Gold Rush’s Parker Schnabel has a lot to celebrate this season. As we grab our Miller Lites and prepare to park ourselves on the couch for the three-hour season finale event of Gold Rush (beginning tonight at 8pmET/7pmCT), there are a few things we tried to get answers on from the 21-year-old mining master himself. We got 10 minutes with Gold Rush’s Parker Schnabel who gave us the real dirt on things like his relationship with Todd Hoffman, his respect for Rick Ness and how he enjoyed the offseason (yeah, we’re jealous!).
The evening begins with The Dirt at 8pmET/7pmCT. The filming of that episode was actually the first time Parker, Todd and Tony Beets got together all season.
“It was interesting,” Schnabel says. “For me, I thought it was just a friendly competition between Todd and I. But the one thing for me, personally, that I took away from sitting down with Todd and Tony on The Dirt is that Todd really doesn’t like me, which I’m not sure if that means I’ve done something right or done something wrong. He has a very personal dislike for me. I don’t know if I should go so far as to say hatred but it borderlines on that.”
So what exactly is Hoffman’s beef? Parker doesn’t know and doesn’t really care. “I didn’t ask him but it seems like a pretty extreme stance on his part but that’s fine — to each his own, right?” This could be the end of their rivalry, however, if the Hoffmans decide not to return to the Klondike next year. For Parker, whatever they decide, it doesn’t bother him a bit. “They can do whatever they want.”
SNEAK PEEK “GOLD RUSH” SEASON FINALE
But Parker’s story really isn’t about this inflated rivalry with Todd — his story is rising from the ashes with no team and no foreman and finding success. “Gene [Cheeseman] leaving was a bit of an interesting thing. This time last year I was kind of a mess. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I didn’t know what to try and do without him,” Schnabel tells. “I was looking at just bringing in someone else who had a lot of experience and I started thinking about it, and then I thought, ‘Well no, I’ve got myself and Rick Ness.’ Rick is an amazing foreman. He’s a great guy and he wanted more responsibility, and I decided why not trust somebody I’ve worked with for several years — it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. He did a great job. Rick’s a great guy —very good worker, very smart and dedicated. The thing about Gene leaving, is that it gave us kind of our imagination back — to be able to try new things and change things up, bringing those conveyors onboard and Goldzilla and the way we got set up was a very unique setup. It’s combining a lot of different ideas that people have to move dirt and sluice different ground. Once we got that established, we saved and made a pile of money.”
Speaking of piles of money, we tried to get some insight on just how much these guys net in this profession but didn’t get too far. “Well, you’re not going to get a straight answer from any gold miner to that question,” Schnabel says. “Up to this point, I’m working on building some new equipment, and all the money we made has been put back into equipment and looking for ground and put it back in the company, in those ways.”
Our remaining few minutes were focused on getting answers for fans:
Question from fan John Kranich:
Everyone knows where you are and that you are storing jars of gold, so how does security play into all of that? Is that in the back of your mind?
No, it doesn’t worry me at all. I have a big safe and a big shotgun.
Question from fan WillieO:
What do you do when you’re not mining?
This winter I spent a month and a half — well not quite, about five weeks — between Australia and New Zealand.
Awesome! Doing what?
In Australia, pretty much lying on a beach drinking Corona. In New Zealand I went to look at a bunch of gold mines, actually.
Would you ever consider that?
I’d consider it in the wintertime — our winter is their summer so I’d consider going over there, but that wasn’t the purpose of the mission. It was really to see how they do things and how they move dirt.
Question from fan AnnieL:
What did Grandpa John have to say about your season?
He was stoked. Actually, we were just down for his birthday on Feb. 13; we had a great time. He’s 96 now.
Question from fan Jimmy:
When you are mining, what do you pack for your lunch every day?
It depends on the day. Bailey our cook usually makes me a lunch. Probably the best is when we have prime rib leftovers, we’ll have prime rib sandwiches. … There used to be a lot of real unhealthy things that I’d eat, but I tried to get away from that because it’s not very good for you — sugary stuff. I try to eat a little more healthy. A banana, a good roast beef or prime rib sandwich. I’m not a picky eater — if anything, it’s just a pain in the ass.
Are you committed to coming back next year?
Well officially Gold Rush hasn’t been picked up for Season 7 [yet], but the show is doing well so hopefully if the powers that be think that we’re adding something, the show will get picked back up and we’ll be back at it. I’ll be mining either way.
If you got to cherry pick anybody to be on your team and money was not an object, who are five people you would pick?
I’d pick the group of guys I got right now. If they would stick with me.
Question from fan John Kranich:
Do you get a lot of comments that you look like Kylo Ren, the villain in Star Wars: The Force Awakens [played by Adam Driver]?
I get a lot of people who will send me a message on Facebook or Twitter, “Oh I look like you.” and it’s like a white guy with brown hair and a big nose, and it’s not that hard to replicate. There’s a lot of us around.
Way to go Parker, I don’t know you from a blade of grass, but I love the show. Sorry to hear about your beloved Grandpa dying, I really liked seeing him on the show and he was just so proud of his Grandson. You were his delight, and obviously made him very happy in the last years of his long life. Way to go Parker. What ever happens in your life no one can take that love and happiness that you shared away from you….. ever. God bless you all in this troubling time of your lives.
A fan from New Zealand.
Dear Parker
I have grown up without a father, suffered a stroke after a 40 year career.. I watch your show religiously for one reason – and it is NOT the gold, though that IS interesting. It is to catch the glimpses of you with your grandfather. Such love in family I was never lucky enough to have. You are rich beyond imagining without the gold, because the love you grew up with will make you a very successful man. The gold may come and go, but the love you shared, especially with your Grandfather, will make you the best man you can be. My condolences on your Grandad’s passing. I thank you for allowing us to witness the kind of love we should all aim for. Amazing how unafraid your Grandad was at his passing … because he shared a closeness with you and others in his life, he knew he was blessed and so now you are blessed also.
Now, go and get that gold knowing your Grandad is with you each step of the way.
What a life already for such a young man. Can’t wait to see what is in store for you next.
If you need a replacement grandfather, please add me to your list (though I know no one could replace your real one).
Blessings
Rich
I have been watching gold rush and I love this program. I think Parker is so cute. Does he have a girlfriend? I hope this program lasts a long time.
Sorry about ur grandfather and he was grand my son went to heavy equipment school because he won’t to work with Parker
Parker
You have a great team. Did you ever consider forming up a Corporation and bringing in key members of your team as part owners of the Corporation. Money they would earn from end of the season bonus or portion of would get set aside for their share of the Corp. This would give everyone more to work for and create even more team spirit.
Just a thought on how to get everyone more involved in Team Parker.
PS My heart and prayers go out to you in the loss of Grandpa Schnable. He will be missed but not forgotten
i very much like the show i hope you all come back thank you for your time
Team parker all the way. I’m so glad you did gold rush you inspire alot of our generation including myself to work hard. All the best for season 7 lad from the UK
Its been a joy to watch Parker mature and develope into a great hard working guy over the seasons. Your grandpa taught you well. You derserve all the luck in the world. I cant wait for the next season to see you develope even more. Good luck to you Parker
LETS ADMIRE THE YOUNG MAN, PARKER HE WORKS HARD AND WITH DETERMINATION HE STILL LEARNING AND IT IS OPEN TO TAKE RISK EVERYBODY HAS TO GROW AT THEIR OWN PACE SO GET OFF HIS BACK….
Parker I see the way you look at your precious grandfather, you are blessed & you know you are to have this wonderful & wise man. I love to see you two share your love. I know you will continue to do well & continue to develop into a really awesome manager. I like your fortitude!! Your crew, served you well. Glad you have a few “fun times” for the stress relief. I loved watching the hard efforts. Hug your darling granddad from a fan. God Bless you & your family & extended family.
Great job Parker. Todd You need to grow up and stop bashing the young kid. Jealousy will get you no where
Good job Parker keep it up.
Todd no brians, money to burn. save equipment ,don’t get piss out an dozzer ,save and sell.good job.keep working to the age of 65+ss
Parker you had a great season you have one hell of a crew my suggestion to you is treat them as a team and family and you would get a lot more respect from your crew. I’m so glad that you beat Todd Hoffman. Hopefully there will be a season 7 & I wish you a lot of luck. From a fan from Maryland. My email address is baby pony 1030 @ gmail.com please email me if they’re going to be a season 7 Thanks Melissa Cordell
Parker you self-obsessed pussy. The difference between you and Todd is that you have NEVER had a real job, just grandpa’s money to fuck around with. Todd and the others risk EVERYTHING , as they must invest their hard earned to play the game. Thank your grandfather for allowing you to be the prick you are, little man.
That’s pretty harsh. And even if his grandpa did pay for things, if you watched the show his grandpa is proud of him. He’s so happy to have someone to take over the business he started. He works hard to keep it running and pushes to make him proud.
You obviously don’t know the background of Parker. He started working at a very young age. I believe he actually started when he was out of diapers, that’s when Grandpa told him he could start working with him. And he worked his ass off since he was a little boy. Did he get some help, sure. But what he’s accomplished he has done on his own. Grandpa guides Him and gives advice, but Parker makes his own decisions. And can I point out the fact that Todd has never beat Parker, and probably never will. And you will notice, Todd has three times the staff that Parker has and still cannot get the job done. So before you bash someone for being so successful at such a young age, gets your facts straight as you clearly don’t know Parker’s background.
Touche
PARKERWhat your Grandfather gave you is the capability to tuurn yourself into a man his fibanicial aid may have helped but his wisdom and advice made you go from Boy to Man I u sed to teach Juniors and Seniors how to run heavy equipment I had a total of 70 students plus an adult class if a third of my students were as mature as you in the beginning ort h e end of thier senior year I would h ave been very proud. Maybe some day we can meet sincerely Scot
I love when Parker & grandpa see each other It’s so full of love in grandpas voice and smile Keep up the good work Parker you’ve made G’pa happy
I will call that ENVY ASSHOLE YOU WISH TO BE IN PARKER SHOES AT HIS AGE AND THAT IS TODD PROBLEM AND YOURS TOO PRICK.
He doesn’t use his grandparents money he used his college fund to do his first season alone so he did risk it all as well. He’s just a better miner than Todd. He grew up around mining his entire life of course he’s gonna have more experience. You can like Todd without being a prick. Do you not watch the entire show? If you did you would know that he used his own money and paid his own way since leaving big nugget 3 years ago.
DO NOT BE SO IGNORANT….YOU SEE HOW HARD THEY ALL WORK AVERY CREW ….
What gives you the right to slap Parker down for his hard work. Bet you wouldnt last five minutes in his job. With your attitude you wouldnt get anyone to work with you. And who could possible be proud of you.
Wow, really? He is a successful 21 year old doing a much harder job than I ever did at his age; money does not buy you the amount of determination and hard work he put in…it might make things easier, but do not fault him for having resources such as his wonderful grandfather and yes of course capital. Be inspired and happy for the guy. Just think what other 21 years old’s not going to college (I am making an assumption yes) are doing. McDuggles? Staying at home playing video games after high school? Drugs? Not sure, I was not there…but from what I have seen, he has done very well…more leadership than I have seen. He made his grandfather cry with pride…respect him and him family. Parker, be respectful of others, but also know when to push people to be their best.
You must be Todd Hoffmans friend !!
Sounds like a whole lot of jealousy there Jeff. I would like to watch you try…try to do half as good a job as Parker. Parker sometimes has trouble with managing his people but he is slowly getting better and realizing the error of his ways. The way you come across Jeff, you would have NO crew…so quit being jealous and make your own way in this big old world because time is a wasting…chop chop!
Your a dick ! You must be related to Todd the LOOSER at G/R
Parker, when you get tired of hiring kids, hire me. I’ve been to the deepest parts of life and death. Fairly certain my grandpa would have worked with yours.
Hey, you obsessed jagoffs… it is a television show. A rivalry tends to push everyone to do more than before rather than just rest and do some arbitrary amount and be satisfied, you try to beat your competition.
Seems like some of you idiots don’t get how competition works. These are small operations.
Rio Tinto Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon Mine outside of Salt Lake City is pulling 400,000 ounces of gold out of the ground per year and they are actually a copper mine!
To Parker “the schnab”.yo ugly kid.you had a goal and then then goal is we can beat Todd Hoffman .are you obsessed with this bearded jerk Todd slothman.?please stick to your goal forget that jerk and the other bearded idiot tony”bleeps”.blow him off get your OWN dirt,be yourOWN man,you will achieve more on your OWN land and yourOWN land
Todd Hoffman you’re a big dud you cost your crew one claim ,you did NOT pay the lease on it and fed hurt scooped it up.you set a goal and two shows later your goal is oh we gotta beat Parker the “schnab”.go to Oregon and don’t come back .you jerk.or walk out in the tundra and let it be.
YES HE IS TOO RIDICULOUS…
Agreeed
Agree, damn fingers
Parker, everyone I know is so happy for you and glad that “beating Todd” is not your driving force. It has made him ugly making references how he wishes bad on you or how he wants to “win”
You are the King of the Gold because of your attitude Parker! Your strong family ties is a Blessing of strength!