“Mattress Mack” is very popular among mattress shoppers and furniture enthusiasts. And if you’re from Houston, Texas, then you’ve heard of this iconic figure in the furniture industry. But for those who aren’t in the know, let me introduce you to the man behind the legend.
Jim McIngvale, or “Mattress Mack” as he is fondly called, is a larger-than-life personality who has become a household name in the Houston community. He’s not just your typical furniture store owner, though. Mattress Mack has built a reputation as a philanthropist, a community leader, and an all-around good guy. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating story of Mattress Mack and discover why he’s more than just a furniture salesperson.
Mattress Mack Background
James Franklin McIngvale, aka Mattress Mack, was born in 1951 in the charming town of Starkville, Mississippi. His dad, George, was a star football player at Mississippi State University. And from an early age, Sports ran through Mattress Mack’s veins.
His parents, George and Angela McIngvale, were instrumental in instilling the values of hard work and dedication in their son. Although Mattress Mack’s father passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on through his son’s impressive accomplishments.
Education
Before Mattress Mack became the furniture icon we all know and love, he was a star football player in his college days. After graduating from Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, Mattress Mack attended the University of North Texas, formerly North Texas State University, in Denton, where he played football. He also played football for the University of Texas and continued to shine on the field in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Career
It all started in 1981 when James Franklin McIngvale, after being fired from a convenience store job, moved to Houston with his wife, Linda, and opened his first Gallery Furniture. But the road to success was rocky, as Houston’s economy was struggling due to the oil industry’s boom and bust cycle in the 1980s.
To stand out from the competition, Mattress Mack had a couple of tricks up his sleeve. First, he offered same-day delivery, which was unheard of then. And second, he created TV commercials that were anything but ordinary. You might remember those wacky commercials featuring Mattress Mack dressed in a mattress costume, waving wads of cash, and speaking at lightning speed.
Despite the commercials winning the title of “worst commercials” in a local TV poll, they were a huge hit with viewers and even earned Mattress Mack his famous nickname. Gallery Furniture became a beloved Houston institution thanks to its unconventional marketing tactics and commitment to customer service.
Rise to Fame
In the early 90s, the business brought in $30 million a year, but by the decade’s end, that number had skyrocketed to $110 million. One reason for this incredible growth was Mattress Mack’s decision to switch from a commission-based payment system for his salespeople to a hard salary and profit-sharing program.
This change helped create a culture of teamwork and collaboration, with everyone working together to ensure customers were happy and sales were soaring. And today, Gallery Furniture thrives, earning almost $200 million in revenue annually.
In 2002, he co-authored the book Always Think Big with Thomas Duening and John Ivancevich. The book is fascinating and chronicles the trials and tribulations of McIngvale’s entrepreneurial journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a Houston icon in the furniture industry.
Although Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale has achieved great success with Gallery Furniture, he has faced his fair share of challenges. In 2009, a disgruntled former employee started a fire that ravaged one of the company’s warehouses, resulting in over $15 million in lost inventory and damages. Despite this setback, McIngvale remained resilient and worked tirelessly to get Gallery Furniture back on its feet.
Mattress Mack Awards and Achievements
Mattress Mack’s contributions and achievements are truly impressive. In 2004, he was inducted into the Houston Business Hall of Fame for his remarkable success in the business world and outstanding community dedication.
In 2017, Mattress Mack received The Daily Point of Light Award from Points of Light, a nonprofit organization that recognizes individuals for their volunteer efforts and community service. That same year, he was named “Houstonian of the Year” by the Houston Chronicle for his selfless work after Hurricane Harvey devastated the city.
In 2018, Mattress Mack was honored with the Salvation Army’s William Booth Award for his incredible philanthropic contributions to the organization and his efforts to help those in need. Then in 2019, he was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame for his entrepreneurial spirit and significant contributions to the Texas business community.
This was followed by Mattress Mack being named “Retailer of the Year” by Furniture Today, a leading trade publication in the furniture industry. Mattress Mack’s impact on Houston and beyond is truly remarkable.
Personal Life
Jim is a distinguished gentleman with striking gray eyes and a head full of gray hair, and he stands at 174 cm. His appearance embodies sophistication and wisdom, making him stand out in any crowd.
Mattress Mack is a family man and a beloved member of his community. He and his wife Linda have been blessed with four wonderful children living in the beautiful Northgate Forest community in Harris County, Texas. He’s a man who’s always there to lend a helping hand to those in need, and he’s always looking for ways to give back to his community.
As a thank-you gesture, Chuck Norris did several television commercials for Gallery Furniture, owned by Jim and Linda. In 1992, Jim and Linda had the opportunity to produce the action-comedy film “Sidekicks,” which starred Chuck Norris and Jonathan Brandis. In 2019, Jim suffered a possible transient ischemic attack, but that didn’t stop him from continuing to positively impact the world around him. He also runs a website, GalleryFurniture.com, where you can check out all his amazing products.
Love for gambling
It’s safe to say that Mattress Mack is no stranger to taking risks and winning big. His daring bets have earned him a reputation as one of the most successful sports bettors in the game.
In February 2022, he made headlines by placing a $4.5 million bet on the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl LVI, setting the record for the largest mobile wager in sports betting history. Also, Mattress Mack raked in a whopping $75 million in total sports betting payouts by the Houston Astros’ World Series win.
But it’s not just about the money for him; he’s also a true sports fan who loves to root for his favorite teams.
Controversy
Despite his many good deeds, Jim isn’t perfect, and he’s had his share of public controversies. During the 2022 World Series, Jim attended Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and things took a turn for the worse when Phillies fans brought up the Astros sign-stealing scandal and accused Jose Altuve of cheating. Jim responded with an expletive-ridden tirade, repeatedly yelling “f--k you” at the fans. While some condemned his actions, he’s only human, after all.
Philanthropy
Mattress Mack, as he’s fondly called, is a savvy businessman and a man with a big heart. In 2017, when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, he opened the doors of his furniture stores to offer refuge and shelter to those affected. And when Tropical Storm Imelda flooded the city in 2019, he did it again.
In 2021, during the Texas power crisis and winter storms, Mack allowed people to stay overnight in Gallery Furniture, providing warmth and shelter. And when Hurricane Ida struck the Gulf Coast later that year, he began sheltering Louisianan residents at his store and giving free warm meals and amenities. He even organized a supply donation drive and caravan into South Louisiana to deliver supplies to those in need.
While some criticized him for the media attention he received during his humanitarian efforts, Mack also helped build the first mobile stroke unit in the United States and awarded private school scholarships annually to underserved children in the Houston area. His passion for giving back is infectious, and he believes in “Capitalism with a Cause,” stating there’s no point in working hard if you can’t use what you earn to positively impact the world.
Social media
You can stay up-to-date on his latest endeavor via his social media accounts, including @mattressmackofficial on Instagram with 60.4k followers and Jim Mcingvale on Facebook with 411k followers. Also, you can find him on Twitter with the handle @MattressMack where he has over 120.9k followers.
Mattress Mack Net Worth
Despite his love for gambling, Mattress Mack’s net worth is impressive, estimated to be over $300 million. This he has made from selling furniture and other business ventures he has.
Conclusion
Mattress Mack is a true Houston icon and a beloved figure in the community, from his humble beginnings as a small business owner to his meteoric rise as a furniture king. Mack’s legacy is undoubtedly one of hard work, determination, and generosity. His willingness to give back to the community, especially during times of crisis, has earned him a special place in the hearts of Houstonians. And despite his high-stakes gambling habits, his impressive net worth is a testament to his success as a businessman.
