Josh Nowell, the skilled woodworker from HGTV’s Home Town, is a cornerstone of Laurel, Mississippi, crafting bespoke furniture and aiding historic renovations alongside Erin and Ben Napier. Married to Emily Nowell since 2010 after a blind date, he balances family life with four children while co-owning Laurel Mercantile Co. His estimated net worth is around $1.25 million, driven by real estate and woodworking, though his salary remains private. Standing at an approximate height of 5’11” with a fit build from hands-on labor (weight unspecified), Nowell’s story reflects Southern craftsmanship. No prior dating history overshadows his enduring marriage. His age, around 40 in 2025, underscores a vibrant career rooted in community revival.
Josh Nowell’s Early Life and Hometown Roots in Laurel, Mississippi
Born in Laurel, Mississippi, Josh Nowell’s roots in the Pine Belt region, steeped in lumber history since 1882, shaped his woodworking passion. He honed his skills early, inspired by Laurel’s historic mills. After attending Jones County Junior College, he graduated from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 2006 with a business administration degree, rooming with future Home Town host Ben Napier, forging a lifelong bond. This friendship catalyzed ventures that revitalized Laurel’s downtown, blending heritage with economic growth.
Reflecting on small-town revitalization, I see parallels in Southern communities leveraging local history for tourism. Nowell’s return to Laurel post-college, investing in historic properties, mirrors this trend. For instance, transforming an old drugstore into Laurel Mercantile’s woodshop boosted local tourism by 20-30% after Home Town’s 2016 premiere, per Mississippi Main Street data. This underscores his role in sustainable community development.
Josh Nowell’s Career: From Oil and Gas to Woodworking and Real Estate
Josh Nowell’s career spans oil and gas, woodworking, and real estate. Post-graduation, he and Emily founded Petrolia Land Company, a brokerage for oil and gas rights, traveling nationwide to negotiate deals. These experiences sharpened his project management skills, later applied to renovations. By 2016, he co-founded Laurel Mercantile Co., focusing on USA-made goods and preservation.
On Home Town, Nowell’s woodworking shines, like crafting cedar shelves for Season 5’s Moffett house, described as “a tree reaching upward.” His behind-the-scenes role ensures operational success, with salary likely tied to business equity, not show pay. A unique insight: his use of reclaimed wood, like Ole Miss gymnasium floorboards for dining tables, supports scholarships, blending philanthropy with sustainability. The Scotsman General Store expansion in 2025 reflects ongoing growth. Explore more at Laurel Mercantile’s story page.
Josh Nowell Married Life: Meeting Emily, Wedding, and Family Dynamics
Josh Nowell is married to Emily, met on a blind date post-college—him from Ole Miss, her from the University of Southern Mississippi. They wed in 2010, with Irish tunes and a 1957 Packard under oak trees, attended by the Napiers. No public dating history precedes their stable partnership, a rarity in public life.
With four kids—Irene, Sam, Teddy, and Nora—Nowell likens them to wood types: Sam as pliable cedar, Irene as resilient petrified wood. This analogy reveals his parenting ethos: “The wood may inspire you to go in a different direction.” Their shift from nomadic landmen to Laurel-based stability highlights a family-centric business model, distinct from high-mobility careers. Emily’s Mercantile role bolsters their net worth through real estate. See Closer Weekly’s profile for family insights.
Physical Attributes: Josh Nowell’s Height, Weight, and Active Lifestyle
Josh Nowell stands at an estimated height of 5’11”, with a sturdy build suited to woodworking, though his weight (likely 180-200 lbs) isn’t public. At around 40 years old in 2025, his active lifestyle—12-hour woodshop days and family hikes in Laurel’s oak-lined streets—prevents burnout. This contrasts with sedentary TV personalities, showcasing “quiet efficiency” fans admire.
His physicality aligns with the demands of crafting and renovations, offering a case study in work-life balance. Laurel’s community projects, like park cleanups, further keep him grounded, a practical model for health in high-pressure roles.
Financial Insights: Josh Nowell’s Net Worth, Salary, and Business Success
Josh Nowell’s net worth is estimated at $1.25 million, driven by Petrolia Land Co., Laurel Mercantile, and real estate, not a fixed salary. Philanthropic furniture sales, like those benefiting Ole Miss, add intangible value. In 2025, Home Town’s spin-offs like Home Town Takeover suggest indirect earnings via brand growth.
Data from HGTV affiliates indicates co-owners like Nowell earn mid-six figures from retail and licensing, highlighting sustainable wealth in niche markets. His approach—merging profit with purpose—sets a blueprint for enduring success in small-town entrepreneurship.
Josh Nowell’s Biography Table
| Biography Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josh Nowell |
| Hometown | Laurel, Mississippi |
| Age (2025) | Approximately 40 |
| Education | Jones County Junior College; University of Mississippi (Business Administration, 2006) |
| Height | Approximately 5’11” |
| Weight | Not publicly specified (fit build from woodworking) |
| Married Status | Married to Emily Nowell since 2010 |
| Dating History | Met Emily on blind date; no prior public relationships |
| Children | Four: Irene, Sam, Teddy, Nora |
| Career Start | Oil and gas landman with Petrolia Land Co. post-2006 |
| Key Business | Co-founder, Laurel Mercantile Co. (2016) |
| HGTV Role | Woodworker and collaborator on Home Town since inception |
| Net Worth Estimate | $1.25 million |
| Salary Insights | Derived from business equity and real estate; not show-based |
| Philanthropy | Repurposed wood sales benefiting Ole Miss programs |
| Social Media | Limited presence; follow via Laurel Mercantile on X or Facebook |
Unique Perspectives and Future Outlook
Josh Nowell thrives off-camera, driving Laurel’s revival through craftsmanship and community. He implies, “Woodworking is about legacy,” mirrored in his family analogies. As Laurel Mercantile expands nationally via Vaughan-Bassett, his influence grows. For more, visit The List’s facts on Nowell or HGTV’s site. In a trend-driven world, Nowell’s grounded approach inspires lasting impact.
