MEDIA
Hosting Reel from HGTV's The Outdoor Room
Bio - Resume
Stephen Zimpel
Building Bio
Stephen Zimpel has been building since he could hold a hammer. There was no other way it could've been. His father, and hero, Stephen Sr., was a very successful builder/designer and Stephen Jr could be seen on many job sites from the early age of 5 (trying to help..:-). Fast forward to his teenage years and the beginning of his first business, Zimpel Brothers Decks, spending a 116* summer in VA framing for Stanley Martin Builders, and an entire summer on St. John USVI doing construction with his uncle, a very accomplished builder. After earning his B.S. in Exercise Physiology, Stephen's building picked right back up, working with his father at Zimpel Brothers Builders. Then, after moving to California to pursue acting, he quickly found himself with a load of tools and clients. Around 11 years ago, Stephen got his GC license, restarted Zimpel Brothers Builders (in honor of his father whom he lost in 02') and continued his journey. After doing renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, 52 episodes of HGTV’s The Outdoor Room, and guesting Ellen’s Design Challenge, Stephen decided to concentrate on custom furniture for higher end clientele (including Charlize Theron, Jeff Dunham, Angela Kinsey, Kate Flannery, Jason Priestley, Anne Heche, and Jamie Durie). Building and designing will always be a part of his life and is happily teaching his two sons all the tricks of the trade.
Building history:
1989: Started his deck building company with his younger brother Ashley
1991-1998 During college summer breaks, built custom kitchens, bathrooms, additions, renovated a 62' yacht, spent a summer in the Virgin Islands building, one summer framing for Stanley Martin, renovated a vet clinic, and numerous other jobs.
2000: While living in CA, started doing construction jobs again and eventually built up a business as the guy who could do anything. Jumped around for various contractors and started doing projects for some celebrities.
mid 2000s-now: Worked on Design Star and $250k challenge. Co-hosted The Outdoor Room, which shot 52 episodes (plus one guest episode of HGTV’d), then more recently doing Ellen’s Design Challenge. Currently building/designing built-ins, one off furniture pieces, and home renovations for select clients.