Jersey Jon (American Pickers) Wiki, Biography, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Family, and More

Jersey Jon aka Jon Szalay is a nationally recognized expert in restoring and repairing antique motorcycles and motorbikes. He is also a regular cast member of the History Channel’s hit show American Pickers, where he joins his friend Mike Wolfe in traveling across America in search of valuable and rare items. But who is Jersey, and how did he become a master of his craft? Here are some facts about his life, career, and passion.

Early Life and Education

Jersey Jon was born Jon Szalay in February 1963 in New Jersey, United States. He inherited his skills and interest in mechanical things from his late father Frank Szalay, who ran an engine repair business, sold lawnmowers, and had a franchise as a Bronco minibike dealer. Jon learned a lot from his dad’s shop and developed an appreciation for small engines. His father also supported his son’s endeavors and signed the papers for the original renovated bank he bought when he was 17 years old.

Jersey Jon attended Central Regional High School, where he graduated in 1981. He also claims to have attended the School of Hard Knocks, The University of Life, where he gained practical knowledge and experience in his field.

Jersey Jon Wiki/Bio

Name	Jersey Jon
Real Name	Jon Szalay
Date of Birth	February 1963
Age	61 years old
Place of Birth	New Jersey, United States
Occupation	Antique expert, restoration specialist, consultant, cast member of American Pickers
Education	Central Regional High School, School of Hard Knocks, The University of Life
Parents	Frank Szalay and Mary E Szalay
Siblings	Frank Szalay, Jennifer Szalay-Kosden, Mary Ann Jarvis, Susan (deceased), Daniel (deceased)
Spouse	Oriana Szalay
Children	Three, including Jonathan
Social Media	Instagram: jsrestore Facebook: @jon.szalay
Homepage	newsunzip.com

Career and Achievements

Jersey Jon started his career by restoring and repairing furniture for several local antique shops, and building cabinetry for the kiosks on a boardwalk in South Jersey. He then moved on to his own business, First National Antique Restorations, where he specializes in antique motorcycles and motorbikes from the early 1900s. He has a vast collection of rare and vintage bikes, parts, and memorabilia, which he displays in his shop and on his social media accounts.

Jersey is also a consultant and cast member of American Pickers, a reality show that follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they hunt for treasures in barns, garages, and junkyards across the country. Jon first appeared on the show in season 7 and has since made several appearances whenever Mike and Frank need his expertise or assistance. He has also filled in for Frank’s absence in some episodes of season 22, due to Frank’s health issues and personal problems.

Jersey is well-respected and well-liked by his fellow pickers and fans, who admire his knowledge, skill, and personality. He has been nicknamed the “Preserver of Memories” by Mike Wolfe, who considers him a close friend and a valuable partner.

Personal Life, Spouse, and Family

Jersey Jon is married to Oriana Szalay, who is also his business partner and supporter. They have three children, including a son named Jonathan, who shares his father’s passion for motorcycles. Jon and his family live in New Jersey, where they enjoy riding bikes and spending time together.

Jersey is also close to his siblings, who are Frank Szalay, Jennifer Szalay-Kosden, and Mary Ann Jarvis. He also had two other siblings, Susan and Daniel, who passed away at a young age. Jersey Jon’s mother, Mary E Szalay, died peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2019, at the age of 84. She was a substitute teacher and a craft business owner, who loved her family and plants.

Height, Weight, and Physical Stats

Jersey Jon stands tall at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm) and weighs under 84 kg (185 lbs). He has the same height as his friend Mike Wolfe. He has long wavy brown hair, which he often hides under a cap, and blue eyes. He is also covered in tattoos, which reflect his personality and interests. Some of his tattoos include a skull, a cross, a motorcycle, and a dragon.

Net Worth and Income Sources

Jon has an estimated net worth of around $2 million as of 2024. He earns his income from various sources, such as:

• His own business, First National Antique Restorations, where he restores and repairs antique motorcycles and motorbikes, as well as other items such as furniture, metal, glass, and wood. He also sells his antique stuff on eBay and has an official website for his furniture services.
• His regular appearances on American Pickers, where he is a consultant and cast member. He reportedly makes around $300,000 per season, which is slightly less than Mike Wolfe’s salary of $500,000 per season.
• His social media accounts, where he has thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook. He posts pictures and videos of his work, his collection, and his travels. He may also earn some revenue from sponsored posts or advertisements.

Controversies

Jersey has not been involved in any major controversies or scandals, unlike his co-star Frank Fritz, who left the show in 2020 due to health issues and personal problems. Frank also had a falling out with Mike Wolfe, and they have not spoken to each other for three years. Some fans have expressed their disappointment and anger over Frank’s departure, and have threatened to stop watching the show until he returns.

Jon, on the other hand, has been well-received and well-liked by the viewers, who appreciate his expertise, skill, and personality. He has also maintained a good relationship with Mike Wolfe, who considers him a close friend and a valuable partner. He has been nicknamed the “Preserver of Memories” by Mike, who trusts him with his picks and his projects.

Jersey Jon has also avoided any legal troubles or tax issues, unlike his colleague Danielle Colby, who reportedly received a notice from the IRS in 2013, saying she owed nearly $6,000 in taxes. The back taxes were allegedly related to her burlesque boutique, 4 Miles 2 Memphis, which has received at least four notices from the feds. It is unclear if she has paid off any of this debt, but if not, the amount has surely increased over the years.

Jersey is a nationally recognized expert in restoring and repairing antique motorcycles and motorbikes. He is also a regular cast member of American Pickers, where he joins his friend Mike Wolfe in traveling across America in search of valuable and rare items. He started his career by restoring and repairing furniture for local antique shops and then moved on to his own business, First National Antique Restorations.

He has a vast collection of rare and vintage bikes, parts, and memorabilia, which he displays in his shop and on his social media accounts. He is married to Oriana Szalay, who is also his business partner and supporter. They have three children, including a son named Jonathan, who shares his father’s passion for motorcycles. He is close to his siblings, who are Frank Szalay, Jennifer Szalay-Kosden, and Mary Ann Jarvis. He also had two other siblings, Susan and Daniel, who passed away at a young age.