Overview

Mark Balelo (January 31, 1973 – February 11, 2013) was an American entrepreneur and television personality, best known for his appearances on A&E’s reality series ‘Storage Wars’. He owned a liquidation, distribution, and wholesale company, and was known for bringing large sums of money to auctions. He also owned a gaming store called, The Game Exchange from 2009 until 2012. Balelo moved to the United States to pursue his education, attending Orange Coast College and later the University of Southern California. He began selling items on eBay, which eventually led to his own business. Mark Balelo committed suicide on February 11, 2013, after being arrested on drug charges. He was 40 years old.

Balelo Inc.

Owner

What Is Mark Balelo’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death in February 2013, Mark Balelo, an American entrepreneur and television personality known for his appearances on “Storage Wars,” had an estimated net worth of $500,000. This valuation reflected his diverse business ventures and his presence in the storage auction scene.

Breakdown of Mark Balelo’s Wealth

Balelo’s primary sources of income stemmed from his entrepreneurial activities. He owned Balelo Inc., a liquidation, distribution, and wholesale company that specialized in auctions and closeout sales. Additionally, from 2009 to 2012, he owned The Game Exchange, a gaming store located in Simi Valley, California. The Game Exchange offered a variety of products and services, including new and used video games, consoles, and repair services. Mark also served as managing director of The Game Exchange.

His appearances on “Storage Wars” also contributed to his income and public profile. He was known for bringing substantial amounts of cash to auctions, sometimes up to $50,000, and his “Rico Suave” style made him a memorable figure on the show. He appeared in a total of six episodes of Storage Wars, four in season 2 and one in seasons 3 and 4.

Mark Balelo’s Career and Background

Before entering the world of storage auctions and reality television, Mark Balelo explored various business opportunities. His initial foray into entrepreneurship involved the automotive industry, where he gained experience selling cars. His natural talent for sales and understanding of market dynamics eventually led him to establish Balelo Inc.

Born on January 31, 1973, in Machico, Madeira Island, Portugal, Balelo’s journey eventually brought him to Simi Valley, California, where he established his businesses. Balelo Inc. operated an auction house in Simi Valley, handling various types of auctions and estate sales. He was also the CEO and president of Balelo Incorporated.

Balelo’s life took a tragic turn, and he was found dead on February 11, 2013, at the age of 40. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that his death was a suicide caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. This occurred shortly after his arrest on drug-related charges.

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