Lori Mccommas is an American entrepreneur and reality TV personality best known for starring on the A&E series “Storage Wars”. She rose to fame as the ex-wife of storage auction buyer Dave Hester and was a regular cast member during the first five seasons of the show.
Outside of her reality TV career, Lori has found success as the owner of an antique and furniture auction house called American Auctioneers. She has leveraged her celebrity status to grow her business over the past decade.
But who is the woman behind the TV personality and business mogul? Here is a closer look at Lori Mccommas’ net worth, age, height, personal life story, and path to fame.
Lori Mccommas’ Net Worth
Lori Mccommas has accumulated an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2023. The bulk of her fortune has been built from her appearances on “Storage Wars” as well as profits from her auctioneering company.
She likely earned a six-figure salary per season while starring consistently on the A&E hit series for five seasons straight. Mccommas also receives residual payments from reruns and distributions.
Her business, American Auctioneers, has grown tremendously thanks to her TV fame. Her company specializes in auctioning off antique furniture, rare collectibles, bankruptcy assets and more. Business profits contribute heavily to her current net worth.
In addition to financial assets, Lori owns valuable antiques from her shops. She lives in a stunning mansion in San Diego purchased using her reality TV and business earnings.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lori Mccommas was born on January 7, 1965 in San Diego, California, making her currently 59 years old. Not much is known publicly about her upbringing and family.
Her past work experience before entering the storage auctions and TV world is also not well documented. In various interviews, Lori has stated she previously owned and operated a chain of tanning salons in the San Diego area.
Mccommas’ first steps into the auctioning business came in the 1990’s when she began attending and participating in storage unit auctions. This part-time hobby making small purchases eventually grew into her full-time career.
She gradually built up her experience, inventory, profits, and reputation to found her own company called American Auctioneers in 2000. The launch of her auction house predated her TV fame by more than a decade.
Rise to Fame on “Storage Wars”
Lori Mccommas’ breakthrough into the public spotlight came in 2010 when she was cast on the new A&E reality TV show “Storage Wars”. Viewers were introduced to Mccommas in the very first episode of the show.
She was portrayed as an experienced storage buyer and the leading female cast member. One of the main early storylines centered around her bitter rivalry and legal conflict with another buyer named Dave Hester.
The two powerhouse auction pros had a fiery competition to acquire the best lockers and treasures. Their angry confrontations and eccentric personalities quickly made them fan-favorites. This dynamic helped launch the fledgling show into a ratings powerhouse.
Lori’s trademark opening scene on the first season involved enthusiastically bidding against Dave with a cheeky grin, cementing her status as a central star of the show. Her confident charisma in the male-dominated auction environment resonated with viewers.
Thanks to explosive ratings success, Storage Wars was renewed for several more seasons. Lori remained a core member of the cast through the first five seasons. Her fame, wealth and business interests rapidly increased from the national exposure.
Life After Leaving “Storage Wars”
By the end of 2015 and season 8, Lori decided to exit Storage Wars at the height of its popularity for unclear reasons. Rumors swirled about a potential termination or contract dispute, but neither have been proven.
Regardless of the cause, Mccommas shifted her focus fully back to growing her San Diego-based company American Auctioneers. She continues to organize storage, estate, antique and specialty auctions several times per week.
No longer constrained by production schedules, Lori was free to expand her auction house and enhance profits. She upgraded to a lavish event space that fits hundreds of bidders. Revenue has climbed over the past 7 years even without her regular TV presence.
That said, Lori does still make special cameo appearances and guest spots related to the lucrative Storage Wars franchise from time to time. Hardcore fans are always delighted to see this breakout star revival classic memories.
Outside of her business activities, not much is known about Lori’s private life after leaving the full-time entertainment career. She has always preferred keeping family, relationships and personal matters very low key.
Lori has one adult son named Luke. She is believed to still reside in a multi-million dollar estate in the San Diego suburbs. Friends describe the reality star turned auction mogul as very down-to-earth in real life despite her success.
Lori Mccommas’ Height and Other Physical Details
In terms of physical appearance, Lori Mccommas stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches tall. She has a slender, feminine body shape that contributes to her charismatic aura and confident TV presence.
Her hair color is a dark chocolate brown, sometimes shown with blonde highlights when she appeared on Storage Wars. Lori also almost always dons glamorous makeup with long eyelash extensions and defined eyebrows.
As for tattoos, Lori does feature a few visible ink designs. This includes floral pieces and feminine images on her upper arms and shoulders. These complement her stylish wardrobe and bold fashion sense nicely.
Quick Facts Summary
- Born: January 7, 1965 in San Diego, California
- Age: 59 Years Old
- Height: 5 ft 7 in / 170 cm tall
- Net Worth: $1.5 Million
- TV Show: Storage Wars (2010 – 2015)
- Business: American Auctioneers (Since 2000)
FAQs
Did Lori Mccommas own a chain of tanning salons?
Yes, Lori is believed to have owned and operated tanning salons in southern California before entering the auctioneering profession full time in the late 1990’s.
How much did Lori make per episode on Storage Wars?
Her exact per episode salary was never disclosed. But as one of the headline stars, she likely earned between $15,000 – $30,000 per episode at her peak.
Why did Lori leave Storage Wars in 2015?
No official reason for her exit after season 8 has been given. Speculation ranges from being fired, contractual conflicts or her choice to concentrate on business.
Is American Auctioneers still open for business?
Yes, Lori’s company based in San Diego continues to operate storage unit and specialty auctions multiple times per week. The family-run business has now thrived for over 20 years.
What is Lori Mccommas’ relationship status today?
Lori likes to keep her romantic relationships out of the public eye. She is believed to be currently single and focused on work and family based on recent interview statements.
Does she still keep in touch with the Storage Wars Cast?
Lori has made a few cameo appearances in newer seasons and still associates positively with some former cast mates like Barry Weiss. So she does maintain certain ties to the show.