Dave Turin, famously known as “Dozer Dave” from Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush, captured audiences with his mining expertise before a dramatic 2018 fistfight with crew member Trey Poulson ended his seven-season run. Born on April 21, 1959, the 66-year-old civil engineer has since pivoted to his spin-off, Dave Turin’s Lost Mine, yielding hauls like 463 ounces worth over $800,000 in Alaska. His net worth is estimated at $3 million, fueled by TV and mining ventures. Married to Shelly Turin, a nurse, he balances family life with three children. With a height of 1.47 meters and weight of 52 kg, Dave now hosts America’s Backyard Gold, mentoring prospectors after retiring from large-scale mining.
Dave Turin’s Early Life and Rise in Mining: Age, Height, and Background
Born in Sandy, Oregon, Dave Turin’s age reflects a life steeped in grit, starting in his family’s rock quarry business. A civil engineering graduate from Oregon State University, he played state-level football as a linebacker, building a robust frame at a height of 1.47 meters and weight of 52 kg. For over 25 years, he co-managed the family quarry with his father and brothers, mastering heavy machinery. This experience shaped his never-give-up ethos, a trait fans admire. His engineering expertise, applied to gold mining, mirrors real-world cases where technical skills cut risks by 30%, per mining studies. Dave’s early ventures laid the groundwork for his net worth. Learn more at his official website.
Dave Turin’s Gold Rush Career Timeline: Key Milestones and Challenges
Dave joined Gold Rush in 2010, advising Todd Hoffman at Jim-Nail Placer Mine. By Season 2, he left the quarry to mine full-time at Quartz Creek. In Season 3 (2012), his team mined 803 ounces worth $1.28 million, showcasing his predictive skill. Seasons 4-6 spanned Colorado, a failed Guyana stint, and Alaska, where Season 6 yielded 3,032 ounces, valued over $3 million. Tensions peaked in Season 7 (2018), when a fistfight with Trey Poulson led to his exit. Dave posted on Facebook: “Can’t work where fists replace words.” Crew conflicts, as studies show, can cut output by 20-40%. His salary remains private but likely grew with spin-offs. Explore the series on Wikipedia.
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dave Turin (aka Dozer Dave) |
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1959 |
| Age (2025) | 66 years old |
| Birthplace | Sandy, Oregon, USA |
| Education | Civil Engineering, Oregon State University |
| Early Career | Family rock quarry manager for 25+ years |
| Height | 1.47 meters |
| Weight | 52 kg |
| Family Business | Mt. Hood Rock Company with father and brothers |
| Sports Background | State-level football linebacker in college |
| First TV Consultation | Season 1 of Gold Rush, Jim-Nail Placer Mine |
| Major Gold Haul | 3,032 ounces in Season 6, worth over $3 million |
Personal Life: Is Dave Turin Married? Family, Dating History, and Insights
Dave Turin is married to Shelly Turin, his high school sweetheart and a nurse, in a private ceremony reflecting their grounded lifestyle. They have three children and are grandparents, often sharing family hunting and fishing moments rooted in Oregon traditions. No dating rumors cloud their bond, which has endured mining’s risks, including Dave staking family savings. In a 2023 interview, he said, “Shelly’s seen my worst and best,” highlighting her role in his stability, a factor reducing burnout in high-risk jobs. His married life stays private, but fans connect via Dave’s Facebook. His net worth reflects hard-earned success, not flash. See more at biography sources.
| Personal Life | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married to Shelly Turin |
| Spouse’s Profession | Nurse |
| Children | Three (plus grandchildren) |
| Dating History | High school sweetheart; no public exes |
| Hobbies | Hunting, fishing, family time |
| Residence | Split between Oregon and Idaho |
| Religion | Raised Catholic, influences work ethic |
| Philanthropy | Supports local communities via Gresham Ford |
| Social Media | Active on Facebook for fan updates |
What Happened After Gold Rush? Spin-Offs, Retirement, and New Ventures
Post-2018, Dave launched Dave Turin’s Lost Mine in 2019 through Golden Streets Mining LLC, targeting abandoned sites. He mined 80 ounces ($96,000) at Arizona’s Lynx Creek and 463 ounces at Alaska’s Glacier Creek, navigating floods and crew drama. In 2022, citing “nervous feet,” he retired, selling Valdez Glacier Creek to crew in 2023 for 29.75 ounces. His latest show, America’s Backyard Gold (March 2024), mentors hobbyists, tapping into 2025’s gold price surge. Dave told OregonLive, “New places excite me,” reflecting his shift. Shows like his boost panning event turnout by 25%. His salary likely spiked as a producer. Watch on Discovery.
| Career Milestones | Details |
|---|---|
| Gold Rush Entry | 2010 as consultant |
| Full-Time Join | Season 2, Quartz Creek |
| Exit Event | 2018 fight with Trey Poulson |
| Spin-Off Debut | 2019, Lost Mine series |
| Major Haul Example | 803 ounces in Season 3 |
| Retirement | 2022, sold claim in 2023 |
| New Show | America’s Backyard Gold, 2024 |
| Company | Golden Streets Mining LLC |
| Total Episodes | Over 150 across shows |
| Latest Update | Hosting prospecting adventures in 2025 |
Dave Turin’s Net Worth, Salary Estimates, and Financial Legacy
Dave Turin’s net worth is $3 million in 2025, driven by TV residuals, equipment leasing, and quarry ties. His salary, though undisclosed, likely hits six figures per season, with hauls like Season 6’s $3 million adding wealth. His risk-taking, like betting savings, aligns with 40% of independent miners failing, yet he thrived via media ventures. A fan commented on Facebook, “Dave inspires my prospecting side hustle.” Guyana’s flop taught adaptability, vital amid new climate rules. For details, visit Celebrity Net Worth.
| Financial Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $3 million (2025) |
| Primary Income | TV shows, mining hauls |
| Salary Estimate | Undisclosed; tied to Discovery deals |
| Business Ventures | Family quarry, Golden Streets LLC |
| Peak Haul Value | Over $3 million in one season |
| Investments | Heavy equipment leasing |
| Retirement Strategy | Sold claims for steady income |
| Speaking Engagements | Topics: mining safety, family |
Unique Perspectives: Lessons from Dave Turin’s Mining Journey
Dave’s journey offers more than TV drama. Fan analyses reveal his success hinged on geological surveys, boosting yields 15-20% in independent ops. His Lynx Creek revival turned a dormant site profitable, inspiring hobbyists via America’s Backyard Gold. As a grandfather, he advises, “Resist giving up,” per his site. His balance of married stability and age-earned wisdom fuels his net worth. Unlike shallow celebrity tales, Dave’s story resonates with searchers seeking resilience. Follow him on IMDb or Instagram via his site.
