Jimmy Don Holmes became a fan-favorite during his time on HGTV‘s “Fixer Upper.” The Texas native would often help Chip and Joanna Gaines build one-of-a-kind pieces for their home renovation clients.
However, since “Fixer Upper” ended in 2018, fans have not been given an update on what Jimmy Don has been up to.
Jimmy Don Holmes Reveals How He Got His Start
Jimmy Don is active on social media, where fans can follow along on his latest metalwork projects.
He recently opened up about the origin of his beloved business, explaining that the first “decorative” welded piece he designed was “ranch entrance letters.”
“It’s rewarding,” he said of getting his start in the early 1990s. “Looking back, it was awful. But it was rewarding because you try to cut them as smooth as you could, but they’re still jagged.
Jimmy Don Owns a Successful Business
The metal worker owns a popular Waco, Texas, shop located just steps from the famous Magnolia Silos.
“The Gaineses have been good to me, and I love them to death,” Jimmy Don said in a December 2018 interview with the Waco-Tribune Herald. “I would not do anything to jeopardize that relationship.”
At the time, JDH Iron Designs was seeing around 400 visitors a day at his mobile shop in Waco. He also owns a flagship store in Valley Mills, Texas.
“Joanna [Gaines] made me famous. I tried to deny that for a couple of years, but now I admit it,” he added. “I love it.”
Chip and Joanna Renovated a Home for Jimmy Don’s Son
In 2018, the Magnolia owners renovated a cabin on Jimmy Don’s Crawford, Texas, property for his son, Jake.
The 750-square-foot was partially unfinished and vacant for years, according to HGTV.
“I think right when you walk in, there are just so many really cool features — from the little fireplace to the accent wall, but also just the metal cabinets, the stairwell, that huge window on the side,” Joanna said. “We packed a lot of good stuff in a small space.”
Jake has since moved out of the cabin with his wife, and Jimmy Don later rented it out as a vacation rental.
Jack now works with his father at JDH Iron Designs, and was recently seen in a social media post showing fans “the process behind each piece at JDH Iron Designs.”
“Craftsmanship runs in the family,” the caption read.
