Jim McIngvale Biography: James Franklin McIngvale, better known as “Mattress Mack,” is a notable American businessman and philanthropist born on February 11, 1951, in Starkville, Mississippi. As the founder and owner of Gallery Furniture, a prominent retail chain based in Houston, Texas, McIngvale has gained widespread recognition for his energetic sales tactics and substantial contributions to charity. In addition to his business ventures, he has made headlines for his significant sports betting activities, political donations, and active involvement in local and national issues. This article provides a comprehensive look at McIngvale’s life and career in 2024, including his early life, professional achievements, philanthropic efforts, political views, and personal milestones.
Jim McIngvale Biography 2024
James Franklin McIngvale, born on February 11, 1951, and commonly known as “Mattress Mack,” is an American entrepreneur. He is best known for owning and operating the Gallery Furniture retail chain in Houston, Texas. James Franklin McIngvale, also known as “Mattress Mack”, is an American businessman. He is known for owning and operating the Gallery Furniture retail chain, based in Houston.
Born: 11 February 1951 (age 73 years), Starkville, Mississippi, United States
Children: Elizabeth McIngvale, Laura McIngvale, James McIngvale
Alma mater: North Texas State University
Spouse: Linda McIngvale
Parents: George McIngvale, Angela McIngvale
Known for: Gallery Furniture and placing large bets on sports teams in Texas
Other names: “Mattress Mack”
Jim McIngvale Biography 2024 Quick Info
| - James Franklin McIngvale
- February 11, 1951 (age 73)
- Starkville, Mississippi, U.S.
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| North Texas State University |
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| Gallery Furniture and placing large bets on sports teams in Texas |
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What is the James Franklin McIngvale Early Life and Education?
James Franklin McIngvale, also known as “Mattress Mack,” was born on February 11, 1951, in Starkville, Mississippi. He graduated from Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas before attending the University of Texas at Austin. He later continued his education at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in Denton, where he also played football.
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James Franklin Net worth 2024
For instance, prior to the 2021 World Series where the Astros were competing against the Braves, Mattress Mack placed a $3.45 million bet across several sportsbooks. A successful outcome would have earned him a record-breaking $35.6 million profit, with about $22 million coming from Caesars SportsBook in Las Vegas. He estimated that covering the cost of the mattress promotion would amount to $22 million.
What is Jim McIngvale’s Salary?
Jim McIngvale, widely recognized as Mattress Mack, is an American businessman with a net worth of $300 million. He amassed his wealth as the owner and operator of Gallery Furniture, a prominent retail chain based in Houston. McIngvale is also famous for placing substantial bets on sports events, especially those involving the Houston Astros. He often ties these bets to store promotions, offering customers refunds on mattress purchases if the Astros win, while making large wagers to offset the promotion’s cost.
James Franklin Personal Life Information
McIngvale and his wife, Linda, have four children and reside in the Northgate Forest community in Harris County, Texas. In 1992, they served as executive producers for the film Sidekicks starring Chuck Norris, who later appeared in Gallery Furniture commercials. McIngvale experienced a transient ischemic attack in 2019 and made headlines during the 2022 World Series for a confrontation with Philadelphia Phillies fans.
James Franklin McIngvale Political Contributions and Views
McIngvale has primarily supported Republican candidates, including Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Lauren Boebert, and Madison Cawthorn. In 2010, he backed the Tea Party movement and financed full-page ads in the Houston Chronicle. He has also been involved in local politics, endorsing Bill King in the 2015 Houston mayoral race and supporting the re-election of Republican Congressman John Culberson in 2018. Despite his previous support for conservative candidates, McIngvale endorsed Democratic Mayor Sylvester Turner for re-election in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Greg Abbott appointed him to the Strike Force to Open Texas. McIngvale also stirred controversy after the 2020 presidential election by delaying payouts to customers who bet on Joe Biden, citing concerns about potential changes in the election results.
McIngvale Sports Betting
McIngvale is also known for his high-stakes sports betting. In 2022, he set a record with a $4.5 million bet on the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl LVI, although the wager was unsuccessful. However, later that year, he won $75 million in total payouts after the Houston Astros claimed the World Series championship. Despite his successes, McIngvale has lost significant amounts betting on the College Football Playoff National Championship, losing $6.2 million in 2022 and another $3 million in 2023.
Business Career And Background
McIngvale is renowned for his high-energy, fast-talking sales pitches, often concluding with his famous catchphrase, “saves you money!” This signature style was born out of necessity during Gallery Furniture’s early days. Facing financial difficulties, McIngvale invested his last $10,000 in a television commercial. Dissatisfied with the initial production, he ad-libbed a rapid-fire sales pitch to maximize the brief airtime, resulting in a dramatic increase in sales. His success story has been influenced by the teachings of W. Edwards Deming, which he shared at the British Deming Association’s annual conference in 1999. McIngvale also co-authored Always Think Big with Thomas Duening and John Ivancevich in 2002, detailing the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey.
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Philanthropy Efforts And More
McIngvale is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, especially in the face of natural disasters. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, he opened his stores to shelter those displaced by the storm. He repeated this act of generosity during Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019 and the 2021 Texas power crisis, providing shelter, meals, and other essential services. In 2021, after Hurricane Ida struck Louisiana, McIngvale offered refuge to evacuees and organized a supply drive to aid the affected areas. His most recent act of charity occurred in 2024, following Hurricane Beryl, where he opened his stores to provide air conditioning and meals to those in need, serving over 3,000 people.
Summary
James Franklin McIngvale, widely known as “Mattress Mack,” is a prominent American businessman and philanthropist born on February 11, 1951, in Starkville, Mississippi. As the founder and owner of Gallery Furniture in Houston, Texas, McIngvale has achieved substantial financial success with a net worth of $300 million. Renowned for his high-energy sales tactics and significant sports betting activities, he often ties these bets to store promotions, particularly involving the Houston Astros. Beyond his business ventures, McIngvale is celebrated for his philanthropy, providing shelter and aid during natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Imelda. His political contributions span both Republican and Democratic candidates, and he remains active in local issues and charitable efforts. McIngvale’s personal life includes a family with his wife Linda and a notable public presence, including high-profile sports bets and occasional controversies.
