Ep 10. Ashley in Charge

In the ninth season of Hardcore Pawn, we see how the owners of one of the largest pawn shops in Detroit, the Gold Family, tackle the challenges of keeping their business afloat. In episode 10 titled "Ashley in Charge," we see how Ashley Gold, the daughter of the family, puts her managerial skills to the test while her father, Les Gold, is away for a business trip.

The episode begins with Ashley taking charge of the shop and finding out that one of her employees has been using company time to work on his side hustles. She deals with his tardiness and lack of dedication in her own way by giving him an ultimatum: pick between working for the shop or pursuing his passion. This confrontation sets the tone for the episode, where Ashley takes over as the authority figure in the absence of her father.

Throughout the show, we see Ashley haggling with customers who are looking to pawn their items for quick cash. She also deals with a range of items, from a pinball machine to a luxury watch. In one scene, Ashley makes an impulsive bet on a game of pool with a customer. The customer challenges her to a game, with the wager being a pair of diamond earrings. Ashley's competitive side comes out as she gives it her all to win the game, but it remains uncertain as to whether she walks away with the earrings or not.

Another significant storyline throughout the episode involves a mother who comes into the shop with her daughter's prom dress for sale. Ashley, who has a soft spot for kids, tries to help the mother out by purchasing the dress and promoting it on social media to find a buyer. The prom dress creates a unique opportunity for Ashley to connect emotionally with the customer and show her that the shop isn't just a place for financial transactions.

Meanwhile, back in the Gold family's office, Seth Gold, Ashley's younger brother, tries to take on the role of mediator between two of his sales associates who have a heated disagreement. He puts his conflict-resolution skills to use by listening to their concerns and trying to come up with a solution that benefits both parties.

Another crucial aspect of the show involves the staff who work alongside Ashley. Krissy and Tressa are two employees who are in charge of regulating the flow of customers who come in and out of the store. They also manage the online sales and communication with customers who reach out to the shop through social media. We see them juggle multiple tasks at once and observe how the dynamic between them and Ashley remains harmonious with her as their leader.

As the episode progresses, Ashley starts to feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of running the shop on her own. She questions her ability to balance everything and wonders if her father would be proud of her efforts. In one scene, she takes a moment to speak with her mother, who reassures her that she is doing a great job and that her father would be proud of her too.

In the end, we see the staff at the Gold family's pawn shop come together in harmony with Ashley as their leader. She proves to herself and to her colleagues that she is capable of stepping up and taking charge when needed. The episode concludes with a heartwarming message from Les Gold, who returns to the shop and congratulates his daughter on a job well done.

In summary, "Ashley in Charge" is an episode that showcases the different aspects that go into running a pawn shop, from managing employees to dealing with customers and their items. It also highlights how leadership can bring a team together and create a harmonious work environment.