What happens when you mix a carpenter with an actor? You get a recipe for success; you also get one of the most fun-loving, creative people on the planet, HGTV’s Stephen Zimpel.
Thanks to his father, Stephen was no stranger to power tools. “My dad was a developer and custom home builder,” states Stephen. “He was my hero. My entire life, he was building and I was learning. He showed me how to use tools and use them properly.” At the age of 16, Stephen went into the construction business with his younger brother, continuing to sharpen his carpentry skills as well as perfect his uncanny ability to entertain others with his whacky sense of humor.
After high school, Stephen followed his dad’s advice…he went to college and studied something he loved. After graduating with a degree in Exercise Physiology from Elon University in North Carolina, Stephen then decided to pursue something else… acting.
Stephen made his way to Los Angeles and worked several side jobs while studying to become an actor as well as debuting in commercials and independent films. The budding actor also obtained his general contractor’s license, and started building again.
It wasn’t until Stephen’s good friend from high school gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse. “He was a producer on HGTV’s Design Star and $250,000 Challenge, and he asked if I could be a carpenter on the show.”
The actor continues, “The job came naturally for me. I was training to be on camera, and I had been a builder all my life.”
It was a match made in Hollywood heaven. Stephen’s talent caught the attention of the network executives and his entertaining spirit coupled with his expertise for design landed him a position as a co-host on HGTV’s The Outdoor Room (TOR) with Jamie Durie. Jamie, one of the most sought-after landscape artists around the world joined Beth Edelstein and Stephen for an entertaining backyard makeover show giving everyday homeowners one-of-a-kind backyards. “Working on set was unbelievable,” states Stephen. “Some days, we would be moving sixty to seventy thousand pounds of rock…It wasn’t just about hosting, we were building as well, and at times, it was brutal, but in retrospect, I enjoyed it.” Viewers also enjoyed the 53 episodes with Stephen and his witty personality as he made jokes, often imitating his Australian co-host.
Just last year, Stephen moved to the Santa Clarita Valley where he and his wife and two sons reside. Along with acting, Stephen continues his passion for creativity as a general contractor, with many celebrities as his clientele. “Besides relying on the perfect carpenter to be skillful, creative and intuitive, plus fair with his prices, which Steve is nothing but in each of those areas, you want a guy who brings a positive energy to a project and loves his work,” states comedian Jeff Dunham.
“I love designing. I love being creative and I couldn’t be happier. Life is great. I have the most amazing family and live in one of the greatest towns.”
For more information about Stephen, visit www.stephenzimpel.com or www.zawoodworks.com.
photos courtesy Stephen Zimpel