Known for movies

Short Info

Date Of BirthFebruary 11, 1951
SpouseLinda McIngvale
FactOpened his second Gallery Furniture store in the Galleria area of Houston, Texas in March, 2009.


Jim McIngvale, also known as “Mattress Mack,” is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is the owner of Gallery Furniture, a chain of furniture stores in the Houston, Texas area. He is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his efforts to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Born in 1951 in Mississippi, Jim McIngvale grew up in a family of six children. His father was a truck driver and his mother was a homemaker. He has said that he was “raised with a strong work ethic” and that he learned the value of hard work from his parents. He attended the University of Mississippi, where he played football and studied business. After graduation, he worked in various sales jobs before eventually opening Gallery Furniture in 1981.

Since its inception, Gallery Furniture has been a success, with McIngvale becoming one of the richest men in Houston. He has been generous with his wealth, donating millions of dollars to charities over the years. He has also been a vocal supporter of the Houston Astros, and even hosted a watch party at his store for the 2017 World Series.

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused widespread damage in Houston, and McIngvale was quick to help those affected. He opened up his store as a shelter for those displaced by the storm, and he also donated furniture to families who had lost everything. To date, he has donated over $20 million to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

Jim McIngvale is a successful businessman and a generous philanthropist. He is beloved in Houston for his generosity, and he will continue to be a force for good in the community.

General Info

Full NameJim McIngvale
Date Of BirthFebruary 11, 1951
ProfessionBusinessperson
NationalityAmerican

Family

SpouseLinda McIngvale
ChildrenElizabeth McIngvale, Laura McIngvale, James McIngvale

Social profile links

Facts

#Fact
1Release of his book, "Always Think Big" by Jim with Thomas Duening and John Ivancevich. [March 2002]
2His daughter, Laura, appeared in a commercial for their family business, "Gallery Furniture". [2010]
3Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the opening of "Gallery Furniture" in Houston, Texas [2011].
4His daughter, Laura Brown, gave birth to Jim's first grandchild, a girl named Sydney Ruth Brown.
5His daughter, Laura McIngvale Brown, and her husband, chef Phillip Brown, are partners with Vince Young of Young's "Vince Young Steakhouse".
6Originally from Dallas, he went to college at the University of Texas where he played football though he mostly rode the bench. He was a member of the 1969 Longhorn's national championship team.
7After college, he was involved in various unsuccessful endeavors and ended up almost 30 years old, broke, without a car and working in a convenience store. After getting fired, he decided it was time for an attitude change and got a job working for a furniture store on the other side of Dallas from where he lived. He learned the furniture business and developed better work habits. He decided to go into the furniture business for himself. His brother, who was living in Houston, found the perfect location for him -- the abandoned model home park which became the first location of Gallery Furniture. He and his new wife, Linda McIngvale moved to Houston.
8The cause of the fire at the Gallery Furniture warehouse was declared arson by ATF on May 28, 2009.
9He has a five-car garage for his Ferrari collection. He is one of the largest owners of thoroughbred racehorses in Kentucky. His goal is to win the Kentucky Derby. He got into horseracing because his daughter and sister-in-law both liked horses.
10The warehouse at the original location of Gallery Furniture in North Houston burned down on May 21, 2009, but the showroom was spared.
11Was a supporter of Mitt Romney's 2008 presidential campaign.
12Father of three children. His youngest daughter, Elizabeth McIngvale, is the founder of "Peace of Mind", a non-profit organization devoted to the research and cure of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, having struggled with OCD, herself, for several years. His son is named James McIngvale, Jr. and his older daughter is named Laura McIngvale Brown.
13Opened his second Gallery Furniture store in the Galleria area of Houston, Texas in March, 2009.
14Friend of Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi through his Westside Tennis Club.
15Heavily involved in charity and sports in Houston, Texas.
16Owner of Westside Tennis Club in Houston, Texas.
17Owner of Gallery Furniture (which he opened in 1981) in Houston, Texas.

Movies

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Sidekicks1992Lauren's Brother

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Sidekicks1992executive producer

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
WWE Raw2000TV SeriesHimself - Audience Member

Source: IMDb, Wikipedia

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