Be.trayal, Embezz.lement, and Vanishing Acts: The Shocking Truth Behind the “Worst Employees” on Counting Cars

For millions of viewers, “Counting Cars” was a thrilling dive into the high-octane world of custom car and motorcycle restoration, led by the charismatic and undeniably cool Danny “The Count” Koker. His Las Vegas-based shop, Count’s Customs, became a temple for automotive enthusiasts, a place where rusty relics were reborn as gleaming masterpieces. The show’s appeal was rooted in its perceived authenticity—real mechanics, real builds, and real passion. But behind the polished chrome and roaring engines, a different reality was playing out. It was a world of immense pressure, clashing egos, and shocking betrayals that led to the sudden and often mysterious departures of some of the show’s most memorable personalities.

Danny Koker’s journey was the embodiment of the American dream. Growing up surrounded by cars and music, his passions were ingrained in his DNA. His father, a musician and car lover, turned their family garage into Danny’s first classroom, where he learned the art of restoration. Before he was “The Count,” Koker was “Count Cool Rider,” a local Las Vegas celebrity hosting late-night horror movies in the early 90s. This early taste of fame laid the groundwork for his future on the History Channel. He founded Count’s Customs out of necessity, a personal workshop to fuel his own projects, but his unique style—a blend of classic restoration with a rebellious, rock-and-roll edge—quickly earned him a reputation.

His expertise landed him a recurring spot on the mega-hit “Pawn Stars,” which served as a launchpad for his own spin-off. In 2012, “Counting Cars” peeled into the television landscape and became an instant success. The show was celebrated for its gritty realism, a stark contrast to the scripted drama of other reality shows. But with success came a new level of pressure. Multi-million dollar projects, impossible deadlines, and the ever-watchful eye of the camera created a high-stakes environment where only the best could survive. The shop, once a haven for creativity, became a revolving door for employees who couldn’t handle the heat.

The polished, 22-minute episodes only showed a fraction of the story. While the builds were genuine, the interpersonal dynamics were often manipulated in the editing room, with minor disagreements amplified into major on-screen blow-ups. Danny’s obsession with perfection and his unwavering commitment to quality meant there were no shortcuts. You either performed at his level, or you were out. This unforgiving standard, combined with the inevitable personality clashes that arise when fame and egos collide, set the stage for a series of dramatic exits that left fans speculating for years.

Perhaps the most shocking departure was that of Joseph Frontiier, the man entrusted with the company’s finances. As the bookkeeper, Frontiier held the keys to the kingdom, managing payroll and expenses. In 2016, the illusion of trust was shattered when Count’s Customs filed a lawsuit accusing him of embezzling over $75,000. The lawsuit alleged that Frontiier had used company funds for a lavish lifestyle, including a down payment on a Range Rover and personal airline tickets, and had even forged Danny’s signature to facilitate the deceit. The legal filings also implicated the staffing agency, Randstad USA, for failing to conduct a thorough background check. Frontiier vanished from the show without a trace and has seemingly disappeared from the public eye ever since, leaving a trail of betrayal and unanswered questions. Danny Koker, a man known for his outspoken nature, has remained publicly silent on the incident, a testament to the deep wound left by the deception.

Another key figure who abruptly disappeared was Scott Jones, the shop manager during the show’s first two seasons. Scott was often the voice of reason, the man responsible for budgets and timelines, which frequently put him at odds with Danny’s more spontaneous and artistically-driven decisions. After season two, he was gone, with no on-air explanation. Rumors swirled, with some speculating about financial mismanagement or embezzlement, though no charges were ever filed. The official story was that he moved to Tennessee to be closer to his family. Today, Scott runs his own automotive shop and has even appeared on Netflix’s “Swap Shop,” but he has never publicly spoken about his time on “Counting Cars,” leaving his departure shrouded in mystery.

The lovable “Rock and Rolley” Sabo, the shop’s lead detailer, was another fan favorite who suddenly vanished after season six. Known for his thick Hungarian accent and infectious laugh, Roly provided much of the show’s comic relief. His exit sparked a flurry of speculation, with theories ranging from feuds with other staff members to clashes with the production team. A significant personal setback in 2017, when his trailer containing all his valuable detailing equipment was stolen, may have been the final straw. Roly has since started his own mobile detailing business in Las Vegas but has remained tight-lipped about the real reasons for leaving the show.

The quiet and focused Shannon Aikau, the lead bike builder, also faded from the spotlight around season seven. A master of his craft, Shannon was an underrated force in the shop, known for his incredible custom motorcycle builds. His exit was less dramatic, with no public controversy or legal battles. It’s widely believed that as the show began to focus more on hot rods and manufactured drama, Shannon’s passion for the intricate art of bike building no longer aligned with the show’s direction. He remains a respected figure in the Las Vegas custom bike scene, a quiet craftsman who chose his art over the glare of reality TV.

Finally, there was Mike Henry, the eccentric airbrush artist known as “Horny Mike.” With his signature horned helmet and neon mohawks, Mike’s outrageous personality was matched only by his incredible talent. His experimental and often unpredictable artistic style frequently caused friction with Danny, who valued precision and control. The demanding production schedules reportedly took a toll on Mike, whose creative process didn’t always fit into the tight timelines of television. He eventually shifted his focus to his own brand, Horny Mike Designs, though he never completely severed ties with the shop.

The story of “Counting Cars” is a cautionary tale about the price of fame. While built on a foundation of loyalty and skill, the immense pressures of success exposed the cracks in the facade. Each departure, whether born from betrayal, burnout, or a simple divergence of paths, highlights the complex and often harsh reality behind the glamour of reality television. It was a real garage, with real people and real problems, a place where passions ran as high as the price tags on their incredible creations.