The Hidden War of Bargain Block: The Untold Story of Evan Thomas’s Silent Strength and the Cost of Fighting for Fairness

To millions of viewers who tune into HGTV’s Bargain Block, Evan Thomas and Keith Bynum are the celebrated faces of Detroit’s revival. They are the creative masterminds whose bold use of color, budget-friendly ingenuity, and deep commitment to community have transformed forgotten houses into stunning, affordable homes for first-time buyers. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, a seamless blend of Keith’s daring artistic vision and Evan’s calm, practical execution. Yet, beneath the cheerful transformations and the playful banter, their journey is underscored by a far more complex and emotionally taxing narrative—a story of personal heartbreak, relentless professional discrimination, and the courage to speak out against injustice.

Evan Thomas, in particular, is the quiet pillar of the partnership, his composure a necessary counterweight to the often-chaotic world of renovation and reality television. His background is a testament to his focused, problem-solving nature: originally from South Dakota, he was immersed in the structured world of academia, completing his doctorate in physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. This scientific discipline, focused on logic and execution, became the bedrock of their renovation success.

Keith’s journey was equally impressive but differed entirely. Hailing from Texas, he had already built and sold a successful home decor company and held an MBA in entrepreneurial development. He brought the drive, the risk-taking, and the imaginative concepts. When the two connected on Match.com in 2013, their personalities clicked, and they soon realized their strengths weren’t just complementary in life, but revolutionary in business. This mix of pure imagination (Keith) and practical logic (Evan) became their secret formula, pushing them from small side projects to a vision large enough to redefine a city.

The $12,000 Leap of Faith

The turning point came in 2017. Keith, scrolling through Instagram, saw house flippers finding fortune in the abandoned properties of Detroit. The idea struck instantly: a city filled with neglected houses was waiting for someone with the creativity and purpose to bring them back to life. On his 30th birthday, he flew to Detroit, toured a dozen decaying homes, and saw not damage, but endless possibility. He took a monumental leap, purchasing their first Detroit house.

Soon after, Evan and Keith left Colorado and committed to Detroit full-time. That first property cost only $12,000. It was a wreck—walls crumbling, floors destroyed—but for an entire month, they labored day and night. The transformation was so stunning that they sold it for $64,000. The profit was not just financial validation; it gave them a powerful purpose: their creativity could not only renovate homes but revive entire neighborhoods while providing desperately needed affordable housing. They made a solemn commitment to sell homes to first-time buyers for under $100,000, creating new pathways to homeownership that had been closed to many families.

This dedication to Detroit is what attracted HGTV. When Bargain Block premiered in April 2021, over 20 million viewers quickly tuned in. Audiences connected not just with the stylish renovations, but with the authenticity and devotion the couple brought to every project. Off-screen, their partnership captivated fans just as much. Though engaged for years, they deliberately postponed marriage, prioritizing personal growth, professional goals, and a shared life built on mutual respect over a piece of paper, proving that their bond did not rely on societal expectations.

The Shadow of Discrimination and Betrayal

While their success was public, the obstacles Evan and Keith faced were often hidden and deeply personal. Keith, in particular, had wrestled with significant hardship throughout his career. Growing up, he experienced discrimination that made the construction industry feel unwelcoming. Once he publicly shared his identity, the response from his own family was profoundly painful: they distanced themselves, leaving him without the critical support he had long relied on.

This raw experience of rejection changed Keith profoundly, giving him a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by those who do not fit society’s narrow expectations. It shaped the foundation of their work in Detroit, a city that—with its rich history and diverse population—welcomed them warmly. For the first time in years, they felt a true sense of belonging, fueling their ambition and solidifying their resolve to create an inclusive environment for others.

However, the battles did not end when they found acceptance in Detroit. They carried their advocacy for fairness and inclusion onto the national stage, using their platform to champion social justice within the construction and renovation industries. This culminated in their participation in another high-stakes HGTV show, Rock the Block.

The Battle for Integrity on Rock the Block

While the show was designed as a straightforward design contest, it became a source of significant conflict and frustration for Evan and Keith. They poured their unique vision and effort into a stunning luxurious meditation space and a bathroom with rich, warm tones, yet they were not chosen as winners. The outcome left them deeply questioning the integrity of the judging process.

Evan took to social media, expressing his concerns about the fairness of the competition and the actions of the production team. Keith supported his claims, hinting at troubling stories behind the scenes and an environment where transparency and fairness were lacking. Their criticism suggested that the show prioritized drama and entertainment value over genuine creativity and craftsmanship—an indictment often leveled at reality television.

By speaking openly about their experiences, Evan and Keith took a significant risk, highlighting a lesser-seen side of the industry where even accomplished professionals can encounter unfair treatment. Their honesty sparked awareness among fans, underscoring their commitment to holding systems accountable, not just through their designs but through their voices. This move cemented their status not just as design stars, but as advocates for ethical conduct and integrity in a world often dominated by spectacle.

A $2 Million Empire and an Enduring Mission

Despite the professional setbacks and personal challenges, Evan Thomas and Keith Bynum have continued to expand their empire and their influence. Their success, built on years of hard work, has earned them an estimated net worth of $2 million, drawn from multiple revenue streams including real estate, design consulting, and television.

Their creativity is now moving beyond Detroit to a new challenge: New Orleans. While Bargain Block will be remembered for its transformative work in the Motor City, the duo is taking their expertise and signature style to the Crescent City, promising a fresh blend of vintage charm and modern practicality while honoring New Orleans’ deep cultural and historical architecture.

Furthermore, they have expanded their brand into the home furnishings and decor market, launching a line at the prestigious Las Vegas Market. This venture allows fans to directly incorporate Keith and Evan’s distinctive aesthetic—affordable yet stylish furniture and unique decor—into their own homes, extending their creative impact far beyond the screen.

Perhaps most importantly, their commitment to community remains their true north. They initiated the “Roof the Block” fundraiser, aiming to raise $100,000 to replace roofs for ten homeowners in Detroit’s Fitzgerald neighborhood. This initiative addresses the root issues that force families out of their homes, demonstrating that their work is as much about community stability and philanthropy as it is about design. Through this mission, they have formed critical partnerships with organizations like the Detroit Land Bank Authority and Community Financial Credit Union to sustain development and open doors for minority buyers.

Evan Thomas and Keith Bynum have forged a path that blends artistry, determination, and social conscience. From their unexpected meeting on Match.com to navigating the harsh realities of discrimination and a major reality TV controversy, their journey proves that success is built on more than just talent. It is built on loyalty, courage, and an unshakeable commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of background, has a right to a safe, beautiful, and affordable place to call home.