8 Things You Might Not Know About Ben Napier

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 clients, friends and family as well. Of course, there’s so much more to know about him. To shed a little light on one of HGTV’s biggest stars, we rounded up some facts you might not know about Ben.

1. He’s Even Taller Than He Looks

Ben towers a staggering 6 feet, 6 inches — but his wife, Home Town co-host Erin Napier, loves how big his heart is most of all.

“Have I ever told you about how big @scotsman.co is?” she asked in an Instagram caption. “He really is. Physically, you know that he’s very big. 6 feet 6 inches tall and 300 lbs. But that’s not what I mean. Not really. Whenever the people he loves are hurting, he has a way of being big enough to carry them. He, somehow, makes the heavy things lighter. Sometimes, when life is bearing down in a way that feels impossible and makes me numb, he lifts me up by coming in with the right words when I cannot find them. He shoulders responsibility without being asked ... He’s big because he has to carry so many people … but his heart is always light. There’s a lot of grace in there.”

2. Ben Is Named After His Mother

The story of Ben's name is a sweet one. He's actually named after his mother — Bennie — who was named after her father, Ben.

3. His Parents Are Ministers

Ben grew up Christian, and both of his parents are ministers. One of his fondest memories is when they baptized Helen on Father’s Day 2018 following her January birth of that year.

"It’s going to be tough to top that,” he told People, admitting he cried a lot.

4. And, He Used to Be a Minister Himself

Before becoming an HGTV host, Ben was the youth minister at Laurel First United Methodist Church. He resigned in 2014 to further hone his skills as a woodworker and to focus on his businesses with Erin, Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman General Store.

5. He Creates One-of-a-Kind Wood Furniture and Leather Goods

Home Town fans have gotten a taste of Ben’s woodworking prowess thanks to custom projects throughout the episodes. From stunning beds and custom cabinets to live-edge tables and cutting boards, Ben can do it all.

6. He Collects Antique Cars With Erin

One look at the antique Scotsman Co. truck and you might guess Ben has a passion for vintage cars. In an interview with Southern Weddings, Erin shared, “We collect antique cars and take my 1971 VW Beetle convertible, his 1962 Chevy pickup and 1964 Pontiac Catalina (which belonged to my grandfather, then my daddy, now Ben) to car shows.” According to Erin, it’s one of their favorite activities as a married couple.

7. His and Erin’s Love Story Began in College

Ben was well-known at the University of Mississippi, where he and Erin went to school. Erin writes about their first meeting on Instagram: "On December 7, 2004 @scotsman.co and I met in our college yearbook room about the feature story we were writing about him. I was the design editor and for two years had noticed him, always the center of attention, everyone’s best friend, my biggest crush. December 8, we took the photos for the yearbook. December 9, we went on our first date and he met my mama. December 10, we looked at the Christmas lights in Mason Park. December 13, we decided we would get married someday. It sounds crazy to you, maybe. But it makes perfect sense to me."

8. Ben's Daughter Inspired Him to Focus on His Health

Ben admitted on Instagram that he comes from a family of men who don’t prioritize health until it’s the absolute last resort. “I come from a long line of big men who don’t really discuss their health until it’s an issue,” he wrote. “In 2014, one month before his 60th birthday, my father had emergency bypass surgery. Suddenly, this problem that seemed so far from me was standing right in front of me. Although I have made efforts to eat healthy and to exercise, it never seemed more real until I held this blue-eyed girl that is equal parts Erin and me and a whole lot more than I deserve in my arms. I never want to leave her side, which means taking care of my heart has to be a major priority.”

With that in mind, Ben focused on his goal and, over the course of a year, lost an impressive 55 pounds. His method? Cardio and weight training four to five days a week.