(HOUSTON, TX) For many Texans, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale is more than a furniture store owner. He's become a symbol of hope, resilience, and generosity in Houston.
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The owner of Gallery Furniture, which he founded in 1981, has spent decades building a successful business. But for many people, he's best known for opening his stores to those in need during disasters, including Hurricane Harvey, winter storms, and other emergencies.
McIngvale has also given away millions of dollars to local healthcare, education and veterans initiatives.
When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, McIngvale immediately opened the doors of his furniture stores to families displaced by flooding.
"They were in a highly stressed state when they came in," McIngvale told K-LOVE. "We tried to make their ordeal during the hurricane a little bit easier and would do it again in a New York minute."
Hundreds of people found shelter inside Gallery Furniture locations, sleeping on showroom mattresses and sofas while volunteers provided meals, showers, and support. The effort captured national attention and reinforced the servant-hearted reputation McIngvale has developed over the years.
But ask McIngvale what motivates him, and he'll quickly shift the focus away from himself.
"What drives me is taking care of our employees, taking care of the customers and making Houston a better place," he said.
His Christian faith has played a central role throughout his life.
"Faith certainly defines me," McIngvale said. "Faith is who I am."
That foundation in Jesus has helped him through economic downturns, natural disasters, and personal challenges over the years.
"I just realize that no matter what happens, life always offers a second chance. It's called tomorrow."
He added with a smile, "They taught me how to suit up. I suit up every day."
McIngvale believes one of Houston's greatest strengths is the way people come together when times get tough.
"We've been hit by a lot of hurricanes, a lot of natural disasters," he said. "But whenever the hurricane hits or disaster, we all band together and help each other."
It's that spirit of resilience that has made Houston home for McIngvale for more than four decades.
"What I like best about Houston is the can-do attitude," he said. "The people bounce back."
Although many people have referred to McIngvale as a hero or even a modern-day saint, he rejects those labels.
"Nope, I'm not a modern-day saint," he said. "But I know one when I see one."
In fact, it's the everyday people he encounters that give him hope.
"I get to see modern-day saints out here every day," he said, describing parents caring tirelessly for children with special needs and families rallying around loved ones facing serious illness.
"Their life revolves around that child," he said of parents caring for autistic children. "They're loving that child and taking care of that child and doing everything they can to help that child."
He also shared the story of a customer battling Stage 4 cancer whose family surrounded him with unwavering support.
"They came out, the family came out just loving and supporting him," McIngvale said.
For McIngvale, those moments are reminders that faith, love, and perseverance are still very much alive.
As for his message to the people of Houston?
"Stay the course. Keep the faith."
Then he offered one more challenge.
"Let's count our blessings rather than constantly bemoaning our problems. Let's count our blessings. We've got a lot of those."