Ben & Erin Napier Open Up About Their Surprising Struggle to Find Workers

Ben and Erin Napier, widely recognized for their successful HGTV show “Home Town” and a diverse array of products ranging from artisanal candles to bestselling books, have cultivated a loyal following. However, maintaining their flourishing lifestyle brand has proven challenging due to the ongoing struggle of finding skilled workers.

During a recent trip to High Point, North Carolina—where they were unveiling new pieces in their furniture collection—the Napiers openly discussed the pressing issue of labor shortages that are affecting their business. Ben Napier highlighted the persistent difficulty in recruiting qualified tradespeople, underscoring the urgent need for skilled professionals on their team.

In response to this workforce challenge, Ben and Erin took proactive steps by visiting a local high school woodworking class on October 18, 2023. Their visit was more than just an appearance; it was an effort to inspire young students to consider woodworking as not only a viable career but also one that could be deeply fulfilling.

Ben & Erin Napier Engage with High School Woodworking Students

While attending the fall High Point Furniture Market, Ben and Erin made time to connect with students from High Point Central High School who were enrolled in a woodworking course. The meeting took place in an outdoor workshop set up specifically for this occasion. Here, Ben demonstrated his craftsmanship by creating cutting boards—a product that holds sentimental value as it was among his first creations sold as a woodworker.

The session wasn’t just about showcasing skills; it was about building rapport with teenagers who might not yet be familiar with “Home Town.” To bridge this gap, Ben shared anecdotes from his own high school days in North Carolina while offering insights into the trade he loves so much.

Speaking with FOX8 News afterward, Ben expressed gratitude toward Guilford County Schools and High Point Central for facilitating such interactions. He stressed how crucial it is for more young people to explore careers in skilled trades like woodworking or plumbing—fields where there is currently significant demand but insufficient supply of workers. “We’ve renovated over 100 houses on our show,” he said candidly, “and we’re really struggling to find people willing or able to do this work.”

Kenneth Dean—the dedicated instructor behind arranging this meeting—shared his goal of equipping students with practical skills they can carry beyond high school graduation. He emphasized that not every student needs or wants a four-year college degree; many are eager instead for hands-on work opportunities.

Ben hoped that some of these students would seriously consider pursuing woodworking as more than just an elective class but rather as potential future careers. He pointed out the practicality behind choosing such paths: “It’s great if you love what you do,” he noted pragmatically before adding,“but at some point you’ve got bills—and working with your hands can help pay them.”

Erin also addressed those gathered at her husband’s workshop demonstration by praising schools like High Point Central for keeping programs like woodworking alive when so many others have cut them from curriculums—a trend she believes does students no favors whatsoever. To mark this special day together further still—they posed alongside Kenneth Dean’s class before gifting him one of their signature signs emblazoned humorously yet aptly: “Measure once; cuss twice.” This gesture encapsulated both Napiers’ commitment towards inspiring future generations while celebrating traditional craftsmanship values too often overlooked today.

Turning Passion into Profession: The Story Behind Scotsman Manufacturing

Ben Napier has successfully turned what began simply as passion into full-fledged profession through various avenues—from renovating homes featured prominently across episodes aired via HGTV’s hit series ‘Home Town,’ all way down crafting unique items within personal shop located right inside Laurel Mississippi itself—a town now synonymous largely thanks efforts put forth both himself wife alike!

In 2022 alone saw couple embark upon entirely new venture altogether establishing Scotsman Manufacturing facility dedicated solely producing highest quality cutting boards butcher blocks found anywhere throughout America today! Not only did move advance business goals significantly—it also provided major boost local economy generating impressive total eighty-five jobs according WDAM reports published around same time frame too!

This manufacturing plant represents key component larger revitalization project spearheaded primarily by Napiers themselves alongside close-knit group college friends who chose return roots after completing education elsewhere initially instead opting stay build something truly meaningful back home again eventually leading creation thriving enterprise centered heart small-town USA once more!

On Instagram last August shared glimpse behind scenes operations taking place daily within walls Scotsman Manufacturing narrated personally emphasize importance supporting American-made goods whenever possible especially given how much communities depend upon industries built right inside borders country itself ultimately stating matter-of-factly,”At Scotsman Manufacturing—we know American-made matters.”

Reflecting deeper still childhood memories growing up Reidsville North Carolina recalled vividly trips taken family passing through numerous factory towns en route mountains each summer witnessing firsthand devastating impact closures had countless families left without means support themselves anymore fueling determination make positive difference wherever possible later life eventually culminating decision focus energies uplifting beloved hometown Laurel Mississippi above all else moving forward indefinitely now too!

Today entry-level positions remain open plant including roles Machine Operator Sander Finisher among others—all serving testament unwavering dedication community-building efforts undertaken thus far standing shining example vision breathe new life back smaller towns nationwide bolstering domestic manufacturing industry simultaneously along way!