Houston, we have water

Yes. A Tea Party Member

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Houston right now is a mess. OK. East Texas is a mess. No, I’m not talking about politics- but the situation as a result of Hurricane/Tropical Storm/Rain Storm Harvey. A name surely to be retired from the potential National Weather Service nomenclature.
And, I heard a great story. One that reminds me that almost every community has a hometown hero.

I’ve written about Jack Taylor and his outsized contributions to the city of Alexandria, Virginia. Someone I’m honored to know and will continue to share his business/community antics as emulatable characteristics for us all.

But, today, I’m going to talk about Jim McIngvale. A transplant from Mississippi to Houston, Texas. Who has been making a difference in small ways for decades. And, now (for the second time) making a response to the big splash of flooding that exists all over Houston.

Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale Always Think Big
Click on the picture to buy the book

 

Jim, aka Mattress Mack, owns two Gallery Furniture stores in Houston.  His credo involves God, country, family, and hard work. Oh, and he sells AMERICAN-made furniture, too.   Moreover, he knows Houston well-  he also built his stores on elevated concrete slabs.

And, like he did the last time Houston (1 year ago) had to respond to flood victims- and for the Louisiana victims of Katrina (12 years ago), he has stocked his store with food, water, and mattresses. (Yes, you can guess from his moniker that he does sell a lot of mattresses.) And, has invited those that can make it to take refuge in his stores for “the duration”. He has even sent out his big trucks (big in that they can slog through flooded roads that would stop cars and smaller trucks flat) to help retrieve folks from where they’ve been stranded.

He posted a video online (Facebook) with the message to come on over- and included his personal phone number.

So, folks streamed in. And, are sleeping on sofas, love seats, sleeper sofas, mattresses. And, watching TV. But, unfortunately, for those who haven’t made it there yet, there’s no more room “at the inn”.

The New York Times elected to report on Mattress Mack today, too!

But, I just wanted you to know, that it is the action of one person.  Among  the actions of each of us performing one act apiece- that makes this world a better place.

Thank you Jim McIngvale. Thank you Jack Taylor. May the world be left a better place tomorrow more than today.

Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A.

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