Popularly known as the King of Palmdale, Ivy Calvin is an accomplished businessman and television personality. What’s more, the African-American business tycoon owns and runs the famous Grandma’s Attic thrift store in Palmdale, California. However, Calvin was launched into the limelight following his appearance on the critically acclaimed television series, Storage Wars. The reality show embodies the fundamental tenets of auctioning and buying of basic commodities. The Californian native joined the show in its third season as a guest star before landing a main role in the fifth season. Ivy played the role of a buyer all through his time on the reality television show.
Ever since Storage Wars ended on January 30, 2019, the enterprising businessman has focused his attention solely on growing his business ventures. In retrospect, Ivy Calvin’s life is a testament to the fact that dreams do come through with hard work and determination.
Ivy Calvin Played Professional Football For San Jose SaberCats
The astute businessman was born on September 10, 1971, in Ridgecrest, California, where he also spent most of his growing up years. The African-American came from a very small family, and he is believed to have only one younger sister named Tanya. Not much is known about where Ivy Calvin had his elementary and high school education. Nonetheless, the TV star is well educated, having graduated from the prestigious California State University. Interestingly, Calvin played college football as a linebacker while at the University.
In 1995, Ivy signed with the San Jose SaberCats in the Arena Football League. The San Jose SaberCats recorded an impressive 8 victories out of 12 games to win the Arena League’s American Conference West Division. The former football player scored one rushing touchdowns, made 25 attempts on 70 yards run and intercepted 2 passes for 33 yards. However, Ivy Calvin quit playing football after the end of the 1995/96 Arena Football League season.
The former football player made headlines in 2002 by signing up for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Calvin’s stay at the MMA was somewhat short-lived as he appeared in a single matchup. On July 30, 2002, Ivy defeated Samu Samu in the Ultimate Cage Fighting 2 (UAGF 2) by submission.
He Founded Grandma’s Attic In 2009
Ivy Calvin started Grandma’s Attic in 2009 as a way of supplementing his income and improving his financial standing. Prior to establishing the thrift store, the businessman
had already picked up valuable experience from attending auctions across America which explains why Grandma’s Attic has grown over the years to become one of the most successful and popular thrift stores in Palmdale, California. More so, Ivy Calvin’s business acumen and popularity in Palmdale earned him the famous King of Palmdale nickname.
It is also gathered that Grandma’s attic attracts a variety of people from all over California who come to either buy, sell, or participate in auction sales. Ivy Calvin has established himself as an expert in the art of smart buying and auctioning. However, in the midst of his busy schedule, procuring items for Grandma’s Attic, Calvin took up a job at Vasquez High School as the football team assistant coach. The former football player spearheaded the fundraising campaign for the school on Facebook after which the funds were used to buy and improve existing sporting equipment in the school.
Ivy Calvin Joined Storage Wars As A Guest Star
Ever since Grandma’s Attic was established, Ivy Calvin has continued to garner wide acclaim and popularity in Palmdale, California. The showrunners of Storage Wars decided to tap into his business experience and growing popularity by extending an invitation to Calvin to join the show. The businessman joined the show in 2012 and he was given a recurring role in the third season which he played until the end of the fourth season.
Following the exit of his colleague, Dave Hester who left towards the start of season 5, Calvin was promoted to play a main role on the reality show. His stay on Storage Wars earned him widespread praise and acclaim.
The last episode of Season 12 of Storage Wars aired on A&E Network on January 30, 2019. Though the show has not been officially cancelled, there is no word yet on whether or not it will be renewed for a 13th season. Like many of the cast members, Ivy Calvin decided to pursue other ventures.
Calvin Is Leveraging On Social Media To Expand His Business
The California-born businessman has redirected his energy and focus into running his thrift store. Also, Calvin has expanded the store operations to include web and social media platforms. Calvin boasts of a massive following on various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
HUGE Parking lot sale at Grandma's Attic today! 8am-5pm pic.twitter.com/uain7rXHVQ
— Ivy Calvin (@storagewarsivy) October 26, 2019
He uses his social media handles to promote Grandma’s Attic and advertise items on sale. What this means is that prospective customers can now browse through the inventory and pick out what they want without having to leave their homes. Also, they can follow up on updates and new items in real-time.
The TV Star Is Happily Married To Wendy Calvin
The widely acclaimed businessman is happily married to his heartthrob Wendy. The lovebirds tied the nuptial knot at a private ceremony in 2014. Not much is known about Wendy prior to when she got married to the television personality. However, it is evident that Wendy has been supportive of Calvin in his diverse business pursuits. Although they are not often seen together in public, she once accompanied him to the red carpet event of the Reality Wanted Awards held in April 2004, in Los Angeles, California.
Currently, the couple has two wonderful sons – Isaiah and Ivy Jnr. who have also toed their father’s career line, participating in sports and TV. They have featured in one episode of Storage Wars alongside their father. Ivy Jnr. is an aspiring sportsman who plays football, basketball, alongside track events, and he hopes to earn a college scholarship to establish his career as an athlete.
Asides applying himself to his business, the former MMA fighter also spends quality time with his wife and kids. The lovely family of four reside in their three-acre edifice in Acton, California. With more time on his hands since the end of Storage Wars, Calvin is often seen taking his sons on various outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, camping, and fishing. These trips have in no small way enhanced the bond between him and his sons.
