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‘Gold Rush’ Star Rick Ness Discusses Being an Outsider in Cutthroat Gold Industry

“Gold Rush” star Rick Ness started off on the show as an outsider in the gold mining world. But with his sheer will and grit, he fought to claim his place in the industry and is now leading his own team. In an exclusive interview with Outsider, the reality star discussed his early days on the show and how he clawed his way up the ranks.

Those first few seasons were a grind for Ness. At times, he felt a bit like he was in over his head. And, he admits, he’s made a few mistakes over the years. A former musician, Ness got his start on the show with very little experience of the industry. However, he did have some knowledge of heavy machinery from working at his family’s construction company

“It was a bit like getting thrown to the wolves,” Ness told Outsider. “On ‘Gold Rush’ that year, how it was shone, it was pretty bad. I made a lot of mistakes. And it was very apparent that I had a lot to learn.”

Rick Ness: Devoting Himself Entirely to the Gold Rush

Since getting his start during the third season, Ness has steadily risen through the ranks. These days the reality star has his own team and stake, looking for that elusive gold. Ness said he went on the show with the intention of learning as much as possible.

“Honestly, I guess when I decide to do something, pretty much I’m either all in or I’m all out,” Ness said. “That’s how I’ve always been. When I decided that this is something I want to do, I just put myself all in on it.”

Part of pouring all he has into the gold industry included seeking guidance. Ness said he learned a lot working for foremen like Gene Cheeseman. Even though he’s now the boss of his own team, Ness said he’s still learning on the job. Every season brings new lessons and its fair share of challenges as well.

“The following year after my first year, I got really lucky and I got to learn from Gene Cheeseman,” Ness said. “Parker [Schnabel] brought him on as his foreman. Gene turned out to be one of the best guys I’ve ever met in my life. And I just really put my head down, tried to learn everything I possibly could, and stay that way. And I guess if I’m being honest, I’m still that way. I’m still learning every day.”