With his trademark energy and heartfelt sincerity, Houston businessman and philanthropist Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale brought the crowd to its feet Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon honoring first responders.
“First of all, I want to thank all the great first responders who serve, protect, and sacrifice for the people of this area every single day,” McIngvale began, drawing applause from a packed room at the Cleveland Civic Center. “You’re the ones who get the call in the middle of the night. You’re the ones who run toward trouble when the rest of us are running away. You are the calm in the middle of the storm. You are the constant, not the variable.”
The owner of Gallery Furniture in Houston and one of Texas’ most recognizable figures, McIngvale has long been admired for his philanthropy, patriotism, and devotion to the Houston region. On Thursday, he turned the spotlight toward those who serve on the front lines — the firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel who keep Liberty County safe.
“The product you’re selling to all of us is a product called hope,” he said. “Leaders are dealers in hope, and no one deals more hope than our great first responders we honor here today.”
McIngvale’s message wove together themes of resilience, gratitude, and the value of meaningful work. Reflecting on the challenges of running a business through tough economic times, he shared lessons from his own life.
“Having a downturn in business was one of the best things that ever happened to me,” he said. “It made me get up, go back to work, and make something out of my life. My father always told me, ‘Get up, go to work, make something out of your life.’”
He spoke passionately about the loss of community across America — the way families once gathered after church and neighbors looked after each other — and praised first responders for keeping that spirit alive.
“We’ve lost a sense of community,” McIngvale said, “but first responders keep the community together. You teach us that Texas is a great place, and because of your hard work, dedication, and commitment, Texas will always be a great place.”
First responders recognized
The Chamber honored dozens of first responders during the luncheon, providing a free meal and heartfelt recognition for their service. Awards were presented across multiple departments throughout Liberty County.
Among the honorees were Katheryne Pineda of the Cleveland ISD Police Department, recipient of the Life-Saving Award; Chief Sean Anderson of the Cleveland Fire Department, recognized for Excellence in Leadership; John Zepeda of the Liberty County Pct. 5 Constable’s Office, named Deputy of the Year; and Tracy Sikes of the Pct. 6 Constable’s Office, who earned the Meritorious Service Award.
Liam Beausoleil of the Liberty Fire Department was recognized with a Meritorious Service Award; Mackenzie Fregia of the Dayton Police Department earned the Life-Saving Award; and Brett Alley of the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department was named Firefighter of the Year.
Additional honorees included Brutavius Johnson and Alfred Rincon of the Cleveland Police Department, both receiving Distinguished Service Awards; Lt. John Bennett of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Leadership Award; Kimberly Rodden of the Liberty County District Attorney’s Office, Distinguished Service Award; Stanley Fombih of the Liberty Police Department, Distinguished Service Award; and Robert Adams of the Liberty County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office, Meritorious Service Award.
Pct. 4 Constable Robby Thornton received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of dedication to the citizens of Liberty County. Maritza Alexander of the Pct. 3 Constable’s Office was named Deputy of the Year.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office also honored several investigators: Shandalynn Rhame for Dedication and Tenacity; Sean Mitchell for Outstanding Investigator (Crimes Against Children); James McQueen for Leadership and Mentorship; Corporal Mendoza for Leadership and Unit Excellence; and Deputy Reid Kenagy for Initiative and Commitment.
Two assistant district attorneys were recognized as well — Kayla Hebert received the Distinguished Partnership Award, and Anna Emmons was honored for Prosecutorial Excellence.
As McIngvale concluded his remarks at the end of the luncheon, he received a second standing ovation — a sign of how deeply his words resonated. He left the audience with a message that seemed to echo the spirit of the day:
“Let’s keep investing in our people, supporting small businesses, and aiding our first responders,” he said. “Without public safety, there is no civil society. To all the first responders here today, I say ‘Texas thanks you’. Every day, we thank you. We need you now more than ever. God bless you, and God bless Texas.”
