If you’ve been hooked on Netflix’s Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure, you’ve probably spotted Shiloh Old popping up in the docuseries. Over at TV Acute, we love digging into the real stories behind the screen, and Shiloh Old—grandson of the legendary Forrest Fenn—is a big part of this wild tale. He’s not just a voice in the treasure hunt saga; he’s a guy who’s faced some crazy fallout from his grandpa’s legacy and turned it into a launchpad for his own success. So, where’s Shiloh Old now? Let’s dive into his journey—from family chaos to business wins and outdoor adventures!
Forrest Fenn, the art dealer who hid a $2 million treasure chest in the Rockies, sparked a global frenzy back in 2010. Shiloh, being his grandson, witnessed the ensuing chaos firsthand. When the treasure was found in 2020, it didn’t just end the hunt—it flipped Shiloh’s life upside down. Today, he’s running a thriving family business, dodging legal headaches, and living his best life outdoors. Curious about how he got here? Stay with me—I have all the details!
Shiloh Old and the Treasure Hunt Fallout
Shiloh Old understood the significance of his grandfather Forrest. The guy built a fortune as an art dealer—some estimate Forrest Fenn’s net worth hit $20 million by the time he passed—and then turned into a real-life treasure mastermind with that chest full of gold. When Forrest announced on June 6, 2020, that someone had found it, Shiloh figured it’d wrap things up nicely. But nope—things got messy fast.
After Forrest died on September 7, 2020, at 90, the treasure-hunting crowd didn’t chill out. Instead, some turned their frustration on the Fenn family, and Shiloh caught the brunt of it. Hunters, who had been searching for clues for years, became enraged and began accusing the family of fabricating the entire event or suggesting that Forrest had dispatched Shiloh to seize the chest when the situation became untenable. Shiloh was floored. “I couldn’t believe how hostile people got,” he said in Gold & Greed. Threatening letters piled up, random folks showed up at his door, and one creep even stalked his sister, thinking she had secret treasure intel. Yikes, right?
Shiloh decided to rectify the situation. Forrest had wanted the finder’s name kept quiet—Jack Stuef, a med student from Michigan, nabbed it in Wyoming—but the craziness forced Shiloh’s hand. In December 2020, he posted on a treasure forum, “Yep, it’s Jack Stuef. Case closed!” He hoped that this action would calm the situation and put an end to the conspiracy theories. Spoiler: it helped, but not everyone bought it. Still, Shiloh stood tall, proving he’s not just Forrest’s grandson—he’s got grit of his own.
Legal Battles? Shiloh Took ‘Em On
Forrest’s treasure hunt didn’t just stir up dreamers—it kicked off a legal mess too. After the chest was found, lawsuits flew at Forrest, with folks claiming he’d tricked them with fake clues. After his passing, Shiloh assumed the role of a representative for the estate and faced significant pressure. People sued over everything, alleging fraud and misleading hints. Although it was a challenging situation, Shiloh managed it expertly.
By mid-2021, judges dismissed most of those cases because they didn’t find the sob stories compelling. Shiloh maintained his composure throughout, and since then, there hasn’t been any significant legal developments. Looks like he’s put that chapter behind him, focusing on bigger and better things. Dealing with that kind of drama takes guts, and Shiloh proved he’s got plenty.
Taking Old Wood LLC to the Top
Shiloh is not merely following in his grandfather’s footsteps—he is forging his own route with the family business, Old Wood LLC. This guy’s got brains and hustle! He kicked off his education at Santa Fe Community College, snagging a General Business degree in 2009 and landing on the dean’s list. He even joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society—fancy stuff! To get some real-world chops, he worked at Santa Fe Helicopters, selling and marketing aircraft. Next, he advanced his education at Texas Tech University, earning a BBA in International Business with high honors. Oh, and he studied abroad in Japan at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, soaking up global business vibes.
In 2012, Shiloh joined Old Wood LLC, his dad David’s company in Las Vegas, New Mexico, as Yard Manager. He managed the operations, supervising the production of wood flooring and managing a team of 10-12 employees. The guy crushed it so hard that by November 2012, he scored a promotion to Vice President of International Operations and moved to Santa Fe. Suddenly, he’s jetting off to South Korea, Japan, Dubai—you name it—handling massive projects and building supply chain connections. Talk about a glow-up!
Since 2014, Shiloh’s been the Chief Operating Officer, and he’s taken Old Wood to new heights. He co-founded their firewood division, tripling profits with his dad. They bumped production to seven loads a week, moved into a 17,000-square-foot facility, and added a second shift. Plus, Shiloh launched a community co-op, letting local wood producers sell at fair prices while streamlining shipments. It’s a win-win—boosting the biz and supporting the little guy. Hardwood Floors Magazine even named him a 40 Under 40 honoree for his impact. Not too shabby, huh?
Living the Outdoor Life
Shiloh possesses a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors, a trait inherited from his Fenn family. In 2021, he and his dad David showed off their bond on CNBC’s Blue Collar Millionaire, tearing through the woods on snowmobiles and a Sno-Cat. You could see how tight they are and how much Shiloh values family. He was rocking a Husqvarna Terra motorcycle, living his adventure dreams.
His mom, Zoe Old, can’t stop bragging about his work ethic, and it’s easy to see why. Beyond the biz, Shiloh’s racked up some cool creds—he’s a licensed airplane and paraglider pilot in the US and Europe. He’s also spent six years on the USDA’s Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Technical Advisory Panel, even chairing it for two. When he’s not soaring or strategizing, you’ll find him skiing, trekking, or chilling with his rescue pup, Mutt. Nature’s his happy place, and he’s all in.
So, what’s next for Shiloh? No clue—but with his track record, it’s going to be big. Got thoughts on his journey? Drop ‘em below—I’d love to hear what you think!
Read More: Justin Posey: Where Is the Treasure Hunter Now? Unpacking His Life and Adventures
