“Mattress Mack” Honored as TAB Philanthropist of the Year

Terry SwensonAwards, Featured, Remodelers, Workforce Development

The GHBA is proud to announce that Jim McIngvale with Gallery Furniture and WorkTexas was named the Texas Association of Builders Philanthropist of the Year for his contributions to the housing industry. There are hundreds of examples of Jim’s commitment to improving the lives of thousands of people.

The GHBA has been proud to see these examples come to life within the residential construction industry through a partnership with his team from WorkTexas, a non- profit that targets high school age and older individuals who want to learn the specific skills necessary to obtain a job that can include vocational training for skills needed within the homebuilding industry.

Jim saw the critical need for skilled trades and established a construction trades training academy. He assembled a team to execute this plan in less than two years and renovated a portion of his flagship retail location to accommodate the academy that uses the Home Builders Institute curriculum.


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The program not only provides additional resources such as appropriate training, both instructional and on-the-job, but also transportation assistance, proper attire and gear, one-on-one mentorship and more, to ensure job success and future advancement.

  • He donated 15,000 square feet of space for the trade school and spent $2 million dollars on the renovation.
  • He donated over $150,000 in equipment and contributes ongoing operating expenses.
  • He funds a daycare from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for parents taking classes at the academy and donated an additional 5,000 square feet and $100,000 for a preschool.
  • He recently co-hosted a Construction Hiring Event with GHBA, HomeAid and other partners at the trades academy with 25 employers offering more than 300 jobs.

All these efforts are making a direct, positive impact on solving the labor shortage.

These incredible contributions as well as dozens of others were instrumental in Jim McIngvale taking home the TAB Philanthropist of the Year award. Congratulations, Jim!

About the Author
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Terry Swenson

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A writer and a photographer, Terry Swenson is GHBA's director of public relations.

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