Did you know how the Discovery Channel’s hit show Gold Rush began? First, you have to know the story of Todd Hoffman, the professional gold miner, who is the key person of the show, Gold Rush.

Born in 1972, Hoffman focused on his airspace company until the financial crisis hit in 2008. Back then, when government printed extra money, the value of gold heavily increased. Hoffman thought of an idea of traveling to Alaska to mine for gold with a team of people who lost their job after the financial crisis.

Afterwards, the reality TV show, Gold Rush was born in 2010 and became an instant success. How closely do you know about Todd Hoffman who has been on the famous show since the very beginning? Here are some facts you probably didn’t know about him.

Family oriented man

Happily married to Shauna Hoffman, Todd has described himself as a family man on several occasions. Father of two children, a son, Hunter and a daughter, Hudson, Hoffman says that the few things he can believe in, include himself, his family and God. His son, Hunter Hoffman is one of the youngest cast members of Gold Rush.

Still owns an airport

Hoffman owns an airport in Sandy, Oregon, where he has been renting out spaces for private jets for many years and is still the sole owner. His airline business slowed down a great deal during the financial crisis, and he moved to mine for gold.

Was a college athlete

Todd used to play basketball in his college and was really good at it.

Followed his father

His father, Jack Hoffman used to mine for gold during the 1980s for adventure. Todd was inspired by his father after the decline of his aviation business. Now, Jack has joined his son and grandson on Gold Rush.

Is a good singer

Hoffman’s breathtaking cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s 1964 song, Sound of Silence, has collected over 5 million views on YouTube. Additionally, he has released a cover of Elton John’s Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me, and Collective Soul’s The World I Know.

Proud of his beard

When Gold Rush first started, Hoffman had just a goatee. But today, he has a much longer and fuller beard. He says the longer his beard gets, prouder he becomes and to the beard lovers, he suggests they use coconut oil to grow a nice beard.