If you spent any time watching Hardcore Pawn back in the day, you remember Ashley Broad (formerly Ashley Gold). She was the fiery, no-nonsense manager who stood toe-to-toe with her father, Les Gold, and her brother, Seth. The show made the 8 Mile pawn shop a household name. But since the cameras stopped rolling in 2015, things have changed significantly at the Detroit landmark.
People keep asking: does ashley still work at american jewelry and loan today?
The short answer is no. She hasn't worked there for years. Honestly, the story of why she left is a lot more personal than just "quitting a job." It was a total life overhaul.
Why Ashley Left American Jewelry and Loan
Ashley didn't just walk away from the family business on a whim. She had spent over fifteen years working the floor, dealing with aggressive customers, and managing the chaos of a high-volume pawn shop. In late 2015, she decided she was done.
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Why? She was miserable.
In several interviews after her departure, Ashley described her life at the shop as feeling like Groundhog Day. She’d wake up, put on the same "uniform" of a black sweater and jeans, and head into the high-stress environment of American Jewelry and Loan. The constant bickering with Seth and the pressure of the reality TV spotlight started to take a toll on her health and her happiness.
She wasn't just tired of the business; she was tired of who she was becoming in it. She wanted to be present for her kids. She wanted to be the mom who drives the carpool and serves as the PTO president, not the woman yelling at people over a gold chain on national television.
A Massive Health Transformation
Before she left, you might have noticed a physical change in Ashley. She went on a serious health journey, losing about 50 pounds. This wasn't just about looking better for the cameras; it was a wake-up call from her doctor who told her she was technically obese for her height.
That health kick seemed to be the catalyst. Once she realized she could take control of her body, she realized she could take control of her career path, too. She ditched the Taco Bell and McDonald's, started running 5Ks, and decided that the toxic stress of the pawn shop didn't fit into her new lifestyle.
What Is She Doing Now in 2026?
Ashley has successfully transitioned from a pawn shop manager to a full-blown jewelry mogul. She launched her own independent brand, which eventually became AshleyGold.com.
She isn't dealing with used power tools or stolen electronics anymore. Instead, she focuses on:
- Custom Jewelry Design: She creates and curates her own lines, including popular "Linked" and "Charmed" collections.
- Wholesale & Retail: Her pieces are sold globally, and you can even find her brand featured on major retail platforms like Walmart and Faire.
- Media & Consulting: She still makes media appearances and runs a podcast (Pawn Chick Radio), but it's on her own terms.
She’s basically traded the grit of 8 Mile for a polished, digital-first business model. She works from home, spends time with her family, and seems way more relaxed than she ever did on TruTV.
The State of the Gold Family Business
If you head down to American Jewelry and Loan today, you'll still see Les and Seth. The shop is still very much a family affair, just a smaller one. Les Gold is still the face of the brand, and Seth has taken on the primary leadership role that he and Ashley used to fight over.
There were plenty of rumors that Ashley left because of a falling out with her dad or brother. While their on-screen rivalry was legendary (and often exhausting to watch), Ashley has clarified that she still loves her family. She just doesn't want to work with them. It’s that classic "love the person, hate the professional dynamic" situation.
Is Hardcore Pawn Still Filming?
No. The show wrapped up its original run in 2015. While it lives on in endless reruns and YouTube clips, there haven't been new episodes in years. This is part of why people are still confused about Ashley’s status—if you’re watching a "new" episode on a streaming service, it’s actually a decade old. In real-time, Ashley has been gone from the shop for nearly ten years.
Moving Forward: How to Keep Up With the Golds
If you're looking for the pawn shop experience, American Jewelry and Loan is still open for business in Detroit. Les and Seth are active on social media and frequently post updates about the shop’s daily finds.
However, if you want to support Ashley, you’ll find her at AshleyGold.com. Her departure from the shop wasn't a "failure"—it was a pivot. She took the negotiation skills she learned from her dad and applied them to a business she actually enjoys.
Key Takeaways:
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- Ashley Broad does not work at American Jewelry and Loan. She left in 2015.
- She runs her own successful jewelry brand, Ashley Gold, which is entirely separate from her father's business.
- The departure was motivated by health and family. She wanted a lifestyle change and more time with her children.
- The family is still in contact, but they no longer share a workspace.
If you’re interested in following her new journey, the best move is to check out her website or follow her social media handles, where she frequently posts about new jewelry drops and her life as an entrepreneur.