When most people hear the name Mike Wolfe, they think of American Pickers and barns full of old treasures. You imagine dusty motorcycles, rusty gas pumps, and vintage signs, as they are all part of the picture. However, that’s only half the story. Mike Wolfe has been building something even bigger away from the cameras. He calls his inspiration the Mike Wolfe passion project. It’s his way of saving small towns, one building and one story at a time. At Dapper Diary, we love sharing stories like this because they remind us that history isn’t just found in books. It’s alive on our streets, in our buildings, and in the people who care enough to keep them standing. This isn’t a TV spin-off. It’s not a scripted show; it’s real life. And for the first time, fans like you can take part in it. You don’t need a warehouse of antiques or your own TV crew. You just need a love for history, a little curiosity, and maybe one tank of gas.
Mike’s love for old things started when he was a kid in Bettendorf, Iowa. He would ride his Schwinn bike around small-town streets, looking for things that other people overlooked. The trinkets he used to collect at that time might be considered “junk.” However, this hobby of his later on became his livelihood. On American Pickers, he showed the world how antiques aren’t just objects; they are pieces of history. However, Mike noticed something else while filming. It wasn’t just the antiques that mattered. By season five, Mike realized the true treasure wasn’t only the rusty pedal cars or the Harley gas tanks. It was the places themselves.
The small towns filled with mom-and-pop shops, old barbershops, corner cafés, and the everyday places that once carried the spirit of America are slowly fading away. This inspiration led to the creation of Mike Wolfe passion project. For Mike, this is more than a hobby. It is his mission to protect Main Streets, honor small-town life, and preserve the stories of the past.
The Mike Wolfe passion project brings together history, business, and community pride. Mike buys old buildings and brings them back to life while keeping their original spirit.
As Mike says, “If we lose these buildings, we lose the soundtrack of America.”
If you search “Mike Wolfe passion project,” you’ll find Two Lanes. This is Mike’s personal blog and online store. It’s part travel journal, part history lesson, and part shop. He shares road trips, interviews small-town craftsmen, and posts his 35 mm photos of old motels and diners. The shop sells unique items. These include handmade items such as leather tool rolls and enamel mugs, made by real American artisans. In the last six months, site traffic jumped by 220%. People are drawn to these slower, more authentic stories.
Mike also helps small-town artisans with micro-grants. These are small amounts of money ($2,000–$10,000) given to blacksmiths, neon sign makers, and other craftspeople. These grants keep traditions alive and bring customers to local businesses through features on Two Lanes.
Recently, the phrase Mike Wolfe passion project has been trending online. Some reasons why:
Pinterest also shows more people saving “Wolfe-Style Renovation” boards, proving his vision has sparked inspiration nationwide.
The best part about the Mike Wolfe passion project is that it’s open to everyone. Here are four ways you can take part:
You can use one tank of gas to explore a new two-lane highway. You have to keep an eye out for something pre-1980. This can be a neon sign, an old diner, a vintage car. Then, you have to post it online with #MikeWolfePassionProject. Each week, Mike chooses photos to repost, and winners even get a signed Route 66 map.
When you buy from Two Lanes, every order comes directly from the maker’s workshop. Therefore, you can share your unboxing online and tag the artisan. This helps boost their business and is a wonderful way to give back to American artists.
Are you looking for a way to volunteer your time? Then, you’ll be glad to know that Columbia Motor Alley holds “Rip & Ship” volunteer days. People help tear down old drywall, catalog vintage finds, and learn restoration skills. The best part is the free food trucks that offer you a delicious lunch when you are working so hard.
You can also give old tools or reclaimed wood instead of donating money. Mike’s team matches donations to artisans who need them.
Mike was married to Jodi Faeth, and they have a daughter named Charlie. The couple separated in 2020, but Mike stays close to his daughter. She’s a big part of his world, and his focus on family values shows in his work. Recently, Mike closed his Nashville Antique Archaeology shop after 14 years. While it was an emotional moment, he’s turning his attention back to LeClaire, Iowa, where the original store remains open. He’s also stepping into acting, with a role in the upcoming movie Day of Reckoning.
Mike’s next big dream is to restore “100 buildings in 100 towns” by 2027. So far, he’s completed 23. The best part is each project is carefully documented, filmed, and photographed. You’ll be glad to know that every time a building is restored, a piece of America’s history gets to live on. That’s why your small step matters too. A two-hour road trip, a photo, or even a small purchase can help keep these projects going. The Mike Wolfe passion project isn’t just nostalgia. At Dapper Diary, we believe that stories like these are worth following. They show us how ordinary people, when inspired, can play a part in saving history.
➥ Why did Mike Wolfe close his business?
Mike closed his Nashville Antique Archaeology shop after 14 years to focus on restoration projects, family life, and continuing his work in LeClaire, Iowa.
➥ Does Mike Wolfe still have a store in Nashville?
No, the Nashville Antique Archaeology store closed in 2023. However, Mike continues operating the flagship LeClaire, Iowa, store and his Two Lanes online marketplace.
➥ How much does Mike Wolfe get paid per episode of American Pickers?
Mike Wolfe reportedly earns about $500,000 per season, averaging nearly $20,000–25,000 per episode, making him one of History Channel’s highest-paid reality hosts.
➥ Is Mike Wolfe dating anyone?
After his divorce from Jodi Faeth, Mike has been linked to model Leticia Cline. Their shared love of motorcycles and travel connects them.
➥ What inspires Mike Wolfe personally?
Mike is inspired by everyday people, small-town traditions, and his daughter Charlie. Family values and American craftsmanship influence both his life and professional projects.
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