Born on May 16, 1980, in Harris County, Texas, Brandi Passante embarked on her professional journey in the carpet-cleaning industry. It was here that she met Jarrod Schulz, her long-term partner, with whom she would later venture into the storage auction business. Together, they established the “Now and Then” thrift store in Orange County, California, laying the foundation for their future endeavors.
Rise to Fame: Storage Wars
Entry into Reality Television
The couple’s foray into reality TV began in 2010 when they joined the cast of “Storage Wars.” Initially approached by producers interested in Schulz, Passante’s dynamic presence led to her inclusion in the show. Dubbed “The Young Guns,” their chemistry and bidding strategies quickly resonated with audiences.
Earnings and Financial Growth
Passante’s earnings from “Storage Wars” saw a significant increase over time. Starting at approximately $2,000 per episode, her salary escalated to around $15,000 per episode as the show’s popularity soared . This substantial income, combined with other ventures, contributed to her impressive net worth.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Now and Then Thrift Stores
Capitalizing on their television success, Passante and Schulz expanded their business by opening a second “Now and Then” location in Long Beach, California. Despite initial enthusiasm, both stores eventually closed, with the original location shutting its doors in 2016 .
Outlaw Apparel
In addition to their thrift stores, the duo launched “Outlaw Apparel,” a clothing line reflecting their distinctive style. This venture further diversified their income streams and solidified their brand identity.
Personal Life and Challenges
Family and Relationships
Passante and Schulz share two children, Cameron and Payton. Despite being portrayed as a married couple on television, they never officially tied the knot. Their relationship ended in 2018, a fact Passante publicly acknowledged in a 2020 interview
Legal Battles and Advocacy
In 2013, Passante successfully sued an adult website operator for posting a video falsely claiming to feature her. Although she was awarded a nominal sum, the case highlighted her commitment to protecting her image and privacy.
Beyond legal battles, Passante has been active in charitable endeavors. In 2019, she emceed a charity event for Women’s Own Worth, an organization supporting victims of domestic violence, demonstrating her dedication to social causes.
Life After Storage Wars
Following her departure from “Storage Wars,” Passante has maintained a presence in the public eye through social media and platforms like Cameo, where she offers personalized messages to fans. Her adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit continue to drive her success beyond reality television.
Conclusion
Brandi Passante’s journey from a carpet-cleaning professional to a reality TV star and entrepreneur exemplifies resilience and adaptability. Her ability to navigate the challenges of fame, business, and personal life serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs and television personalities.
