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Before Clint Harp met Chip Gaines at a convenience store in Waco, their fine furniture company wasn’t burning down the woods.
“Our first summer, I think I made two tables, maybe three, and a bed. We didn’t sell anything. We gave away a couple pieces,” Harp said with a laugh in a phone interview. “It wasn’t very profitable back then.”
But returning to Houston and selling pharmaceuticals was not an option he seriously considered. His garage became his workshop. He made things out of reclaimed wood, breaking down pallets he found here and there. He spent part time building houses with Habitat for Humanity.
But change came in time. A chance encounter with Chip Gaines at a gas station means Harp Design Corp. successfully rockets with Chip and Joanna Gaines’ reality show, “Fixer Upper.” When the world learned that Clint was the Guinnesses’ favorite carpenter, and that he and his wife, Kelly, built and sold furniture, fans flocked to their North Waco neighborhood.
“Chip and Joanna were our first customers,” Harp said. “The next thing you know, we’re doing things for other people. Then ‘Fixer Upper’ came on, and I was the carpenter on the show. The growth rate went from really, really slow to dear life. ‘Fixer Upper’ took off, and we were contributing.
On Friday, Clint Harp confirmed that he and Kelly are closing the store as a furniture concern. They have three children and Kelly is pursuing her master’s degree in clinical psychology. Clint continues his work on the Magnolia Network documentary “Restoration Road” as he criss-crosses America, finding beautifully restored old houses, barns and other structures.
“We’re shooting a new season now. I got in from Maine at 2:30 this morning,” said Harp, whose show is produced by Big Table Media.
Clint Harp: Road to Recovery – Official Trailer | Magnolia Network
A Facebook post explains why the Harps chose to move in a different direction with their harp design company. The bottom line is that their cup is full of commitment, and something had to give.
“For more than a decade, we’ve been fortunate to fill homes in the United States and abroad with the products we make and love,” the post says. “Thank you for giving us this opportunity. That being said, after much thought and consideration, we have decided it is time to close the doors of Harp Design Company… On the one hand, this is a sad and difficult decision. On the other, this is an exciting step forward for what HDC can be next.”
He continues by thanking customers, “Whether you buy a candle, a cutting board, a handmade table, or many other products we believe in. We also thank everyone who has had a hand in creating and growing HDC. Over the years – it means the world.”
In terms of logistics, the store and storefront will be closed after work on January 20. The team is finalizing a few products but not accepting any new orders. The company’s website offers tables ready for purchase.
The Harps are selling the former Four Star Manufacturing Co. building at 1316 Franklin Street, which served as a master woodworking shop. Listing agent Greg Glime said that while the property is on the market, he is offering tours to interested parties. Glime said he is taking a different approach to finding a buyer, promising to make an offer by Friday.
The asking price for the 9,900-square-foot structure, which dates back to 1926, is $595,000, according to the marketing brochure Glime is circulating.
“I think it lends itself to woodworking, but I think it also applies to contractors or companies that need industrial-type space, assembly and distribution,” Glime said Friday. “Our deadline for accepting offers is a week from today. If we don’t get an acceptable offer, I wouldn’t be doing my job.”
Its marketing brochure expands on the potential listings, saying that “with its storefront and warehouse location, the property lends itself to ideal retail, restaurant or office space.” Neighbors include Dealers Electric Supply, First Methodist Church and Waco Habitat Restore, according to the request.
Glime is located at 808 N. 15th St., although there is no formal listing. Lai said he would pursue a buyer for Harp Design Co.’s headquarters. He said it would be ideal to find a buyer for both buildings, but they are different offers.
Harp said he will have warehouse sales, shipping supplies and furniture in the next few weeks.
“Sometimes a chapter closes,” Harp said. “We have found our limits. Why don’t we focus on the things that give us more joy, that give us feelings, that make us alive? There are tears… But we love what we have created for many years, people put it. In their homes. Trust us with that responsibility.
Carla Pendergraft, who markets the Waco Convention Center, said the harp design will continue to hold a place in the public’s heart.
“The Harp Design has certainly been a regular stop for visitors enjoying Waco’s ‘Magnolia Trail.'” But whether it’s open or not, visitors still walk by the property to take pictures and see it in person, just as they do at The Castle, Pendergraft said in an email.
“So it’s not ‘lost’ to Waco. And their road show has the potential to bring new visitors to Waco.”
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