Handcrafted

1. From Humble Beginnings to HGTV: Clint Harp's Journey of Perseverance

"I was the ultimate uncool kid: skinny, with protruding front teeth and an enormous head."

Early struggles shaped resilience. Clint Harp's journey from an insecure child to a successful carpenter and TV personality is a testament to the power of perseverance. Growing up in a family that moved frequently and struggled financially, Harp learned to adapt and find creative solutions from an early age.

Key experiences fostered passion. Harp's love for woodworking was sparked by his grandfather, Verner Martin, a self-made entrepreneur and builder. Working alongside his grandfather on construction sites and observing his craftsmanship instilled in Harp a deep appreciation for creating with one's hands.

Education and exploration paved the way. Despite academic struggles, Harp's time at Baylor University exposed him to new experiences and connections, including meeting his future wife, Kelly. Their shared adventures, including a stint as missionaries in Europe, helped shape their values and aspirations.

2. Embracing Risk: Quitting a Stable Job to Pursue a Passion

"Are you kidding? Graduate school? We hardly have money for groceries."

Leap of faith. In 2011, Harp made the bold decision to quit his six-figure medical sales job to pursue his dream of building furniture. This choice came with significant financial risks and uncertainties, especially with a growing family to support.

Support system crucial. Kelly's unwavering support and willingness to embrace uncertainty were pivotal in this decision. Her own pursuit of a master's degree at Baylor University provided an opportunity for the family to relocate to Waco, Texas, setting the stage for future opportunities.

Persistence through hardship. The initial years of pursuing furniture-making were fraught with financial struggles, including:

• Maxed-out credit cards
• Reliance on savings
• Uncertainty about future income
  Despite these challenges, Harp remained committed to his vision, often working long hours in his makeshift workshop to hone his craft.

3. The Power of Partnerships: Meeting Chip and Joanna Gaines

"Hi, Chip, I'm Clint," I began, "and I left a message for a guy named Chip a few months ago, about how I wanted to build furniture, and . . ."

Chance encounter sparks collaboration. A serendipitous meeting at a gas station led to Harp connecting with Chip Gaines, which ultimately resulted in a partnership with Chip and Joanna Gaines. This relationship would prove transformative for Harp's career and business.

Mutual benefits drive success. The Gaineses were looking to expand their home renovation business to include custom furniture, while Harp needed clients and exposure for his fledgling company. This alignment of needs created a symbiotic relationship that would flourish with the success of "Fixer Upper."

Authenticity resonates. The genuine nature of their friendship and professional collaboration translated well on screen, contributing to the success of "Fixer Upper" and providing a platform for Harp to showcase his craft to a national audience.

4. Overcoming Financial Struggles: Building a Business from Scratch

"I finally let out a frustrated 'Aaaaahhhhh, dammit!!' which Britt would later admit almost made him throw up."

Bootstrap mentality. Harp Design Co. started with minimal resources, often relying on reclaimed materials and creative problem-solving to fulfill orders. The financial strain was constant, with Harp frequently worried about making payroll and keeping the lights on.

Persistence pays off. Despite numerous setbacks and near-failures, Harp's determination to succeed drove him to continually improve his craft and business acumen. Key milestones included:

• Hiring his first employee, Britt
• Opening a storefront
• Expanding the workshop
• Growing the team to 25 employees

Leveraging opportunities. The exposure from "Fixer Upper" provided a significant boost to Harp Design Co., leading to increased orders and recognition. However, Harp emphasizes that the real work of building the business happened off-screen, through consistent effort and quality craftsmanship.

5. Adapting to Opportunity: From Furniture Maker to TV Personality

"Let's make this show more about the shop and what they do as a company."

Embracing new challenges. Harp's journey from behind-the-scenes carpenter to on-screen personality required adaptability and a willingness to step out of his comfort zone. Initially appearing on "Fixer Upper" as Joanna's go-to carpenter, Harp gradually became more comfortable in front of the camera.

Learning curve. The process of developing his own show, "Wood Work," involved numerous iterations and learning experiences:

• Creating web episodes
• Filming a pilot for an outdoor renovation show
• Adapting to network feedback and refocusing on furniture-making

Balancing authenticity and entertainment. Throughout his television journey, Harp strived to maintain authenticity while meeting the demands of producing engaging content. This balance was crucial in developing a genuine connection with viewers.

6. The Importance of Family Support in Entrepreneurial Success

"Kelly, what do you think of these?" I glanced at the sheet. "This looks good," I told her. "You got it."

Partnership in life and business. Kelly Harp played a crucial role in the success of Harp Design Co., offering unwavering support, creative input, and practical assistance. Her willingness to embrace uncertainty and contribute her skills was instrumental in the company's growth.

Children as motivation. The Harps' three children - Hudson, Holland, and Camille - provided both motivation to succeed and a reminder of what truly matters. Balancing family life with the demands of a growing business and TV career presented ongoing challenges.

Extended family contributions. Kelly's mother, Debbie, moved to Waco to help with the business and childcare, exemplifying the vital role of extended family support in entrepreneurial ventures.

7. Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: The Crack House Renovation

"Kelly," she said, "we have to do that house for the show!"

Seizing unexpected opportunities. The purchase and renovation of a dilapidated former crack house next to Harp's workshop became a pivotal moment in their journey. This project, featured on "Fixer Upper," showcased the Harps' ability to see potential in seemingly hopeless situations.

Collaborative effort. The renovation involved:

• Chip and Joanna Gaines' expertise
• The Harps' vision and sweat equity
• Support from their growing team at Harp Design Co.

Personal and professional growth. This project not only provided the Harps with a new home but also demonstrated their ability to tackle significant challenges, further cementing their place in the "Fixer Upper" universe.

8. The Art of Reclamation: Finding Beauty in Discarded Materials

"Hey, hold on a sec!" I yelled up as I ran closer. One of the guys looked down at me. "Hi, I'm Clint! Can you wait a minute so I can look in there to see what you're throwing away?"

Resourcefulness as a cornerstone. Harp's ability to see potential in discarded materials became a signature aspect of his work. This approach not only aligned with sustainable practices but also added unique character to his pieces.

Sourcing creatively. Harp's methods for finding materials included:

• Dumpster diving at construction sites
• Collecting discarded pallets
• Repurposing old buildings and structures

Storytelling through craftsmanship. Each piece of reclaimed wood carried its own history, allowing Harp to create furniture that told a story beyond its functional purpose.

9. Balancing Creative Vision with Business Realities

"Clint, we sold it all!" she told me. "I even got orders for a couple more pieces. Nice work, bud!"

Learning to price work. One of the biggest challenges Harp faced was learning to price his creations appropriately, balancing the need for profitability with the desire to create accessible, handcrafted furniture.

Scaling production. As demand grew, Harp had to find ways to increase production without compromising quality. This involved:

• Hiring and training skilled craftsmen
• Developing efficient production processes
• Investing in better tools and workspace

Maintaining artistic integrity. Throughout the growth of Harp Design Co., Clint remained committed to creating unique, high-quality pieces, resisting the temptation to mass-produce or compromise on materials.

10. The Impact of "Fixer Upper" on Waco and Harp Design Co.

"Clint, do you think if I drew up some designs on a piece of paper, you could possibly build them?"

Transforming a city. The success of "Fixer Upper" had a profound impact on Waco, Texas, transforming it into a tourist destination and revitalizing its economy. This change created new opportunities for local businesses, including Harp Design Co.

Business growth. The exposure from "Fixer Upper" led to significant growth for Harp Design Co., including:

• Increased orders for custom furniture
• Opening a retail storefront
• Expanding the workshop and team
• Developing a national customer base

Navigating rapid change. The sudden influx of attention and business required quick adaptation and strategic decision-making to capitalize on opportunities while maintaining the company's core values.

11. Navigating Fame and Maintaining Authenticity

"Oh my gosh, you're Clint, the carpenter from Fixer Upper! I love that show and I just feel like I know you!"

Unexpected celebrity. Harp's transition from unknown carpenter to recognizable TV personality brought new challenges, including managing public expectations and maintaining privacy.

Staying true to values. Throughout his rise to fame, Harp emphasized the importance of:

• Remaining genuine in his interactions
• Focusing on craftsmanship over celebrity
• Using his platform to inspire others to pursue their passions

Balancing public and private life. Harp and his family had to adapt to increased public attention while striving to maintain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives.

12. Lessons in Craftsmanship: From Apprentice to Master Carpenter

"Clint, there are three types of people in this world. Those who make things happen. Those who watch things happen. And those who say, 'What just happened?'"

Continuous learning. Harp's journey from novice to master carpenter involved constant learning and improvement. He embraced challenges and was not afraid to tackle projects beyond his current skill level.

Mentorship and inspiration. Key figures in Harp's development as a craftsman included:

• His grandfather, Verner Martin
• Fellow carpenters and artisans
• The Gaineses, who pushed him to expand his skills

Passing on knowledge. As Harp's expertise grew, he began to take on a mentorship role himself, training new employees and sharing his passion for craftsmanship with a wider audience through his TV appearances and speaking engagements.

Last updated: November 19, 2024