Mattress Mack Lends Support to Over 250 Houston-Area Girl Scout Troops with Cookie Buyout and Sales Training
This Girl Scout cookie season was sweeter than ever thanks to a heartfelt gesture from Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, the beloved Houston philanthropist and owner of Gallery Furniture. Known for his deep-rooted community values, McIngvale pledged to buy $500 worth of cookies from every Girl Scout troop in the Houston area that joined his annual sales challenge. The result? More than 250 troops participated, generating over $125,000 to support Girl Scout programs and opportunities across the Greater Houston Area.
The highlight came on March 17, when dozens of troops gathered at Gallery Furniture to hand-deliver cookies to Mack himself. Among them was Paige Franks, co-leader of Troop 113004 based in the Copperfield area, which is part of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council.
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“This season has been hard—weather was challenging the first few weeks when we traditionally sell the most, and there was some unfounded bad press,” Franks shared. “So when I heard that Gallery Furniture and Mattress Mack were offering to purchase cookies, I reached out to participate and then reached out to fellow troops that I knew could also benefit. We were all thrilled!”
But for McIngvale, it wasn’t just about the cookies. In February 2025, he also hosted a special sales training seminar at Gallery Furniture—continuing a decades-long tradition of teaching young people valuable skills in communication, resilience, and confidence. During the event, he read the iconic children's book, Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, aloud with the Scouts, using the classic story to illustrate the importance of persistence in sales. He answered their questions and shared powerful life lessons rooted in passion and work ethic.
Stacks upon stacks of Girl Scout cookies filled a large table at Gallery Furniture as part of Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale’s “I became an overnight success—it only took me 43 years and some change,” McIngvale told the Scouts with a smile. “Find a job you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
McIngvale’s belief in youth mentorship goes beyond seasonal efforts. Through a partnership with Houston Community College, he launched the HCC Mattress Mack School of Selling, a professional program designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools for success. The curriculum, led by industry experts, includes McIngvale’s own insights from his decades in business, with hands-on training in customer engagement, persuasive communication, and ethical selling—skills that empower individuals in every walk of life.
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His ongoing commitment to Houston’s youth has touched countless lives, including those of Girl Scout leaders like Franks, who has guided her daughter and other girls through the program from kindergarten to high school. “The younger ones learn to talk to people first, and that’s amazing to watch,” she said. “The older girls learn valuable marketing and business ethics principles. It’s amazing to watch the girls grow over the years.”
She added, “When I talk about why I am a Girl Scout leader, I smile and say I’m saving the world one girl at a time. I won’t reach every girl, but I hope to make a difference in at least one girl’s life. Mattress Mack and other donors and shoppers help me make that a reality.”
One of the Girl Scouts from Troop 113004 beams as she receives an autograph from Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, McIngvale shares that vision wholeheartedly. “Work brings purpose and meaning to life and makes life worth living,” he said. “These girls are learning skills that will shape their futures—what better investment is there?”
In a time when nonprofit organizations face ongoing challenges from the pandemic and a shortage of volunteers, McIngvale’s support stands as a powerful example of the impact one person can make. Whether through mentorship, community events, or a simple cookie purchase, his actions continue to inspire hope, growth, and togetherness across Houston.
For those wanting to support the Girl Scouts—whether by buying cookies, volunteering time, or sharing knowledge—the message is simple: every box counts.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
