Dave Hester Biography: Parents, Age, Son, Net Worth, Height, Wife, Auctions, Instagram, Family

David Hester, also known as Dave Hester, is a prominent American auction hunter, reality television personality, businessman, and auctioneer best known as “The Mogul” on A&E’s long-running series Storage Wars. Famous for his booming “Yuuuup!” catchphrase and aggressive bidding style, he built a reputation as one of the show’s most memorable and controversial buyers.

Through decades in the auction business, owning consignment stores and his own auction house, plus television appearances, he has turned treasure hunting into a lucrative career while sharing his no-nonsense approach to buying and selling.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: David Hester
• Stage Name: Dave Hester
• Born: July 23, 1964
• Age: 61 years old
• Birthplace: Oceanside, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Reality Star, Auctioneer, Businessman, Auction Hunter
• Height: 1.75 m
• Parents: Mr. Hester and Mrs. Hester
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Donna Hester
• Children: Dave Hester Jr.
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $4 million USD

Early Life and Education

Dave Hester was born on July 23, 1964, at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base near Oceanside, California, United States.

Brought up by his parents Mr. Hester, a Marine Corps lifer who served in Vietnam, and Mrs. Hester in a military family that supplemented income by buying and selling tools, antiques, and collectibles at auctions, estate sales, and garage sales.

His mother was born in Mexico and his father was of German and Irish descent. From a young age Dave helped the family business and began attending auctions himself at age 14, buying tools and machinery to resell near military bases.

His formal education details are limited as he gained practical knowledge through hands-on experience in the auction industry. He has no siblings.

His ethnicity is Mixed (German, Irish, and Mexican descent). His religion is Christianity.

Career

Dave Hester began his professional path early by working in his family’s buying and selling operations.

In the 1990s he became a bonded auctioneer in California and owned businesses including Newport Consignment Gallery and Rags to Riches thrift store, which he later closed to focus on Dave Hester Auctions in Costa Mesa.

He gained national fame in 2010 as a main cast member on Storage Wars, where his dominant bidding style and signature “Yuuuup!” made him a fan favorite and frequent antagonist.

He appeared in seasons 1 through 3, returned after a lawsuit in season 5, and came back again for season 16 in 2025.

Known for driving up prices and his business acumen, Dave has attended dozens of auctions weekly, hauling items with his fleet of trucks.

He has also appeared in minor acting roles and continues operating his auction house while serving as an auctioneer and consultant for storage facilities and estate sales.

Despite controversies including a lawsuit against A&E claiming the show was staged and health challenges like a stroke in 2018, he has rebuilt and remains active in the industry.

His honest, competitive approach to treasure hunting has inspired many while cementing his legacy as one of Storage Wars’ most iconic figures.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @davehester

Personal Life

Dave Hester, 61 years old, keeps most details of his current relationship status private with no publicly confirmed spouse as of 2026.

He was previously married to Donna Hester and shares a son, Dave Hester Jr., who has occasionally appeared on the show assisting with inventory and auctions.

Dave became a grandfather in 2025 when his son welcomed a baby boy. He values family time and has spoken about his close bond with his mother and son while protecting their privacy. No other past relationships are widely detailed publicly.

Net Worth

Dave Hester’s net worth is estimated at $4 million USD.

His income primarily comes from his long-running auction business and Dave Hester Auctions, reality television appearances and salary from Storage Wars, consignment and thrift store operations, auctioneering services for estates and storage facilities, brand collaborations, and merchandise tied to his “Yuuuup!” persona.