison, affectionately known as “Big Hoss,” whose presence on the show has been a cornerstone of its success. He is a man of quick wit, sometimes questionable financial judgment, and a legacy intrinsically linked to the gold-filled shelves of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
Before the cameras, before the fame, there was a pawn shop. Founded by Richard “The Old Man” Harrison, Corey’s grandfather, the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas began as a family endeavor. It was a business built on a foundation of experience, an eye for value, and the grit required to navigate the often-turbulent waters of the pawn industry. Corey’s father, Rick Harrison, was a constant presence in the business, and as Corey grew, he found himself drawn into the orbit of the family trade. From an early age, he was exposed to the inner workings of pawning, learning the art of assessing items, understanding market trends, and, perhaps most importantly, the skill of haggling.
Corey’s childhood was not one of carefree playdates and school outings. Instead, it was a crash course in the nuances of buying, selling, and everything in between. He was a young apprentice, watching, learning, and absorbing the lessons of his grandfather and father, the seasoned veterans of the trade. This early exposure cultivated in him an understanding of business, a keen sense of value, and a natural knack for interacting with people.
The Apprentice Learns the Ropes
Corey’s role in the pawn shop initially evolved with his age and experience. He started small, likely handling the less critical tasks, and gradually took on more responsibility. He was, from the beginning, an integral part of the operation, and the show, although initially featuring the older generation, would soon be enriched by the presence of Corey. The cameras followed him, capturing the daily interactions, the negotiations, and the familial bickering that would become the show’s signature charm.
He learned the art of assessing items, sometimes under the watchful eye of his father and grandfather. His personality shone through early on; he was energetic, often impatient, and prone to expressing his opinion, a stark contrast to the more deliberate and considered approach of his elders. This inherent contrast, combined with his youth, gave the show a distinct dynamic: the old guard and the young, both of whom had different ideas about how the business should be run, or what items they should acquire.
The Dynamic of Deals and Dollars
Corey’s main role on Pawn Stars is as an appraiser and an expert in certain areas. He has a well-rounded knowledge base, but he often relies on outside experts for more specialized items. When a customer walks in with an item, Corey, along with Rick and sometimes “The Old Man,” assesses it, researches its value, and, if interested, attempts to negotiate a price. He is a vital part of the decision-making process, offering his perspective on whether to purchase an item and how much to offer.
The deals themselves are often the highlight of an episode. Corey, sometimes with Rick, sits face to face with the sellers, debating the price, pointing out flaws or imperfections, and working to reach an agreement. These negotiations are often tense, filled with bluffing, counteroffers, and the ever-present tension of potentially losing a lucrative opportunity. He has learned to navigate these complex conversations over the years. Corey’s willingness to take risks has often set him apart, but it’s his ability to learn from these decisions that has contributed greatly to his growth.
The Family: A Foundation of Friction and Affection
The heart of Pawn Stars lies in its unique family dynamic. Corey’s relationship with his father, Rick, and grandfather, “The Old Man,” is a central part of the show’s appeal. They were often at odds; the older generation valued caution and established methods, while Corey, younger and more ambitious, was eager to modernize and expand. Their on-screen spats, their back-and-forth banter, are essential to the show’s appeal and humor.
There’s an underlying respect and affection. They are, after all, a family. The disagreements are more often playful than serious, and the shared history, the inherited business, the shared blood, bonds them together, even amidst their frequent clashes. His impatience with his father and grandfather, in reality, only strengthens his bond with them. The often-sarcastic quips are just expressions of love, and are just ways to emphasize the shared journey the family has been on.
Catchphrases and the Culture
Corey’s personality has infused the show with a particular brand of humor. He has a knack for delivering memorable lines, and a penchant for expressing his frustration, delight, and ambition, all of which have resonated with viewers. His famous catchphrases, like “You know I gotta get that, right?” and his commentary on the ever-present potential of not being in the right place at the right time, has become iconic within the show’s community. These are all part of what has helped build the show’s culture.
He’s not afraid to inject humor into tense situations, and his genuine reactions to the items that come through the shop, the good deals and the bad, the ones that get away, and the ones they are forced to accept, have created an atmosphere of relatability that has kept viewers hooked. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his ability to deflate pompous appraisals makes him an audience favorite.
Growth and the Path Forward
Over the course of the series, Corey has matured, both personally and professionally. He’s taken on more responsibilities within the pawn shop and the show, and his role has become more defined and respected. He’s shown a willingness to learn from his mistakes. Where he was once a rebellious young man, driven by a thirst for freedom, he’s now established himself as a steady hand, someone whose opinion matters, and someone who can be relied on in the business.
He has learned to temper his impulsiveness with experience and develop a better sense of when to take risks and when to be cautious. His relationship with his father has evolved, and they have developed a greater level of trust and mutual respect. Corey has learned to balance his family’s business with his personality, understanding that both need to be present for the show to be successful.
Legacy and the Lasting Impact
Corey’s impact on Pawn Stars is undeniable. He is one of the most recognizable faces associated with the show. The show’s long-term success owes a great deal to the family dynamic, and Corey’s role within that dynamic is significant. He represents the younger generation, the future of the business, and he is a link to the audience. Corey has cultivated a devoted fanbase. Viewers appreciate his honesty, his humor, and his willingness to share his life with the world.
He has inspired a new generation of pawn shop enthusiasts and has provided valuable insight into the business. Corey’s presence on the show has elevated the pawn industry’s profile and helped change the perception of pawnbrokers. He has made a business that once had a negative connotation into a pop culture phenomenon. His contributions to the show and his role within the industry have secured his place as an iconic figure.
Beyond the Counter: The Future
Corey’s presence extends far beyond the walls of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. His fame has opened doors to opportunities, from appearances on other television shows to his presence on social media. Although the pawn shop and Pawn Stars remain his primary focus, his influence extends beyond the business.
Corey is known for his strong work ethic, and for bringing a new approach to the pawn shop, including modernizing the business to cater to a younger crowd. He is at the forefront of change, and will likely continue to build upon the success he has helped create. The future is bright for Corey and the Pawn Stars franchise, and the sleeves are full of gold, and success.
