Author - Chuck G.

Storage Wars: Season 1, Episode 8: “Midnight in the Gardena Good and Evil.”

Storage units for auction were indoors. Dave said these types of lockers were harder to read and would separate the amateurs from the pros.

Darrell said these interior lockers would contain collectibles. Jarrod said the lockers were small and affordable. Barry had nothing to say – his two psychics sidekicks said all. W-e-i-r-d.

1^st Storage Unit
Table, chairs, cabinet, and boxes. Barry’s psychics told him they “were not feeling it” and neither was he.

Dave: Barry, get up here with your psychos and see what the f— is going on here.

Darrell shouted at Dave, “That was offensive.” So true. Dave’s rebuttal to what he believed was offensive:

Dave: People who make a mockery out of MY profession. I’m done tolerating circus acts and bottom feeders.
Time to trim the herd.

Dave called it his profession. Such audacity as though he owned the corner market on buying storage units. Jarrod wanted to win the first storage unit and fell right into Dave’s trap of overpaying, again. Brandi not happy as Jarrod spent almost their entire budget for the day on one locker.

Back at the thrift store, Jarrod sorted the merchandise with a helper. Inside a rubber bin he found dolls or action figures. Another bin Star Wars toys and superheroes; many new still in the box.

Jarrod and Brandi took the toys for appraisal. When the opened the superhero box, the appraiser shouted, “Holy Moley!” Aquaman, Thor, Green Arrow, The Hulk, and more.

Brandi: I don’t know if Jarrod is aware of this, but I have a little thing for Thor.

Four of the superheroes alone were valued at $8,000. Spiderman alone valued at $3,000. Entire collection estimated between $12,000-$14,000.

Jarrod: Toys. Who knew?
Brandi: The Nerds did.

Jarrod’s biggest score ever, despite Dave running up the price of the locker. This was a key note victory for the “Young Gun.” You could see it on his face in the interview room. He had finally made the BIG TIME!

2^nd Storage Unit
Tools, V-8 engine, and miscellaneous items. Barry’s psychics did their “thing” by “feeling” the energy of the locker. They advised Barry there was a lot of “dark negative” energy; but that he should try to buy the locker for a good price.

Darrell then mimicked the psychics to feel the energy of the storage unit. Oh, good Lord if that did not set Dave off like mad cow.

Dave: I’ve had enough of these jack asses. It’s all day long with this bull sh–!

Hester then pushed Barry and stormed out. Hester even flipped the bird. Hester also pushed the camera out of his way as shouted expletives with every step.

Darrell: That was hilarious. I love watching Dave get his panties in a bunch.

Without Dave, no one drove the price up. “Hollywood Barry,” as Dan nicknamed him, won this locker at $550. Barry and the two psychics dug through the storage unit. He found a chain saw, shop vac, ladder, and power tools. He couldn’t see what “dark negative” energy they gals warned him about until he found…

SHRUNKEN HEADS!

Barry: It’s illegal to sell body parts in the United States, believe me, I’ve tried.

At the Bower Museum Barry learned that shrunken heads became popular mid 1800s. Once the natives saw they could sell the heads for profit, they went on a hunting rampage. Ugh! Barry’s shrunken heads however were not authentic, but made of animal skin. Half a dozen heads appraised at $50 each.

3^rd Storage Unit
Uh, one mirror, lamp shade, and two dresser drawers. Everyone laughed, even the co-auctioneer.

Laura: Change your sights. Change your tune.
This is what we roll out of bed for.

Darrell won the locker for $3 (you read that right). He bought the storage unit because he knew the mirror was worth some money.

Notes:
1. Jarrod did not wear gloves yet on site when handling merchandise in lockers.
2. In eight episodes, Dave said “pukes” only twice.

Profit Scorecard:

Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: $12,800
Barry Weiss: $450
Darrell Sheets: $27
Dave Hester: $0 and a bad attitude

What did you think of Dave’s rude behavior and storming out of an auction?

Please leave your creative thoughts in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: I Mock You

December 23, 2010

Storage Wars: Season 1, Episode 7: “Senior Center Showdown.”

Dan stated the storage auction held in Homeland, which is a type of senior citizen community. Barry interested in collectibles and antiques. Jarrod interested in household items and furniture. Brandi interested in antiques and heirlooms. Dave interested in collectibles. Darrell, the optimist in him interested in war memorabilia. Pessimist in him was sure he’d find a lot of Ben-Gay.

Darrell had his son Brandon wear a T-shirt with “Newport Consignment & Now and Then Thrift Stores Sucks” printed on the back. Come on, really?

1^st Storage Unit
Neatly stacked. Old furniture, old television, old mattresses, rubber bins, and boxes.

Barry explained a bit of his knowledge on wood furniture:

“Quarter sawed Oak is when the oak is solid on the bias which brings out the tiger looking stripes; for that reason it’s also called Tiger Oak.”

Darrel thought to have Brandon bid. Players would give his son slack. Darrell should have had the forethought not to mock the player’s stores.

Dave: Nobody makes fun of me. I’m gonna make them pay for it.

Brandon won at the high price of $1,450. Jarrod waited after the auction to see if he could look inside Darrell’s locker. Sorry. Hospitality for rookies left the station. Jarrod did not get the hint with the t-shirt. Only item shown out of Darrell’s locker was an antique wooden telephone.

2^nd Storage Unit
A few furniture pieces and stacks of old newspapers. Like a hoarders stack. Probably hundreds or even thousands of periodicals. Brandi stunned at the bids.

Brandi: Newspapers, 700 bucks, you kidding me?

Dave won at $750. The newspapers were from The Memphis Press and The Commercial Appeal. About 3000 from each edition. That’s 6000 newspapers in all (hoarder or collector, you decide). Both issues about the death of rock and roll singer, Elvis Presley.

At appraisal, The Memphis Press special edition valued at $5 per paper. The Commercial Appeal printed the day after Elvis died, valued at $10 per paper. Do the math, it’s staggering to say the least.

This auction was over. The following day Jarrod (without Brandi) drove to Inglewood to attend another auction. Darrell and his son Brandon also in attendance.

Darrell: Did Jarrod think he would go to an auction and I wouldn’t be there, who is he kidding?
I’m there even when I’m not there.

And so began Darrell’s unique phrases and vocabulary.

3^rd Storage Unit
Furniture and shoe boxes.

In the beginning it was Darrell vs Jarrod. Darrell backed out at $300. Darrell encouraged Jarrod to continue to bid even after Jarrod’s self imposed $600 limit. Jarrod won at $875.

Whatever disagreement the two players had the day before had dissipated. That little push that Darrell gave the “Young Gun” catapulted Schulz into a buying spree. He bought two more lockers.

4^th Storage Unit – $45
5^th Storage Unit – $125

Brandi called. Uh, oh. She could not BELIEVE he bought a storage unit for near $900. Brandi asked if the furniture was at least decent. Jarrod’s speechless. He inspected the locker. Shoe boxes empty or filled with food. He found rat pooh.

Jarrod: I can’t believe I bought for $875 full of rat sh–!

Antique safe empty. Darrell came back around to see what was in Jarrod’s locker (even though he had denied Jarrod that same courtesy the day before). Darrell saw the safe. Excited-mundo! Jarrod told him it was empty.

No difference. It’s the SAFE that’s worth money! York Safe & Lock with original brass fittings and hand-painted logo still in good condition. About 100 years old and very collectible. Darrell estimated it was worth between $2,000-$3,000.

Profit Scorecard:

Dave Hester: $89,250
Jarrod Schulz: $2,100
Darrell Sheets: $2,000
Barry Weiss: $0

Did you think it was fair for Darrell to enter Jarrod’s locker but not allow Jarrod to enter his locker?

Please leave your insightful opinions in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Dave Dangerous

December 22, 2010

Storage Wars: Season 1, Episode 6: “All Guns to Port.”

Brandi expressed her concern to Jarrod that the shelves to their thrift store were near empty. She wanted to know his game plan for the storage auction. “Buy. Make Money.” Oh yeah, that reassured her.

Auction held at Long Beach meant two things to Darrell: high-priced imports or low income housing. Pendulum could not swing further between these two points. Barry rode his 1996 Harley Davidson to bring him luck. For the third time in the first season, Dave felt it necessary to flash $10K at the camera.

Dave: I don’t mind being the (bleep). I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do to accomplish my goal, and I don’t care what these people think about me.

Nail on the head!

1^st Storage Unit
Mountain of clothes, rubber bins, old television, household items, mattresses, and junk from someone’s entire house. Brandi and Jarrod agreed to buy this locker. Dave bid them up because he thought it was fun. Darrell stated that’s why they call him “Dangerous Dave,” because he enjoys sticking it to people.

Jarrod: Dave just made me overpay again. Sometimes, I just hate that guy.

Cost him $300, that’s $100 over its value. Brandi was upset. Jarrod told her that price was not the issue.

Brandi: Price is not the issue? Horse sh–! Price is always the issue.

As Jarrod and his crew sorted through the items, they found more trash than anything of value. Jarrod’s in the dog house. They have rent and bills to pay. They need to make money, not break even.

2^nd Storage Unit
Small mountain of clothes, household items, rubber bins, and boxes. Both Darrell and Barry were interested in the boxes labeled fragile, which could contain antiques or valuables.

Barry almost bid against himself (always pay attention to who has the last bid). Darrell (unlike Dave) had compassion on Barry’s rookie mistake and let the locker go.

Barry: That was really a little bit embarrassing. I pulled a rookie mistake.

Barry had the merchandise brought to him at another location. He found box that contained several different types of flare guns, even one that belonged to the Sing Sing prison.

At appraisal, he discovered in his collection he had a line-throwing gun (shoots rope from one ship to another), a Navy 1860s pistol, and a German double-barreled World War II flare gun. Collection valued between $1,000-$2,500.

3^rd Storage Unit

Clothes, clothes and more clothes. Ironing board, chair, filing cabinet, rubber bins, and boxes. Dave did something that was most disrespectful during this auction. While the bids still in play, he closed the door to the locker and placed his padlock.

Brandi: Cocky, Rocky.

To say the very least, Brandi. It’s outrageously arrogant and disrespectful to all of the auction buyers present to do so until the auctioneer sells the storage unit. Oh, he won at a high price at $1,600 with his hubris.

Merchandise processed back at his store. Dave’s crew found a diamond bracelet, cowboy boots, small tools and machinery, clothes, trains, and household items.

Profit Scorecard:

Dave Hester: $4,850
Barry Weiss: $2,250
Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: $0
Darrell Sheets: $0

What did you think of Dave placing a padlock on the locker during the sell of a storage unit?

Please leave your creative opinions in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Barry Weiss Unpopular?

December 15, 2010

Storage Wars: Season 1, Episode 5: “The Old Spanish Standoff.”

Jarrod anticipated antiques at the Riverside auction; a city rich with Spanish history. Dave anticipated commercial equipment. Darrell however lacked anticipation because he felt under the weather.

Barry: I see the other guys. I’m not sure they know really what to make of me. I don’t know if I’ll ever be accepted into this mighty exclusive club. But I’m working on it.

Oh Barry, in seasons to come you would become the most popular cast member of all!

1^st Storage Unit
CRAP! Tires, old electronics, rubber bands, boxes, scrap metal, and miscellaneous items.

Jarrod: It’s not what you can see. It’s what you can’t see.

True Jarrod, but sometimes what-you-see-is-what-you-get. Bid war Jarrod vs Barry. “The Collector” won at $600. Jarrod was pretty sure he could not go much higher because Brandi would smack him.

First box Barry took down was labeled, “Elvis.” He found a few collectibles. , Unique find was a copper moonshine still that looked complete. Appraiser stated moonshine had a pot still; thump keg (which was rare), and the copper wire that filtered the brew.

When Barry asked the appraisers what it was worth they said, “Ten years in the pen.” Barry’s jaw dropped. He told them he wasn’t planning on making moonshine. Phew! Moonshine valued between $800-$900.

2^nd Storage Unit
Art and trash. Bedroom headboard, lamp, box, stop sign, blankets, and a mannequin with the telephone. Darrell could “smell” Dave standing behind him. He spoke loudly to say that he would pay $100 for the locker. His strategy was to keep the price down.

Dave: You know I might buy this room, just to piss Darrell off.

Well that didn’t happen because Darrell won the locker for $250. Dave snooped around to take a peek at that mannequin telephone. Darrell told Dave it was a promotional telephone valued at $2000. This mannequin was in worse condition than the one he had recently sold. Dave, who boasted he knew everything about anything, didn’t know about this.

At appraisal of the telephone was made in 1979. Expert offered $1000, but “The Gambler” knew better. He would not sell the mannequin for less than $2000. Sold on the spot, but we never did learn the true value of the item.

3^rd Storage Unit
Couple dozen 5 gallon paint cans, tools, leaf blower, and construction equipment. Jarrod and Brandi agreed at $700, but Dave won the locker for $650.

Jarrod couldn’t remember the limit which threw him off. Brandi “fake punched” her man in the gut for not buying the locker.

4^th Storage Unit
Janitorial or cleaning equipment and office items. Darrell felt sick. He stayed in the truck and sent his son Brandon bid on the locker. Jarrod considered the merchandise not proper for a thrift store.

Brandi: Jarrod’s right. Did I just say that?

Brandon overheard Dave speak Spanish on his cell phone directing his guys to bring the trucks. Dave was unaware that Brandon could speak Spanish, too. Brandon decided to text Darrell since Dave had a great interest in the locker. Darrell placed a bid to inspect the locker, but then decided to let Dave have it.

Steve, Dave’s adviser, told him they would not make any money on the janitorial locker because the quality of the merchandise wasn’t up to par.

Notes:
1. Dave and Darrell both entered into another player’s storage unit, which really isn’t done anymore.
2. The 3 items for appraisal still not structured into the series.
3. The structure of 3 storage units for auction still not in play.

Profit Scorecard:

Darrell Sheets: $1,750
Barry Weiss: $400
Dave Hester: LOSS -$400
Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: $0

Would you have passed on the mannequin telephone?

Please leave your insightful opinions in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Rat & Puke

December 9, 2010

Storage Wars: Season 1, Episode 4: “War on the Shore.”

Dave expected a great storage unit at the Huntington Beach facility. Darrell expected expensive items, boat equipment, furniture, and paintings. Barry expected high-end goods. Jarrod expected to find merchandise from someone’s summer home or seasonal business.

In the parking lot, Darrell scratched on a number on Dave’s box truck. How did Dave react?

Dave: Don’t stand around my truck, you San Diego pukes.

Hester flashed $10,000 cash at Darrell and Brandon. Told them he would buy everything that was good that day. Darrell determined not to allow that to happen. Jarrod pleased at the rambunctious attitudes. If those two bid-iots overspend, that would allow Jarrod to steal a couple of storage units.

1^st Storage Unit
Refrigerator, office chair, reception counter, beauty salon chair, and more salon equipment. Dave was out. Brandi wanted the locker. Jarrod did not want to do the heavy lifting of the salon equipment.

Barry: The two love birds were quarreling which was good because it was kind of distracting.

Barry won at $275. As he removed merchandised from the locker, a few items broke, or were tossed. So it began, Barry’s method of cleaning out a locker – Toss, Break, Repeat. He did find a miniature piano.

Appraiser stated it was a Marshall and Wendell (1928) miniature salesman’s piano sample. The detailing and wood was an exact replica of the grand piano. Valued at $10,000-$12,000.

2^nd Storage Unit
Brand-new auto detailing trailer, commercial cleaning equipment, and tools. Dave’s tactics not to let on he was interested by his criticism of the locker. He needed acting lessons.

Darrell: When Dave is really interested in something, he starts criticizing it and trying to make it look bad.

First bid war ever on the series between Darrell and Dave. Bid rose to $1,000, then $2,000, and then $3,000. Darrell fought hard, but Dave placed his last “Yuup” bid and won at $3,900.

Auto detailing trailer included a pressure washer, holding tank, and vacuum pump. Appraised between $5,500-$10,000.

3^rd Storage Unit
Furniture, keyboard, boxes, fan, rubber bins, and other miscellaneous items stacked neatly inside. Dave decided to use reverse psychology by acting interested in the locker, although he’s not. He placed a bid at $300, then raised the bid to $400. Like that wasn’t transparent.

Darrell: If he wants a war, I’m going to give him a war.

Dave dropped the locker on Darrell and made him pay $850. Would the mediocre locker yield a “Wow” factor? Darrell and Brandon began their search. Camping stove, towels, a lamp, and then Darrell shouted – ‘Whoa, Baby!”

Dave still in the parking lot overheard the excitement. Went to investigate. Dave and Darrell peered inside a box full of baseball sports cards. Each one vintage and had value. Dave left with envy, though he would never show it. Darrell scored as he found more boxes of sports memorabilia.

Altogether, the sports memorabilia included baseball cards, signed baseballs, and a signed basketball – appraised at $3,500.

Darrell: America pay your rent, or I’m going to own your stuff.

Profit Scorecard:

Barry Weiss: $11,650
Darrell Sheets: $2,650
Dave Hester: $1,992
Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: $0

Notes:
1. Before the auction began the auctioneer stated, “I’m Dan, (points to) Laura, we’re with American Auctioneers.”
2. First time Dave elongated his “Yuuuuuup” bid.
3. Not all of Dave’s bids contained his signature “Yuup.”
4. Episode trivia that a baseball signed by Babe Ruth sold for over $15k.
5. First time Laura said, “Pay the lady.”
6. First time 3 items on the show were appraised.

Jarrod explained to Brandi that either you win or you dump it (storage unit) on the other person. That there was always a bidding war and that he had to work smarter. Like playing poker, you go all-in just to push somebody around or take them out; whatever it takes to make a dollar.

Brandi: Yeah, that’s the father of my children.

What did you think of this first bid war on the show?

Please leave your insightful opinions in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Brandi Bids

December 8, 2010

Storage Wars: Season 1, Episode 3: “Melee in the Maze.”

Darrell said Jarrod would not throw him off his game. Jarrod brought Brandi to have an extra pair of eyes to look at the merchandise. Brandi would stay out of the limelight to get a fresh look at the storage units without letting others know that Jarrod was interested.

Dave: I step out of my car. I see Jarrod. I see Darrell. I think to myself, “These two sorry PUKES are here again.
They are going to be getting in my way and annoying me one more time.”

If only he knew then what we know now…

1st Storage Unit
Packed and stacked. New-in-box items, rubber bins, camping gear, tackle box, sleeping bags, and fishing rods.

Trivia: Split bamboo rods take 100 hours to construct.

Darrell pushed his bid. Dave however won at $1,800. Hester actually bought two lockers but only one was featured. Back at his Rags to Riches store to unload merchandise. Dave found two guitars, tools, camera and lenses. The majority of the merchandise however – fishing equipment. Split bamboo and graphite rods.

2nd Storage Unit
Pop and dandy. Red hand dolly, pots and pans, VHS movies, DVDs, CDs, boxes, and miscellaneous items.

Brandi: I think this is our unit.
Jarrod: Hmm. I think that’s the first time you’ve ever said that.

Jarrod told Brandi to bid on the unit as not to draw attention to himself from Darrell or Dave, who both would bid Jarrod up fun. Darrell was in play, but stumped when he heard a squeaky woman’s voice yell the final bid. Jarrod acted incredulous and asked who won. Auctioneer Dan smiled – “Your wife.” SOLD!

Darrell: What?!
Dave: She’s Jarrod’s wife?

Jarrod and Brandi (with the help of two assistants) dug through the locker. They did find quite a few “brand new in box” electronics which would garner a nice little profit.

Jarrod: Brandi scored a good unit. Maybe she is my good luck charm.

3rd Storage Unit
Tight and light. Cheap stove, armoire, boxes, and rubber bins. No one really wanted the locker.

Brandon: If I know my dad, I think he’s just bidding somebody else up.

Darrell placed both hands on his head. Defeated, he won the locker at $400. Oops! He did not place a bid to win. Oh, well. Darrell and Brandon took the merchandise to sort out at a storage unit they rented (which is not uncommon for storage auction buyers). Darrell found a “like new” mini DVD player and movie posters.

Then there was that “Wow” factor. Inside a rubber band he found a coin collection. First a can that contained 418 quarters from the 40s which are 90% silver – worth about $3.95 each. Darrell uncovered a surplus amount of coin books and one pound 1986 silver coin. At appraisal, the silver coin collection valued at $4,100.

Never underestimate an appealing storage unit.

Notes:
1. Brandon Sheets (Darrell’s son) made his first appearance in the interview room.
2. Laura Dotson (Auctioneer Dan’s wife) made her first appearance in the interview room.
3. Showcase a bit of trivia with item such as the Bamboo Rod.
4. Brandi went into office to pay Laura for storage unit plus deposit.
5. First time Dave said, “Pukes.”

Profit Scorecard:

Dave Hester: $9,203
Darrell Sheets: $5,832
Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: $2,300

Where was Barry during the auction?

Riding a motorized shopping cart in the parking lot.

Please leave you creative insights in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: 1st Awesome Unit Sold

December 2, 2010

Storage Wars: Season 1, Episode 2: “Railroad Roulette.”

Darrell shouted to Dave, “Go home, man!” Dave’s rebuttal, “I’m gonna make sure he goes home with his tail between his legs.”

Brandi accompanied Jarrod to monitor his spending on storage units.

Barry brought Jay, who is a dwarf, to wear night vision goggles and stilts to see deep inside the lockers.

Oh, let the games begins!

1^st Storage Unit
Suitcases, rubber bins, and boxes. In a word – trash.

Brandi: Would I allow Jarrod to bid on something like this? Absolutely not.

Dave purposefully drove the price up to welcome the new people. Make them lose money and get the Hell out of the business. Isn’t he a breath of fresh air? Barry won at $850.

Barry and Jay walked into the unit to uncover whatever was underneath a tarp. Barry was speechless. He uncovered a German BMW Isetta. Not in the best of shape. About 50 to 60 years old.

BMW Isetta is a micro car in which the door opens in the front. In case of a collision, the sunroof becomes the escape hatch. Barry’s micro car, while in poor condition, still considered a rare find. Appraised at $3000-$4000.

2^nd Storage Unit
Reproduction pot belly stove, old television, old computer monitor, boxes, and trash bags.

Jarrod: I see mystery in here. I got to see what’s in the rest of the unit.

Dave drove the price up on this blocker as well and made Jarrod pay $350. Jarrod understood Dave’s tactics and that irritated him.

He entered the locker to try to find something of value. He stood precariously on pieces of furniture.

Brandi: You break your neck and become a vegetable or something. I don’t know if I would uh, stick around.

True love.

Jarrod did find a Movado watch with a $950 tag. Could there be an issue? Yes, watches are easily counterfeited. Jarrod and Brandi took the watch to an expert who stated that the watch appeared to be a true Movado watch. However once he took it apart and looked inside the mechanism – FAKE!

Jarrod: One thing is for sure… until I hit a good unit, Brandi’s never gonna get off my back.

3^rd Storage Unit
Commercial restaurant equipment and a ton of boxes. Dave staked this locker as his. He let everyone know it would take about three hours to unload the merchandise.

That irked Darrell to no end.

Dave: Let’s face it. Jarrod and Darrell cannot handle this unit. They don’t have the manpower, the finances, and the knowledge. They are out of their league on this unit.

Dave won at $2,600. While there were no treasures to appraise, his profit margin skyrocketed because most of the items were in “like new” condition. Most items were commercial grade restaurant equipment.

Notes:

Dave paid Laura $2,600 + $40 deposit on the spot after winning the storage unit.
The merchandise was hauled back to their thrift stores instead of placed out in the hallway for inspection.

Profit Scorecard:

Dave Hester: $19,000
Barry Weiss: $3,100
Jarrod Schulz and Brandi Passante: $50
Darrell Sheets: $0

Dave had only six “Yuups” in this episode.

Please place your creative opinions in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: The 1st Episode

December 1, 2010

Storage Wars: Season 1, Episode 1: “High Noon in the High Desert.”

Introducing the mother of all TV reality auction series, Storage Wars. Original title credits for the auction hunters as follows:

Dave Hester – “The Mogul”
Darrell Sheets – “The Gambler”
Jarrod Schulz – “The Young Gun”
Barry Weiss – “The Collector”

Auctioneer Dan Dotson and Brandi Passante included in the credits thereafter. Each player introduced himself:

Jarrod Schulz: “I’ve been an auction buyer for two years. I’m kind of the underdog. I’ve got to be a little more feisty, and a little more aggressive. When I see a unit I want, I go for it, I get it.”

David Hester: “I’ve been buying storage units for 20 years. When I show up to an auction its like, “Here comes that Assh—e, the prices just went up.”

Darrell Sheets: “I’m a buyer by trade. I love buying storage shits. It’s my addiction.”

Barry Weiss: “I’ve been a collector of antiques since I’ve been 15-years old. Storage auctions is really something that is new to me. I am excited about the possibilities of what we may find.”

Auctioneer Dan Dotson shouted the rules to the storage auction:

1. Cash Only Sale
2. All Sales are Final
3. Five Minute Inspection
4. No Stepping inside the Unit

Note: Brandon Sheets and Laura Dotson were present; Brandi was absent.

1^st Storage Unit
Refrigerator, stained glass, a tire, two bucket seats to a car, mattress, pedals to a possible organ, boxes and other miscellaneous items. Dave (who enjoyed flashing $10K before the auction) won with a final “Yuup” bid at $800.

Dave bet that was a Hammond B3 organ in the locker, which would be worth thousands. He brought an associate named Steve who gave him advice during the auction.

Darrell mentioned to Dave the Leslie speakers alone to the Hammond organ would pay for the unit. Darrell did not bid to extend an olive branch to Dave. (Bad move, Darrell.)

2^nd Storage Unit

Atomic age type 1960s dining set. Darrell liked it. Dave liked it. Barry liked it.

Jarrod: I don’t know sh– about those table and chairs.

Jarrod appeared novice-green when it came to merchandise. Dave, though somewhat interested in the locker, purposefully bid up Darrell. The olive branch didn’t work. Darrell won at $450. Yes, it was an Atomic dining set.

Storage Unit

Jarrod won a car inside a unit for an unknown amount. What you see in the photo is a layer of dust on the car; not a gray car cover. Jarrod spent $1,000 at auction.

Barry: Helen Keller would have passed on that car.

That’s the end of the auction, however more storage units up for sale that were not filmed.

Barry didn’t win a storage unit. Next day he attended a vault auction that contained merchandise from rapper Suge Knight. But he didn’t bid on a vault but instead on a box which he won for $340.

He did find custom-made clothing with custom tags for Suge Knight. Of course, Barry put some of the items up for sale immediately. He held onto the red coat for appraisal. Appraised at $3000-$5000.

Darrell returned to his home. He did not own a thrift store or warehouse. Also still married at that time. He did show his Picasso sketches. Shared photos of his 1991 purchase of the top 10 world’s collection of comic books.

Darrell flipped the comic book collection for $130,000. Had he been patient and sold off the comic books separately; he might have made millions. Patience is a virtue.

Jarrod evidently bought more than the car because he had a box truck unload merchandise at his Now and Then thrift store.

Brandi Passante: “I’m Brandi. I’m Jarrod’s wife and we own Now and Then secondhand store.”

We now know she’s not married to Jarrod. Notice the writing on the photo as it labeled her as wife and partner.

Brandi crunched the numbers and summoned “JM” into their office. He’s in the hot seat. She informed him that the $1,000 he spent yesterday on the merchandise; they would not see a return. Doh!

Jarrod had the Honda appraised (not shown) and it was valued at $2,400.

Brandi: Looks like we’re gonna make some money on this unit. He was right, for once.

Dave Hester hauled his items back to his Rags to Riches thrift store and to his Newport Consignment Gallery. Buildings stood side-by-side.

The Hammond organ was not the model that would bring in the big money.

But Dave did strike a treasure find with a bag full of old baseball cards; each card placed inside a card case.

Notes:

People leaned half their bodies right into the storage unit which isn’t permitted today
People continue to look into the storage unit even after the auction began
Possible treasures were highlighted by the narrator during the episode such as the Hammond organ and the Atomic Age furniture
Crowds were larger and appeared to be real auction hunters and not just background actors
Only one item was appraised
Dave Hester hollered only one “Yuup”

Oh, and yes, Barry began his shenanigans straight up when he took the facility cart and popped a wheelie.

Profit Scorecard:

Barry Weiss: $9,000
Dave Hester: $1,987
Darrell Sheets: $650
Jarrod Schulz and Brandi Passante: $1,400

What did you think of the first episode of the original Storage Wars?

Please leave your creative thoughts in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Meet the Cast

November 24, 2010