If you recognize Rich Pyle, it is probably from the chaos. The shouting matches. The wild customers. The moments where everything felt one step away from spiraling out of control. On the hit truTV series “Hardcore Pawn”, Rich was the calm in the middle of it all.

“My job was to keep the madness from going off the rails,” he said. “And believe me, there was a lot you didn’t see. Maybe 2 percent of what we filmed actually made it on TV.”

For 25 years, Rich was the general manager at American Jewelry and Loan. The pressure was constant, the stakes were real and the line between entertainment and reality was often razor thin.

“I dealt with a lot on and off camera,” he said. “But I love new adventures. That experience opened a lot of doors.”

Born at Wyandotte Hospital and raised Downriver, Rich’s story is grounded in something deeper than television. His early years in Southgate, Taylor and Wyandotte shaped a mindset built on loyalty, toughness and community. He’s been in Woodhaven since 1999, drawn by the same values that defined his upbringing.

“Being Downriver means something,” Rich said. “We look out for each other. We support each other. That’s how I was raised.”

When his time on “Hardcore Pawn” ended, Rich moved forward. With the support of his wife Tracey, he launched a national meet and greet tour, visiting pawn shops across the country.

“That’s one of my favorite things,” he said. “Getting out there, connecting with people, hearing their stories.”

His adventurousness led to hosting the reality show “Meltdown on National Geographic”, where Rich led urban prospectors searching for valuable metals in scrapyards and overlooked places.

“They came to me because of my background in metals and negotiation,” he said. “One of my favorite experiences was meeting Waldo Stakes, a guy with a rocket in his front yard. Just incredible.”

Away from the cameras, Rich has always been a musician.

“God made me a drummer because I can’t sing,” he joked.

“I’ve played in several bands and I’m now performing Southern rock with Daniel Harrison and the $2 Highway. I love it.”

Rich has also found another outlet in the rapidly growing world of cornhole. What started as casual games at the campground turned into a national platform through ACO’s “Hole Nation” TV show, where he travels the country covering tournaments and telling players’ stories.

“I got hooked on it,” he said. “The people, the competition, the community. I get to meet incredible people. That’s what it’s all about.”

Through it all, Rich remains rooted in Woodhaven, where life revolves around family, friendships and music.

“There are so many great people in Michigan, I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else,” he said.

From pawn shops to national television, from music stages to cornhole tournaments, Rich Pyle is always open to embracing whatever comes next, such as his upcoming series and documentary with 42 Jade Productions.

“I have always believed in saying yes to the next opportunity,” he said. “You never know where it’s going to take you.”

Catch Rich June 12-13 at his annual Red, White and Blue Collar Fest cornhole tournament in Mio, Michigan.