Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure’ offers a comprehensive timeline of the Forrest Fenn treasure hunt. One of the notable voices featured in the documentary is Shiloh Old, the grandson of the author whose work inspired countless individuals to devote years to the search. Old shared insights into how his grandfather’s legacy impacted him and his family. He also opened up about the challenging times they faced when their safety was threatened by people desperate for answers they couldn’t uncover.
Shiloh Old Was Flummoxed by the Way the Public Reacted to His Family
Shiloh Old was well aware of the legacy his grandfather, Forrest Fenn, had built by launching the treasure hunt. However, when Fenn announced on June 6, 2020, that the treasure had been found, Old hoped it would bring closure. Unfortunately, after Fenn passed away on September 7, 2020, Old was shocked by the hostility directed at their family. Many treasure hunters who had dedicated years to solving the puzzle felt abandoned and frustrated. In their anger, some accused the family of deceit, alleging that Fenn had secretly sent Old to retrieve the treasure because it had become too difficult to manage.
Old shared that he had received numerous threatening letters, which had become overwhelming. He expressed his frustration over how some people had reacted, even recalling incidents where individuals showed up at his home, demanding answers from the family. Old also spoke about a particularly frightening situation in which his sister was stalked by a treasure hunter who believed she was somehow connected to the treasure. Witnessing these unsettling events deeply impacted him. While his grandfather had initially agreed to keep the identity of the treasure finder anonymous, the escalating hostility led Old to take a different approach. In December 2020, he publicly revealed on a forum that Jack Stuef was the one who had found the treasure, confirming his identity in an effort to provide clarity and put the speculation to rest.
Shiloh Old Faced Many Legal Battles After His Grandfather Passed Away
After Forrest Fenn announced that the treasure had been found, several people filed lawsuits against him, accusing him of fraud. Following Fenn’s passing, Shiloh Old became one of the representatives of the estate and had to navigate the legal battles. Many plaintiffs alleged that Fenn had provided false information and misled them during the hunt. However, by mid-2021, most of these cases were dismissed by the courts. It appears that Old has since moved past the legal challenges, and with no recent public updates, it seems any remaining cases may not have progressed further.
Shiloh Old is Taking His Family Business to New Heights Today
Shiloh Old has built a successful career within his family’s business. He began his academic journey at Santa Fe Community College, where he studied General Business and graduated in 2009. During his time there, he was well-regarded, earning a spot on the dean’s list and becoming a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. To gain practical experience, he worked as a Sales Associate at Santa Fe Helicopters, managing the marketing, inspection, and sale of various fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. In 2009, he further pursued his education at Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business, earning his BBA in International Business and graduating summa cum laude. Simultaneously, he expanded his global perspective by studying Business Operations and Opportunities in Southeast Asia and Oceania at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
In 2012, Old joined his father’s company, Old Wood LLC, as a Yard Manager based in Las Vegas, New Mexico. In this role, he oversaw the production of fine wood flooring products and managed a team of 10 to 12 employees. Demonstrating his dedication and leadership skills, he quickly proved his value within the company. By November 2012, he earned a promotion to Vice President of International Operations and moved to Santa Fe. In this position, he took charge of overseeing large-scale projects across various countries, including South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Georgia, Kuwait, Dubai, and Malaysia. His responsibilities ranged from maintaining supply chain relationships to representing the firm at global events and conferences. Old continues to excel in this role and contributes immensely to the company’s international success.
Since November 2014, Old has also served as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). As the co-founder of the company’s firewood division, he has played an important role in expanding its operations and profitability. Alongside his father, Old has contributed to tripling the company’s profits. Under his leadership, sales and production capacity increased to seven loads per week, and the company expanded into a 17,000-square-foot facility with two production shifts. Additionally, he implemented a community co-op model that provides local wood producers with an opportunity to sell their products at a fair price. This initiative centralizes the processing of materials for shipment out of state, supporting both the company’s growth and the livelihoods of regional producers.
Shiloh Old Enjoys Every Minute He Spends Outdoors
Shiloh Old offered a glimpse into his life when he appeared on CNBC’s ‘Blue Collar Millionaire’ in 2021 alongside his father, David Old. The two showcased their close bond as they embarked on excursions into the woods, riding their Sno-Cat and snowmobiles. It was evident how deeply Old valued his relationship with his father and how seriously he took on the responsibilities within his family. Old, a passionate motorcycle rider, was traveling on a Husqvarna Terra at the time. His mother, Zoe Old, has also expressed her pride in his dedication and work ethic.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed — he was recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by Hardwood Floors Magazine for his contributions to the wood flooring industry. Additionally, he served for six years as an industry representative on the Technical Advisory Panel of the USDA’s Collaborative Forest Restoration Program, chairing the panel for two of those years. Beyond his professional achievements, Old is a licensed airplane and paraglider pilot in both the US and Europe. He often spends his free time enjoying the outdoors with his beloved rescue dog, Mutt, by his side. Whether skiing, trekking, or exploring nature, Old continues to embrace his adventurous spirit.
Read More: Cynthia Meachum: Where is the Treasure Hunter Now?
