Work is Therapy

By: Ryan DuBois

I once had the great pleasure of attending a speech by Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, an inspiring figure whose life is a testament to the transformative power of work. For those unfamiliar, Mattress Mack is a legendary Houston-based businessman, best known for his furniture store, Gallery Furniture , and his extraordinary community service efforts.

But there's much more to his story—he’s a man who has built a brand on resilience, hard work, and a deep commitment to American craftsmanship.

His journey isn't just about selling furniture; it's about using work as a means of therapy, both for himself and for the countless lives he touches.

The Power of American Craftsmanship:

In his speech, Jim McIngvale , "Mattress Mack," passionately spoke about the importance of American craftsmanship and how work can serve as a form of therapy. He recalled the once-vibrant towns that were thriving hubs of manufacturing, supporting businesses like his own.

Today, many of these towns have become ghost towns, their lifeblood drained as manufacturing jobs were shipped overseas. Mattress Mack has made it his mission to support American families by sourcing as much of his inventory as possible from the United States and Mexico, keeping jobs close to home.

He believes that the dignity of work is something irreplaceable, a sentiment echoed by great leaders and thinkers throughout history.

Theodore Roosevelt once said,

“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

This is a principle that Mattress Mack embodies every day. He reminds us that when we invest in our work and our communities, we contribute to something much larger than ourselves.

A Lesson in Redemption:

Another powerful aspect of Mattress Mack's philosophy is his commitment to giving people second chances. He doesn't shy away from hiring convicts, offering them not just jobs but a sense of purpose and belonging—a home.

In doing so, he provides a crucial lifeline, helping them reintegrate into society. As Mack himself has said,

“Everybody deserves a second chance. We all make mistakes, but work can help people rebuild their lives.”

This commitment to redemption is reminiscent of the words of Nelson Mandela, who said,

"It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences."

By offering these individuals a way to contribute and grow, Mack is providing them with the tools to reshape their futures. This not only benefits the individuals but also strengthens the community as a whole.

The Value of Work:

What can we learn from Mattress Mack’s approach?

The idea that work can be therapeutic isn’t new, but it’s often overlooked in our modern world.

Work provides structure, purpose, and the satisfaction of contributing to something greater than oneself. It offers social interaction, a sense of accomplishment, and the opportunity to support one's family.

Case studies and research support this view. A study from the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that individuals who are engaged in meaningful work report higher levels of well-being and lower levels of depression.

This is because work can offer a sense of identity and community, especially when we can see the tangible results of our efforts.

The Impact of Work:

One of the most inspiring aspects of Mattress Mack's story is his ability to see the impact of his work on the community. His legendary promotions—like offering massive refunds if the Astros won the World Series—aren’t just marketing tactics. They are a way of connecting with the community, of giving back, and of making people feel part of something special. These promotions create buzz and excitement, but they also create a sense of shared experience, a reminder that we’re all in this together.

For example, during Hurricane Harvey, Mattress Mack opened his stores to shelter those displaced by the storm, turning a place of business into a refuge. This act of generosity went viral, but for Mack, it was simply an extension of his belief that work should be about more than just profit—it should be about people.

So, what can we take away from the story of Mattress Mack? It’s a powerful reminder that work isn’t just about making a living; it’s about making a life.

It’s about the pride that comes from crafting something with your own hands, the satisfaction of giving someone a second chance, and the joy of seeing the impact you have on your community.

As a leader or coach, it’s important to recognize the therapeutic value of work and to help others see it too. Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring an individual, or guiding a company, remember that the work you do—and the work you help others do—can be a powerful force for good. Embrace it, and encourage others to do the same.

After all, as Mack shows us, work is not just a necessity—it’s a gift, a therapy, and a way to change the world, one job at a time.

Let's go!

Committed to You, Committed to Excellence.

You're friend,

Ryan DuBois