Austin Aynes became a familiar face to viewers of HGTV's "Good Bones" over its eight seasons. While the show focused on Mina Starsiak Hawk and her mother, Karen E. Laine, as they renovated homes in Indianapolis, Austin played a pivotal role, particularly on the demolition team. However, Austin's story extends beyond the confines of the show, encompassing his initial involvement, his evolving role, and his transition after the series' conclusion.
From Social Psychology Test to TV Screen
Austin's entry into the world of "Good Bones" was somewhat serendipitous. While attending Butler University, he was presented with an opportunity to participate in a pilot for a TV show being filmed by Mina Starsiak Hawk's company. As he wrote in his bio on Reason to Dance, "My current coworker and previous (and still) demo buddy dropped a line to me at the beginning of my senior year that his sister’s company was having a pilot for a TV show filmed and wanted me to participate. So naturally, I skipped a social psychology test (there is a theme here) to come out and participate." This impromptu decision led him to become a full-time construction laborer.
A Pivotal Part of the "Good Bones" Team
Austin quickly established himself as an integral member of the "Good Bones" team. He was an Indianapolis native who became a pivotal part of the demolition team.
Beyond Demolition: Evolving Roles
While initially known for his demolition work, Austin's responsibilities evolved over time. He told HGTV, “I’m mostly the bookkeeper now, [and] I deal with all the city communications." This shift highlights his adaptability and growing expertise within the company.
The End of an Era: "Good Bones" Concludes
After eight seasons, "Good Bones" came to an end. Mina revealed on her podcast in August 2023 that season 8 would be the last. The final episode featured an emotional scene with the cast bonding over newly hatched ducks, a poignant moment that underscored the camaraderie built over the years.
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Navigating the Transition: Finding a "Soft Landing Space"
The show's conclusion brought about changes for the entire team. Mina Starsiak Hawk acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a large team and sought to ensure a smooth transition for her employees. In an October 2023 podcast episode, she explained that Austin was no longer a Two Chicks and a Hammer employee. Mina stated, “I wanted to try to find a soft landing space for as many people on my team as I could, and one of the things that I did because Tad does have his own company is [that] I reached out to him and said two of the people on the team, Austin being one of them, I’m not in a position where I can maintain a large team anymore. I would like to be able to go to them with an option when I go to them and say, ‘I can’t maintain you anymore.’ That worked." This indicates that Austin transitioned to work with Tad Starsiak's company.
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