Mike Wolfe, the host of American Pickers, has been traveling the U.S. since 2010, searching for valuable antiques hidden in garages, barns, and sheds.

His partner for many years was Frank Fritz, but after Fritz’s departure and subsequent death in 2024, Danielle Colby stepped in to help Wolfe keep his business running smoothly.

Colby, who works at Wolfe’s Antique Archaeology store, plays a key role in the show.

She isn’t just overseeing operations; she’s also tracking down leads, making phone calls, and researching addresses to guide Wolfe and his co-hosts to the next big find.

While Wolfe has years of field experience, Colby has also gained valuable knowledge in the art of picking.

Instead, Colby’s process for finding leads is more complex.

While she couldn’t give away all of her trade secrets, she noted that successful picking requires a lot of research and strategy.

“It’s just a matter of searching,” Colby explained.

“Starting out, you do have to be very crafty. You have to really search and be able to charm people and get them to trust you that you’re not some shady person who’s going to break into their house.”

For those hoping to try their hand at picking, Colby’s advice is clear: it’s not as easy as it may seem.