‘Fixer Upper’ Former Cast Members: Where Are They Now?

Teamwork made dreams come true on Fixer Upper on HGTV for five seasons. Chip and Joanna Gaines and their talented team renovated gorgeous homes for clients on the network before the series finale in 2018. While the couple still continues to renovate houses, some of their team members have branched off from the show to pursue other ventures.

The first episode of Fixer Upper aired on HGTV in May 2013 and truly became a ratings phenomenon. Chip and Joanna introduced the audience to several of their family members and friends in Waco, Texas, as well as people like Clint Harp, who helped assist them on their projects.

Clint served as a carpenter on the series from the very start. His relationship with the Gaineses actually began in an unlikely way. Clint met Chip at a gas station back when he first moved to Waco with his family. He introduced himself and shared that he was looking for a job in the realm of woodworking and building.

“You never know what those things you’re going through are for, or what they’re leading you to,” he said of landing his dream job during a May 2018 interview with House Beautiful. “It may lead to something even more difficult that then becomes something great — I don’t know. I would never have even been at that gas station if it weren’t for all these other things in my life.”

The pair actually ended up striking up a great friendship and working relationship. Just a few months later, they began filming the pilot of Fixer Upper in the town. Clint’s home was one of the abodes renovated during season 1 of the series. His innovative creations were seen in several memorable episodes, from tables to benches to desks. He truly proved that his skills know no limits.

Like many fans of the reality program, the talented craftsman was also sad to see Fixer Upper leave HGTV in 2018. He and his wife, Kelly Harp, looked toward a new beginning on TV just as Chip and Joanna were ready to add to their growing design empire.

“Kelly and I truly loved working with HGTV and DIY Channel and, like many people, were surprised to hear of the upcoming changes within the Discovery networks,” Clint shared during a May 2019 interview with Country Living. “As for me, I’ll be diving back into conversations with producers and networks about some great possible projects. Obviously, working with Chip and Jo is always on the table for me, as I think we have done pretty well together!”

Scroll below to find out where former Fixer Upper cast members are now.

Clint Harp

After Fixer Upper came to an end, Clint landed his own show, Restoration Road, on Chip and Joanna’s Magnolia Network in 2021. The furniture builder is also focused on being a doting dad to his three children, Holland, Camille and Hudson. He and Kelly announced they were closing their handmade furniture business, Harp Design Co., in January 2023.

“Our little company has grown more than we dreamed, but now, it’s time to shift!” a statement on the company’s official website read. “We currently find ourselves with a family of five, running three businesses and more. Between being partners, being parents, managing HDC, Kelly getting a master’s in clinical psychology, me making a television show across the country and running our sweet Airbnb … we have discovered our limits!”

Saul ‘Shorty’ Sanchez

Chip’s right-hand man, Saul ‘Shorty’ Sanchez, was always a favorite cast member among Fixer Upper viewers. He was just 16 years old when he met Chip for the first time and became one of his most trusted colleagues working at Magnolia. His list of home improvement and construction skills is endless.

After Fixer Upper’s initial run on HGTV came to an end, Shorty made an appearance on Fixer Upper: Welcome Home on Magnolia Network in July 2021. He now owns his own construction company called Shorty’s Remodeling.

Jimmy Don Holmes

Metal craftsman Jimmy Don Holmes collaborated with Chip and Joanna to make art for several of the homes they worked on. His son Jake’s Crawford, Texas, cabin was renovated during a January 2018 Fixer Upper episode also featuring former first lady Laura Bush. Jimmy Don and his wife, Lori Holmes, are now renting out the cabin since Jake moved out. He also runs his own successful business, JDH Iron Designs.

Michael Matsumoto

A lot of Michael Matsumoto’s work on Fixer Upper happened behind the scenes. As executive producer of the series, he got to experience all of the magic that Chip and Joanna created firsthand. He and his wife, Jessie Matsumoto, had their Crawford, Texas, home renovated during a March 2017 episode. When the show ended, the pair, who share kids Rowan, Finley, Oliver and Olivia, began renting the place out on Airbnb and later put it on the market in 2019.