Before Clint Harp became the go-to carpenter on Fixer Upper, working alongside Chip and Joanna Gaines, he was in an entirely different line of work. Believe it or not, Clint wasn’t always chasing his dream of building furniture and restoring homes. Let’s dive deeper into Clint’s journey before he hit the big screen and became a household name. So, buckle up and keep reading for the full story.
Clint Harp’s Life Before 'Fixer Upper'
Before Clint became a regular face on Fixer Upper, he was a medical sales professional in Houston. But here's the kicker—he eventually left that secure job and moved his family to Waco, Texas, to chase his true passion: woodworking and craftsmanship. It wasn’t an easy transition, though. Clint opened up about the early days of his carpentry career, admitting that there were moments when he doubted himself and felt like he wasn’t providing enough for his family.
In a candid interview with House Beautiful in May 2018, Clint shared, “This is bad. I need to go find a job. I was making six figures in Houston, and now we’re broke. I wasn’t selling any furniture.” It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that come with following your dreams.
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But Clint’s story before carpentry is even more diverse than you might think. He’s held a variety of jobs, from being an area director for a kids ministry to working as a janitor at a church, a junior high youth minister, a handyman, a project manager, a missionary overseas, and even a salesman. Talk about a jack-of-all-trades!
How Clint Harp Met Chip and Joanna Gaines
When Clint moved to Waco, he reached out to Chip and Joanna’s company, Magnolia Homes, hoping to land a job. Unfortunately, he didn’t hear back. But destiny works in mysterious ways. In 2012, Clint spotted a Magnolia Homes truck at a gas station and decided to take a chance by talking to the driver.
“I just threw a Hail Mary,” Clint recalled. “I went up to the guy pumping gas and said, ‘Hey, I’m a woodworker, and a few months back, I left a message for a guy named Chip. I don’t even know if he’s still over there at Magnolia, but I’d love to talk to you guys about doing some work.’”
Guess what? That driver turned out to be none other than Chip Gaines himself! Chip invited Clint and his wife, Kelly Harp, over for dinner that week, and their friendship blossomed from there. Soon after, Clint joined Chip and Joanna to film the Fixer Upper pilot, which aired in May 2013. Following his TV debut, Clint launched his own furniture business, Harp Design Co., in Waco.
Where Clint Harp Works Now
Clint and Kelly Harp are proud parents to three children—Hudson, Holland, and Camille. Spending quality time with his family was a big reason Clint decided to close Harp Design Co. in January 2023. These days, Clint is hosting his own show, Restoration Road, on Chip and Joanna’s Magnolia Network. The series follows Clint as he travels across the U.S., exploring the history of long-standing properties and the efforts to restore them. It’s a testament to his passion for preserving the past while creating something beautiful for the future.
