James Franklin McIngvale, widely known as "Mattress Mack," was born on February 11, 1951, in Starkville, Mississippi. He is a prominent American businessman, famous for owning and running the Gallery Furniture retail chain in Houston, Texas.
Early Life and Education
Mattress Mack grew up in Starkville and attended Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, Texas. He later pursued higher education at the University of Texas at Austin before transferring to North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in Denton, where he played college football.
Rise to Fame
Mattress Mack rise to fame began with his unique approach to sales. Early in the history of Gallery Furniture, he faced financial difficulties and decided to spend his last $10,000 on a television commercial. Unhappy with the original ad, Mattress Mack quickly improvised a fast-talking sales pitch, delivering it with high energy due to the short time available. The commercial was a huge success, and his business took off, making him a household name in Houston. His signature phrase, "saves you money!" became well-known and a hallmark of his commercials.
Business Ventures
Over the years, Mattress Mack became a successful entrepreneur. In 2002, he co-authored a book titled "Always Think Big" with Thomas Duening and John Ivancevich, where he shared stories of his entrepreneurial journey, including the highs and lows of running a business.
Political Involvement
Mattress Mack is also known for his political involvement. He has mostly supported Republican candidates, including Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Lauren Boebert, and Madison Cawthorn. In 2010, he was a strong supporter of the Tea Party movement, funding ads and speaking at events. During the 2015 Houston mayoral race, he endorsed conservative candidate Bill King. In 2018, he supported the reelection of Republican U.S. Representative John Culberson.
Legal and Financial Challenges
In 2009, Mattress Mack made headlines when he refused to pay $48,000 in taxes to the Greater Northside Management District, arguing that the district was not doing enough to maintain the area. This led to a legal dispute, but Mattress Mack stood firm in his belief that the taxes were unfair.
Personal Life
Mattress Mack is married to Linda McIngvale, and the couple has four children. They reside in the Northgate Forest community in Harris County, Texas. The Houston Chronicle has described him as one of the most recognizable residents in the area. In 1992, Mattress Mack and his wife were executive producers of the action-comedy film "Sidekicks," starring Chuck Norris. Norris, in turn, appeared in several television commercials for Gallery Furniture.
Health Issues
In 2019, Mattress Mack suffered a transient ischemic attack (a mini-stroke), and in 2023, he was hospitalized with a severe case of cellulitis in his leg. Despite these health challenges, he remains active in his business and community.
Sports Gambling
Mattress Mack is also known for his sports betting activities. In 2022, he placed a record-breaking $4.5 million bet on the Cincinnati Bengals to win the Super Bowl, though the bet did not pay off. However, later that year, he won a massive $75 million payout after betting on the Houston Astros to win the World Series, marking the largest payout in sports betting history. Not all his bets were successful; he lost $9.2 million betting on the last two College Football Playoff National Championship games.
Net Worth 2024
As of 2024, Mattress Mack net worth is estimated to be $450 million. His success as a businessman, along with his distinctive sales style and involvement in the community, has made him a well-known and respected figure in Houston and beyond.
FAQs
1. What is Mattress Mack real name?
His real name is James Franklin McIngvale.
2. How old is Mattress Mack?
Mattress Mack was born on February 11, 1951, making him 73 years old as of 2024.
3. What is Mattress Mack career?
Mattress Mack is a successful American businessman best known for owning and operating the Gallery Furniture retail chain in Houston, Texas.
4. Where did Mattress Mack go to school?
Mattress Mack attended Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas. He then went to the University of Texas at Austin and later transferred to North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in Denton, where he played football.
5. Who are Mattress Mack parents?
Public information does not mention the names of Mattress Mack parents.
6. What is Mattress Mack net worth?
As of 2024, Mattress Mack net worth is estimated to be $450 million.
7. Who is Mattress Mack wife?
Mattress Mack is married to Linda McIngvale.
8. How many children does Mattress Mack have?
Mattress Mack and his wife Linda have four children.
9. What are Mattress Mack political views?
Mattress Mack has primarily supported Republican candidates, including Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and others. He also supported the Tea Party movement in 2010.
10. What controversies and health issues has Mattress Mack faced?
Mattress Mack has faced legal disputes, such as refusing to pay $48,000 in taxes to the Greater Northside Management District. He has also dealt with health issues, including a transient ischemic attack in 2019 and severe cellulitis in his leg in 2023. Additionally, he has made headlines for large sports bets, including both significant wins and losses.
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