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What Is Dave Hester Doing Now - A Look At The 'Storage Wars' Figure

Dave & Buster's | EMJ Construction

Jul 03, 2025
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Dave & Buster's | EMJ Construction

For many who enjoy watching the excitement of storage unit auctions, the name Dave Hester certainly brings a lot of memories to mind. He is, you know, a pretty well-known character from that show, "Storage Wars," and his presence on screen was, in a way, quite distinctive. There's been a lot of talk and, actually, some curiosity about what he's been up to, especially after some rather public ups and downs, including a significant health event. People often wonder where he stands today, after stepping back and then coming back to the public eye.

It's interesting, really, to consider the path someone takes when they become a recognizable face on television, particularly in a world that, you know, can be quite unpredictable, like the one portrayed on "Storage Wars." Dave Hester, for quite a while, was a central figure, someone you either loved to watch or, well, perhaps loved to dislike a little bit, given his style. His journey has included some big changes, and fans, in fact, have kept a close watch on his activities, trying to figure out what his daily life looks like now and if he's still involved in the world of auctions.

So, we're going to take a closer look at what Dave Hester has been doing lately. We'll talk about his return to the show, the health challenges he faced, and, you know, some of the reasons he might have stepped away from the spotlight for a bit. It's a story that, arguably, has a lot of twists and turns, reflecting the often surprising nature of public life and personal choices. We'll also touch on his auction work and, really, what his story means for people who find themselves in the public eye, facing both praise and, at times, some disagreement.

Table of Contents

Dave Hester - A Personal Glimpse

Dave Hester, who many recognize from his time on "Storage Wars," has, you know, a background that's pretty interesting. He grew up in a family connected to the military, which, in a way, might have given him a certain kind of upbringing. He started working at a very young age, which, honestly, isn't too surprising for someone who later became so involved in business. His career in the world of auctions began quite a while ago, back in the 1980s, so he's had a lot of experience in that field. He's originally from a place called Oceanside, and he's currently 60 years old. Early on, he actually worked alongside his father, helping him out with things like garage sales and swap meets. This early exposure to buying and selling, in a way, probably shaped his later pursuits and, you know, helped him develop the sharp eye he became known for on television.

Personal Details & Biodata

Full NameDave Hester
Age60 years old
HometownOceanside
Family BackgroundRaised in a military family
Career StartBegan working at a young age, started in auction industry in the 1980s
Early WorkHelped father with garage sales and swap meets

What is Dave Hester Doing Now After a Health Challenge?

So, a pretty significant event happened in Dave Hester's life back in 2018. He went through a serious health scare, actually, experiencing a stroke. This kind of event, you know, can really change things for a person, and it certainly had an effect on his public presence and his work. After this health challenge, people naturally wondered what he was doing and if he was still involved in the things he was known for. It's important to remember that such a health event often requires a lot of time for recovery and, arguably, can lead to a more private way of life. For a while, he wasn't really seen on the show, and that, you know, just added to the questions about his well-being and his activities.

His absence from "Storage Wars" during seasons 13 through 15 was, in a way, directly connected to these health issues. It's a clear indication that his personal well-being took precedence, as it should. Fans who had followed his story, you know, from the very beginning were naturally curious about his recovery and whether he would ever make a comeback to the screen. The quiet period after his stroke, in some respects, gave him time away from the public eye, allowing him to focus on getting better. This break was, in fact, a necessary step for him, and it left many wondering about his future plans and, honestly, what he might be doing with his time off-screen.

What is Dave Hester Doing Now - His Time Away From the Cameras

Dave Hester was not a part of "Storage Wars" for a few seasons, specifically from season 13 to season 15. This period away from the show was, in a way, a quiet time for him. During this break, he was, you know, doing his own thing off-screen, away from the cameras and the public attention that came with the show. Many people who followed "Storage Wars" were, arguably, quite curious about what he was up to during this time. His decision to step back from the spotlight was, in some respects, a conscious choice to live a more private life, which, you know, is something many people might want after being so publicly known. He had, as a matter of fact, previously left the show and returned, but this particular absence was linked to his health, which, of course, is a very personal matter.

During his time away, there was a lot of talk and, you know, some speculation about what he might be doing. The show, for a lot of people, just wasn't quite the same without him. He had a certain way about him that, honestly, added a unique flavor to the auctions. His break from the show meant that fans didn't see his usual antics or his knack for finding a good deal, or even, you know, his tendency to stir up a bit of a friendly argument with other buyers by driving up the prices. So, the question of what Dave Hester was doing now during that period was a common one among those who followed the program. He was, in fact, focusing on his life outside of the show's structure, pursuing his own interests and, perhaps, just enjoying a bit of quiet.

What is Dave Hester Doing Now - The Return to 'Storage Wars'

So, the big news for fans of "Storage Wars" was, actually, the return of Dave Hester to the show. This comeback was, in a way, quite a surprise for many. After his time away, and especially after his health challenge, seeing him back on screen was a significant moment. For some viewers, this was, you know, truly wonderful news, a welcome sight to have a familiar face back in the mix. For others, his return might have brought back memories of past conflicts or, arguably, his more, shall we say, "troublemaker" ways. But regardless of how individual fans felt, his presence certainly brought a lot of attention back to the program. The shared clip from "Storage Wars" season 16 showed him looking quite happy to be back in the thick of the action, which, you know, is a good sign for someone who has been through a lot.

However, his long-time castmates, such as Rene Nezhoda, Ivy Calvin, and Brandi Passante, didn't seem quite as thrilled about his return. Their reactions in the clip were, in fact, anything but overjoyed. This dynamic is, you know, something that often makes reality television interesting – the genuine interactions and, sometimes, the less than enthusiastic greetings between people who have a history. Dave Hester's return to "Storage Wars" was, arguably, a big deal for the show, bringing back a character who, for better or worse, had a major impact on its early popularity. It really is awesome news across the board, in some respects, because Hester has come back to the program, adding a new layer to the ongoing stories and, you know, the auction battles.

What is Dave Hester Doing Now - The Show's Unscripted Nature and His Claims

There was a time when Dave Hester found himself in a rather public disagreement with the makers of "Storage Wars." He was, actually, let go from the show before season 4, and this happened after he took legal action against the producers. His main claim was that the show wasn't as real as it seemed; he suggested it was, in a way, "scripted." He even went so far as to say that the team behind the show would, you know, put valuable or unusual items into the storage units. The idea was, according to him, to create more excitement and drama for the cameras. This kind of claim, honestly, can really shake things up for a reality program, as viewers often expect what they see to be completely spontaneous and true to life.

His lawsuit and claims about the show being rigged led to his departure. He alleged that items were planted in the storage lockers just for dramatic effect, which, you know, would certainly change how people viewed the "unscripted" nature of the program. The ban from the show came after he filed this lawsuit against the production company. It was a pretty big deal at the time, as it raised questions about the authenticity of what viewers were watching. This whole situation meant that Dave Hester, for a period, was not a part of the "Storage Wars" family, and it, arguably, left many fans wondering about the truth behind the scenes and, of course, what Dave Hester was doing now that he was no longer on the program due to these claims.

What is Dave Hester Doing Now - His Auction Business and Catchphrase

After his departure from "Storage Wars" due to his claims about the show's nature, Dave Hester, you know, didn't just disappear. He actually went on to open his own independent auctioneering and consulting business. This was, in a way, a move that allowed him to step away from the public eye and focus on his professional skills outside of the television format. He had, after all, been in the auction world for a long time, so this was a natural progression for him. This new venture meant he was, in some respects, still very much involved in the business of buying and selling, just not under the scrutiny of reality television cameras. The closure rumors that sometimes pop up about his business are, in fact, often just that – rumors, as he has continued to pursue his own ventures.

One thing Dave Hester was really known for, besides his sharp bidding, was his unique catchphrase: "Yuuup!" He would yell this out during auctions, and it became, arguably, a very recognizable part of his persona. This phrase was so much a part of his identity that he even had it plastered on his vehicle and his clothing, which, you know, just shows how much it became associated with him. Even after getting what some might call a "pink slip" from A&E for pointing out how scripted the show was, hester, in a way, continued to be linked with this phrase. It's interesting how a simple sound can become so iconic for a public figure, and it, actually, remains a memorable part of his history for many people who watched the show. So, his auction business and that famous sound are, in fact, still very much a part of what Dave Hester is doing now.

What is Dave Hester Doing Now - How Did He Become Known for Auctions?

Dave Hester's connection to the world of auctions goes way back, long before he became a familiar face on "Storage Wars." His start in the auction business was, in a way, quite early in his life, beginning in the 1980s. He initially got his feet wet by helping his father with garage sales and swap meets, which, you know, is a pretty hands-on way to learn about buying and selling. This early experience gave him a strong foundation and, arguably, helped him develop the keen eye and quick thinking needed for auctions. He was, in fact, known for being particularly good at getting a solid deal, a skill that later made him a formidable presence on the show. This background is, honestly, a big part of what shaped his public persona and his approach to the storage unit auctions.

He was, in some respects, the resident "troublemaker" on "Storage Wars," but this reputation often came from his aggressive bidding style and his willingness to, you know, start a bit of a friendly fight with other buyers by driving up prices. No one was, arguably, better at securing a good deal or, indeed, at creating a bit of drama in the process. His long history in the auction industry meant he brought a lot of genuine experience to the show, which, you know, probably contributed to his popularity. Even when he was playing the role of a villain on "Storage Wars," he was adored by his fans on social media, which is, in a way, quite interesting. So, his early life and long career in auctions are a fundamental part of understanding what Dave Hester is doing now and how he became such a recognizable figure.

What is Dave Hester Doing Now - The Impact of His Comeback

The return of Dave Hester to "Storage Wars" for season 16 was, arguably, a big moment for the program. It brought back a character who, for many, was central to the show's early appeal. His comeback, after a period of absence and a significant health event, added a new layer of interest and, you know, some fresh drama to the series. For fans, seeing the "Storage Wars" villain back on A&E after his stroke was, in fact, quite a shocking development. It meant that the show's dynamic, which had changed somewhat in his absence, would now have to adjust to his presence once more. The idea of him being back in action, even if his castmates weren't entirely thrilled, created a lot of buzz and, honestly, made people want to tune in to see what would happen next.

His return means a lot for the show's ongoing story. It brings back that unique kind of tension and competition that he was so good at creating. "Storage Wars" just wouldn't be, in a way, quite the same without Dave Hester, and his comeback signals a renewed energy for the program. It's a reminder of how important certain personalities are to reality television. So, for those who have been wondering what Dave Hester is doing now, his return to the screen answers a big part of that question, showing that he's back in the thick of the auction world, still making waves and, arguably, still stirring things up in his own distinct way. His journey, from a health scare to a legal battle and then back to the show, is, in some respects, a testament to his resilience and his lasting appeal to a segment of the viewing public.

This article has covered what Dave Hester is doing now, from his health challenge in 2018 to his return to "Storage Wars" in season 16. We looked at his time away from the show, including his claims that the program was scripted, which led to his temporary departure. We also explored his independent auctioneering and consulting business, his famous "Yuuup!" catchphrase, and his long history in the auction world, which began in the 1980s. Finally, we touched on the impact of his comeback on the show and his castmates.

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