Full Name | Chip Carter Gaines |
Born | November 14, 1974 in Albuquerque, NM |
Spouse | Joanna Gaines (married 2003) |
Children | Drake, Ella, Duke, Emmie, Crew |
Known For | Fixer Upper, Magnolia Homes |
Net Worth | $30 million |
Chip Gaines is the energetic, passionate co-founder of Magnolia who rose to fame on the wildly popular home renovation show Fixer Upper. Along with his wife Joanna, Chip builds, designs, and restores properties into unique dream homes.
Humble Beginnings and Early Ventures
After graduating from Baylor University in 1998, Chip entered the world of entrepreneurship, flipping houses and starting small businesses. He quickly discovered he had a knack for real estate and home projects.
It was this drive to create and innovate that led Chip to found Magnolia in 2003 alongside Joanna. Chip runs the construction side while Joanna handles interior design.
Finding Fame on HGTV‘s Fixer Upper
In 2013, Chip and Joanna landed their own show on HGTV called Fixer Upper. It was an instant hit. Audiences loved Chip‘s charisma and humor as he tore down walls and re-imagined outdated spaces.
Some of Chip‘s most memorable Flipper Upper moments include:
- The "Beast" Demo Day: Chip bought a giant dumpster called "The Beast" to help clear out a cluttered house. It was a huge undertaking but Chip‘s energy and enthusiasm shone through.
- "Chip‘s Man Cave": Chip renovated a garage into a lush "man cave" complete with a golf simulator and full bar. It showcased his crafty skills.
- Epic Backyard Build: For one family Chip created an enormous two-story treehouse and outdoor kitchen for the ultimate entertaining space.
Growing the Magnolia Brand
Chip and Joanna have expanded Magnolia into a home, design, and media empire:
- Magnolia Homes: Their construction and design company that flips and remodels luxury properties.
- Magnolia Market: A retail complex with home goods, clothing, and artisanal foods.
- Magnolia Table: A bakery, restaurant, and coffee shop located within Magnolia Market.
- Magnolia Journal: A quarterly lifestyle magazine Joanna curates and Chip contributes to.
- Books: Chip authored two bestselling memoirs about his life, business philosophy, and values.
Chip‘s hard work and vision has built Magnolia into a nationally beloved brand. As Chip says, "Jo and I like to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty."
Committed Husband and Father
Though extremely driven, Chip always prioritizes family time. He and Joanna live on a farm outside Waco with their five kids. Chip is very involved as a father and husband.
He attends his kids‘ sports games and activities, participates in silly family challenges, and instills old-fashioned values like patience, humility, and generosity in his children.
Friends say Chip is constantly pulling pranks and telling dad jokes. He maintains a grounded, authentic personality despite his fame.
Giving Back to The Community
Chip believes in using his platform and resources to help others. He donates to and volunteers with:
- Local food banks and shelters. Last year Chip spent a week serving meals at a Waco homeless shelter.
- Children‘s hospitals. Chip regularly visits kids receiving medical treatment.
- Anti-trafficking organizations. Chip and Joanna have given over $500,000 to groups combatting human trafficking.
Accomplishments and Awards
- 4 Emmy Nominations for Fixer Upper (2016-2018)
- 2 Million copies sold of his memoir Capital Gaines (Wall Street Journal Bestseller)
- Habitat for Humanity Ambassador (2020-present)
- Baylor Entrepreneur of the Year (2022)
Conclusion: Why We Love Chip Gaines
With an inspiring story of building a business out of passion, lively onscreen persona, and steadfast commitment to helping others, it‘s easy to see why Chip Gaines has captured the hearts of Americans everywhere. He brings fun and dedication to every project while staying true to his family values. We can‘t wait to see what Chip accomplishes next!