Home Town fans can't help but fall in love with the spirit of community in Laurel, Mississippi. Hosts Erin and Ben Napier, alongside their talented team, bring historic homes back to life. Among their closest allies is their longtime friend and business partner, Josh Nowell. His contributions go beyond the screen, shaping the very fabric of Laurel's revitalization.
Who Is Josh Nowell, the Man Behind the Scenes of 'Home Town'?
Josh Nowell isn't just a supporting character on 'Home Town'; he's a key player in the Napier family's ventures. A college buddy of Erin and Ben, Josh played an instrumental role in launching the Laurel Mercantile Co., where he serves as a co-owner. Alongside his wife, Emily Nowell, they've been pivotal in the Napier's journey to restore Laurel's charm. Josh and Emily's story began on a blind date in the early 2000s, leading to a love-filled marriage that Erin fondly recalls.
Erin captured the magic of their wedding in October 2010 with a heartfelt blog post. "There was a fiddle and guitar during the ceremony playing traditional Irish tunes, Spanish moss hanging from the huge live oak trees, an immaculate pink 1957 Packard that drove Emily around to the aisle, tons of appley, caramelly goodness at the reception, and the most twitterpated lovey couple you can imagine," she reminisced.
Read also:Mika Brzezinski Shares Couplersquos Workout Moment With Husband Joe Scarborough
Even before stepping into the spotlight of Home Town, Josh had a vision to revitalize his hometown of Laurel. He purchased a downtown building, dreaming of restoring it to its former glory. A decade later, his dream became a reality when he, Erin, and Ben transformed it into a candle store, expanding the Laurel Mercantile Co.'s footprint.
"This building is pretty special because I used to live across the street from it," Josh shared in a July 2022 blog post. "I knew I wanted to see it developed into something worthy of its history, and thankfully, we're starting to see it transform back into its original form." It's not just about the bricks and mortar for Josh; it's about breathing life back into a cherished landmark.
Beyond his role in the candle store renovation, Josh and Emily have spent years in the oil and gas industry as founders of Petrolia Land Co., all while investing in Laurel's historic real estate. A University of Mississippi graduate, Josh often lends a hand in Ben's workshop, a position he's held since the show's inception. As 'Home Town' heads into a new season in January 2024, Josh's role expands, stepping in to help when Ben recovers from shoulder surgery.
"In the season opener, Ben is recovering from shoulder surgery, so he enlists his best friends Jim Rasberry and Josh Nowell to help Erin renovate a home for a family looking to escape the cold Canadian winters," HGTV announced. "The new Laurel residents are hoping Ben and Erin can find them a property with enough outdoor space for their family of six to enjoy their new southern digs." It's a testament to the camaraderie and teamwork that defines 'Home Town.'
Josh and Emily Nowell: A Family with Deep Roots in Laurel
Josh and Emily are not only business partners but also proud parents of four children: Samuel, Teddy, Nora, and Irene. While woodworking remains a passion for Josh, he prioritizes family time and focuses on other ventures. "Ben is usually filming 12 hours a day, and I'm generally working on business operations with our partner Jim Rasberry," Josh wrote on the Laurel Mercantile Co. blog in August 2021. "Neither of us can be in the woodshop as much as we'd like." Despite the demands of their busy lives, the Nowells remain grounded, committed to nurturing both their family and community.
