Danny Koker has built a successful empire with *Counting Cars*, but not every ride has been smooth.

Some employees didn’t just leave; they were shown the door for reasons that shocked even longtime fans.

From shady dealings to major letdowns, Danny finally breaks his silence on the five worst team members to ever walk through his garage doors.

Let’s dive into this intriguing behind-the-scenes drama!

Danny Koker was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but spent most of his childhood in Detroit, Michigan, a city renowned as the heart of the American car industry.

Growing up in Detroit meant that cars were part of everyday life, with muscle cars roaring down the streets and car shows happening frequently.

For Danny, this environment wasn’t just background noise; it shaped his passion for automobiles.

His father, Danny Koker Sr., had a significant impact on his life.

A talented musician who toured with famous groups like the Cathedral Quartet, his father also shared a love for cars, which he passed down to Danny at an early age.

As a teenager, Danny spent most of his free time around cars, getting his hands dirty under the hood and fixing up old vehicles.

While other kids were focused on video games or sports, Danny was all about classic rides.

His love for old-school muscle cars, choppers, and hot rods only grew stronger over the years.

Little did he know that his biggest break would come from the most unexpected place.

In the early 1990s, Danny moved to Las Vegas, where he became a local TV personality known as “Count Cool Rider.”

This late-night horror movie segment, where Danny dressed like a rock ‘n’ roll vampire, made him a small cult icon in Vegas.

But while *Count Cool Rider* got laughs, Danny never stepped away from cars.

He started a custom shop called Count’s Customs, initially to take care of his personal collection.

Over time, people began to notice his one-of-a-kind builds.

Danny didn’t just restore cars; he transformed them, blending respect for the classics with bold, rebellious touches.

Flame paint jobs, low-slung stances, and roaring engines became part of his signature style.

Word spread quickly in the Vegas scene, attracting celebrities, collectors, and car lovers who hoped to get a piece of Danny’s magic.

He was a true gearhead who never followed trends; he created his own rules.

Danny’s big TV break came thanks to the hit show *Pawn Stars*.

Since Count’s Customs was located near the famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Danny began appearing as an expert on cars and motorcycles.

His knowledge, charm, and no-nonsense style made him a fan favorite.

Producers noticed how much viewers liked Danny, leading to the idea for a spinoff.

In 2012, *Counting Cars* made its debut on the History Channel.

The show followed Danny and his team at Count’s Customs as they restored and customized old vehicles.

From the very first episode, *Counting Cars* stood out, showcasing genuine passion without relying on fake drama or forced storylines.

Viewers connected with the creativity, personalities, and camaraderie in the shop.

Danny treated his team like family, making each episode feel like a day hanging out in the garage with close friends.

By the third season, *Counting Cars* had become one of the most popular automotive shows on TV.

Millions tuned in to see what Danny and his crew would build next.

However, the success of *Counting Cars* came with challenges that would test everything Danny had worked for.

While *Counting Cars* looked smooth on TV, the reality behind the scenes was often far from perfect.

Real car work takes time and can be slow, detailed, and frustrating.

In reality, a full build often takes weeks or even months, but the show condenses it into a thirty-minute episode.

The pressure to deliver quality builds quickly added stress to the team at Count’s Customs.

Danny is serious about quality and does not let sloppy work slide.

If the paint looks off, he sends it back; if the engine sounds strange, it must be checked again.

This high standard adds immense pressure to the crew, who must balance real deadlines with keeping the show entertaining.

As fame grew, so did the challenges within the team.

With the shop becoming a tourist stop, the crew struggled to work in peace amid the noise and interruptions.

Fame also changed how some team members acted, leading to tensions and conflicts that Danny had to manage.

Among the many challenges, Danny faced some significant betrayals from those he trusted most.

One of the biggest shocks came from Joseph Frontiera, the shop’s bookkeeper, who was caught stealing over $75,000.

He used company funds for personal expenses and even forged Danny’s signature.

When the theft was discovered, Danny took legal action, filing a lawsuit against Joseph and the staffing agency that placed him.

This betrayal left a lasting impact on Count’s Customs, forcing Danny to tighten financial controls and be more cautious about who he trusted.

Another notable figure was Scott Jones, the shop manager, whose strong personality often clashed with Danny’s creative vision.

Scott’s departure after season two raised eyebrows, but it turned out he left for family reasons, wanting to be closer to his loved ones.

Roly Sabo, a fan favorite and lead detailer, also vanished amid whispers of missing equipment, leaving fans shocked and saddened by his abrupt exit.

Shannon Aikau, the talented motorcycle builder, quietly stepped away due to creative differences, preferring to focus on his craft rather than the drama of reality TV.

Finally, Mike Henry, known as Horny Mike, eventually shifted his focus to his own brand, Horny Mike Designs, after feeling the pressure of tight production deadlines.

From embezzlers to artists seeking space, these former employees shaped *Counting Cars* in ways fans won’t forget.

Some exits were messy, others quiet, but all left a mark on the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8biu-dqHnug

As Danny Koker continues to navigate the world of custom cars and reality TV, fans remain intrigued by the behind-the-scenes stories that reveal the true challenges of running a successful business.

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