Photos by Blakeney Clouse and courtesy of Reggie Watts
In this Leader Q&A, Reggie Watts, owner of High Point Furniture in Jasper, Ala., shares how his upbringing shaped him, the journey that led him into the furniture industry, the inspirations behind High Point’s offerings, and the deep influence of his family and faith on his life and career.
WL: Reggie, you are an Arley native and grew up around Smith Lake. How did those early experiences shape you into who you are today?
RW: Growing up in Arley was the greatest experience any child could ask for and the older I get the more I realize how special it was growing up in a small town. The people of Arley are incredible, like one big extended family. As a child, I spent countless hours exploring the woods and enjoying the beauty of Smith Lake. The natural beauty instilled a deep love for the outdoors in me, while the close-knit community taught me the value of honest relationships.
WL: What led you into the furniture business?
RW: I never planned on entering the furniture business—it just happened. After graduating from the University of Alabama, I took a semester off before starting a Master’s program in Counseling. During that break, I began helping my parents who had recently started exploring the furniture business. At first, I was essentially the delivery guy. However, after about a year of balancing school and working with them, I realized I enjoyed the furniture business.
WL: High Point is often known as a “hidden gem” for furniture in the state of Alabama. What sets your store apart?
RW: What sets our store apart is our dedication to offering a curated selection of unique, high-quality furniture that caters to a variety of styles and needs. We focus on providing a personalized shopping experience, ensuring that each customer feels supported in finding pieces that reflect their personality and fit their home perfectly. Additionally, our passion for blending tradition with fresh, inspiring designs gives our store a distinctive charm that keeps people coming back.
WL: What are some brands your store carries, and what will be some hot items coming up in 2025?
RW: We feature brands such as Rowe, La-Z-Boy, Bernhardt, Bassett, and many others. Looking ahead to 2025, there will be a shift toward a more traditional aesthetic, with a noticeable embrace of richer colors.
WL: Chuck Hockenberry and your mom, Beverly, have been so instrumental in both your working life and your personal life. What have those two folks meant to you across the years?
RW: Growing up, I watched my mom work harder than most men. She would take me to estate sales and auctions all over Alabama, hunting for incredible antique pieces. She’d load them up herself, resell them, or sometimes get creative and paint them before selling. She taught me the true meaning of hard work and persistence, and I credit her for instilling those values in me.
Chuck, on the other hand, showed me the importance of kindness and consistency. He treated everyone who walked into the store with the same respect and care, no matter who they were. Even at 87, he came to work five days a week, right up until two weeks before he passed. His love for people and his unwavering dedication were truly inspiring.
Together, they’ve been my greatest mentors and strongest supporters, teaching me the value of hard work, resilience, integrity, and compassion. My mom’s creativity and determination, paired with Chuck’s wisdom and practicality, have shaped my outlook on life and business. Their love and influence have been a constant source of guidance and inspiration, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
WL: Lastly, you are a man of faith and family. Tell us about your family and what your faith means to you.
RW: I have been married to Audrey for 21 years, and together we have two amazing sons, Wyatt and Eli. I feel incredibly blessed to have a loving and supportive wife who cares deeply for our family, as well as two healthy, intelligent boys. We genuinely enjoy each other’s company and cherish the time we spend together, especially when traveling. Recently, we took a trip to the Grand Canyon, where we had a wonderful time exploring one of God’s magnificent creations.
My faith in Christ began with my mom, who not only took me to church as a child but also lived out her faith every day. I remember watching her read her Bible daily and sharing scripture with me for almost every situation I faced. To this day, I have not met anyone with a stronger faith in God than my mom.
After personally coming to faith in Christ, I began to see life through a missional lens. I realized that life isn’t about serving yourself but about helping others find Christ. This often means setting aside personal desires and making sacrifices to meet the needs of others. Faith in Christ has taught me that true purpose comes from living beyond yourself and striving to make a difference in the lives of others. WL
