Challenges of Working with a Film Crew
One of the hardest things I find is running a good business while having film crews on-site. It’s a very strange dynamic, and no one is really used to that kind of atmosphere in a workplace. Since Gold Rush began in 2010, over 200 different camera crews have filmed Parker’s every move. Every day, there’s a camera in my face capturing everything—from the highs, like a 400-ounce week, to the lows, like when Parker has to push people out of his way.
The Pressure of Being on TV
The risk of messing up and your boss getting mad at you is one thing, but the risk of messing up, your boss getting mad, and then it all being broadcast worldwide on TV is a completely different and arguably unhealthy experience. And speaking of things that need to happen off-camera, I need you guys to leave while I take care of this…
Gold Cleaning with Bruce Dumit
Bruce Dumit, the gold cleaning expert, is here with Parker. He’s made some fun jewelry pieces from Parker’s Dominion gold—earrings, rings, chains, and even wedding rings for some of Parker’s friends. Bruce even made an ashtray for Dumit, which is a piece of real gold! He jokes about it being the best gold ashtray ever made.
New Purchases and Investments
Now, let’s check out some of Parker’s new toys. He just spent $540,000 on new water pumps—$180,000 each. These pumps will push 7,600 gallons of water per minute through his wash plants, a crucial part of his operation. Parker jokes about how spending half a million dollars could still come with some surprises, like the fact that they didn’t fill the fuel tank.
Constant Need for New Equipment
Parker’s massive operation requires a lot of equipment, and over the years, he’s built up a fleet of machines. From water pumps to new tools like a lawnmower with a magnet attachment, every piece of equipment is essential. Mechanics like Alec Kelly ensure the machines are always in top shape. Parker’s operation depends on it—downtime from broken equipment can lead to millions in losses.
Exploring with the SHERP Vehicle
Parker has just bought a new SHERP—a 55-horsepower amphibious vehicle. It’s perfect for exploring his 7,500-acre gold claim. This machine is built to navigate tough terrain, including deep ponds. Parker gives it a test run, and despite the slow pace, the SHERP manages to cross a pond with ease. Though there were moments of doubt, like when they nearly got stuck in the mud, the SHERP proves its worth.
Gold Exploration with Liam Ferguson
Parker and his drill expert, Liam Ferguson, head out to explore a creek that hasn’t been touched in over 100 years. This area could hold hidden gold from the old-timers who mined it decades ago. Parker and Liam search for signs of gold—old shafts, piles of tailings, or rocks that could indicate the presence of gold. They find some promising signs, but they need to dig deeper to uncover the true potential of this area.
