Home Town fans love Ben Napier — there's no other way to put it. A master with his hands and his heart, Ben is known for creating, not just gorgeous furniture and jaw-dropping renovations but personal connections with his clients, friends and family too. Learn more about his relationship with Erin Napier, his life as a father and woodworker, and more.

History and Background

Ben was born in Collins, Mississippi. His parents were United Methodist ministers, which led them to move to western North Carolina where Ben graduated from high school. He returned to Mississippi to attend Jones County Junior College, which is where he met Erin in 2004. Together, Ben and Erin transferred to Ole Miss to finish school. Ben graduated with a degree in history in 2007. After college, Ben and Erin moved back to her hometown of Laurel where they decided to invest in the community and create a town their future family would be proud to call home.

In 2014, an HGTV producer discovered Ben and Erin through the Instagram hashtag “ILiveinLaurel,” which Erin used on photos of her stationery and Ben’s woodworking. The couple ended up filming a pilot for the network and, in January 2016, Home Town premiered.

How Did Ben and Erin Meet?

Erin and Ben met in December 2004 while attending Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi. Erin, who was working as a design editor for the yearbook, was assigned to work on a story about Ben. "For two years [I] had noticed him, always the center of attention, everyone’s best friend, my biggest crush," Erin wrote on Instagram. "Dec. 8, we took the photos for the yearbook. Dec. 9, we went on our first date, and he met my mama. Dec. 10, we looked at the Christmas lights in Mason Park. Dec. 13, we decided we would get married someday."

Every year, the couple celebrates Love Week — the anniversary of the week they fell in love. They write notes to each other, share old photos and reminisce on how they met, their wedding and their ongoing storybook romance.

Ben’s Woodworking Brand: Scotsman Co.

Ben learned the art of woodworking in college. Just before HGTV picked up Home Town, Ben resigned from his job as a youth minister at Laurel First United Methodist Church to pursue woodworking full time. He set up shop in a basement in downtown Laurel and began making heirloom cutting boards and butcher blocks that he later sold at his and Erin’s store, Laurel Mercantile Co. As Home Town’s popularity and their customers' love for finely crafted goods grew, Ben and Erin decided to launch Scotsman General Store & Woodshop and Scotsman Manufacturing Co. At Scotsman General Store & Woodshop, you can peek through the woodshop window to see Ben creating furniture. Scotsman Manufacturing Co., a factory where local makers craft goods that are later sold in Laurel businesses, is just down the road.

Ben’s HGTV Shows

Ben is well-known for co-hosting HGTV's makeover show Home Town with his wife, Erin. The success of Home Town led to spinoffs, including Home Town Kickstart, Home Town: Ben’s Workshop and Home Town Takeover. Home Town celebrated its 100th episode in 2024.

Ben's Life in Laurel With Erin

In 2023, Ben and Erin opened up their newly renovated Mississippi country home to Southern Living. Fans saw Erin's signature English country style in every room. "One reason we had to get this house was its very British look. It feels as though you’ve crossed the ocean and you’re not in Mississippi anymore. It’s like a vacation for us,” Erin told the magazine.

Ben and Fatherhood

Ben and Erin’s oldest daughter, Helen, was born on January 3, 2018. When Ben found out that he and Erin were expecting, he decided to build a crib for Helen that could become a family heirloom. “Building my firstborn’s crib was special on so many levels,” Ben told Country Living. “It was a culmination of the love I have for my wife, of becoming a father and the chance to check a new type of furniture off my bucket list.” The couple welcomed their second child, Mae, on May 28, 2021.

Ben easily became the ultimate dad, acting as a hero when Helen once lost her hat, cracking plenty of dad jokes and being the best dress-up pal.

How Did Ben Lose Weight?

Becoming a father motivated Ben to embark on a health journey — and he's inspired plenty of fans in the process. He changed his eating habits and began exercising more. “Bringing Helen home and getting to experience those first few weeks with her and seeing how fast things change with children, it got my attention," he told Today. "She was different every day, and I want to experience as much of her life as possible. I want a long life so I can be there for Erin and Helen.”

Ben's Love for Old Cars

Ben and Erin share a love of collecting antique cars and, according to House Beautiful, have a half a million dollars' worth of retro vehicles. “I only like old cars. We don’t drive new cars because [old cars] — they were just cooler,” Erin told HGTV. Ben’s pride and joy is a baby blue Chevrolet pickup truck nicknamed Clint. He recently shared on Instagram that he’s looking for a 1950s navy blue truck to fix up with his daughter Helen to one day be her first car.

Fun Facts About Ben

• Birthday: September 24
• Zodiac sign: Libra
• Height: 6'6"
• Favorite tool: pocketknife
• He’s named after his mom, Bennie, who was named after her father, Ben.

Keep Up With Ben

Ben is the co-star of Home Town and Home Town Takeover with his wife, Erin. He helps run Scotsman Co. and Scotsman Manufacturing Co. and recently co-founded Osprey, a nonprofit with the goal of helping kids stay kids by keeping them off of social media until they graduate high school. Follow Ben on Instagram at @scotsman.co.