Erin and Ben Napier
Erin and Ben Napier are the hosts of HGTV’s Home Town, Home Town Takeover, and Home Town Kickstart. They are also successful business owners, authors, and active members of their community in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi.
Erin Napier is an artist, designer, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling Author. She started her career in corporate graphic design before founding her own international stationery company, Lucky Luxe. She is also a founding co-owner of Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman Co.
Ben is a woodworker, author, entrepreneur, founder of Scotsman Co., and co-owner of Laurel Mercantile Co. He is a past president of Laurel’s Main Street America chapter dedicated to promoting the rebirth of their historic downtown district.
Six days after meeting in college, Erin and Ben decided they would marry, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. They firmly believe that “it takes a village” and have discovered the power of collaboration by partnering with their close friends in every business venture. Through these partnerships, they have created numerous successful enterprises, including their stores, Laurel Mercantile Co., Scotsman Co., the Scent Library, and the non-profit Osprey.
Their passion is for small-town revitalization, American craftsmanship, and fostering low-tech childhoods for communities across the globe.
Catherine and Taylor Sledge
Catherine and Taylor Sledge are lifetime Mississippians with a penchant for impact. As the founders and leaders of various noteworthy businesses, relationships lie at the heart of their progress. They maintain an active role in a growing community of leaders and work to champion important causes, both nationally and locally.
Dr. Catherine Sledge is a doctor, business leader, and healthcare pioneer. Catherine began a career in Dentistry after receiving her doctorate from the University of Mississippi. A mother of three, she became impassioned about health topics pertaining to babies and young children. She founded the Mississippi Tongue Tie Center, where she specializes in a minimally invasive surgery to help infants who are tongue tied and struggling to eat. She is also a published author and accomplished vocalist. Catherine is President and Co-Founder of Osprey.
Taylor Sledge is an entrepreneur, business speaker, and advisor. Taylor launched his first enterprise the same month that he graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2007. Today, Taylor is one of America’s most prominent financial professionals. He is the founder and President of Sledge&Company, and the Co-Founder and CEO of The Skyline Company. Currently enrolled at Harvard University, Taylor is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Industrial- Organizational Psychology.
Catherine and Taylor met in junior high, where Catherine made near-perfect grades and Taylor…did not. After years of attempting to “rise the ranks” in high school, Taylor still found himself taking a backseat to this beautiful, accomplished woman, when she got elected as the President of the Student Senate, and Taylor found himself taking her orders as…the vice president. At some point in college, Taylor was able to swallow his pride and invite her to join him at his fraternity formal. Catherine and Taylor have been together ever since. Today, they love to go on adventures with their three sons, spend time outdoors, and dream big.