Michael Cordray has become one of the most recognizable names in home restoration television, thanks to his work on Magnolia Network’s Restoring Galveston and his preservation company, Save 1900. But long before cameras arrived in Galveston, Texas, Michael was simply a local craftsman with a deep connection to the island’s history and architecture.
This in-depth profile covers everything readers search for: his early life, education, marriage to Ashley Cordray, the founding of Save 1900, his rise on television, his growing net worth, and the personal values that shaped his career. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or just discovering the Cordray family, this guide answers every question in one place.
Biography Table
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Michael Cordray |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1982 |
| Birthplace | Galveston, Texas, USA |
| Profession | Home restorer, entrepreneur, TV personality,historic preservationist |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Maritime Administration from Texas A&M Galveston |
| Spouse | married to his wife Ashley (married 2014) |
| Children | Elle Cordray; Emma Cordray; Emory Cordray |
| Company | Save 1900 Realty |
| TV Show | Restoring Galveston (Magnolia Network) |
| Net Worth | between $2 million and $5 million |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life and Roots in Galveston
Michael Cordray was born on March 18, 1982, in Galveston, Texas, a coastal city known for its rich and turbulent architectural history. Growing up there gave him direct exposure to the historic homes that would later shape his career.
His mother, Helen “Bootsie” Cordray, was also born and raised in Galveston, giving Michael a multigenerational connection to the city. Friends and family describe him as someone who valued old buildings long before restoration became a television trend.
Also read this celebrity: Brian Atlas Biography, Age, Career & Net Worth 2026
Education and Early Direction
Michael studied at Texas A&M University at Galveston, where he also met his future wife, Ashley, during a period focused on career stability rather than any thought of reality TV. After graduating, he entered the maritime and shipping industry, taking a corporate role in inland marine operations that offered structure and a steady, promising career path.
Despite the stability of this conventional job, Michael’s true interest remained in hands-on work, building and restoring things. This underlying passion eventually pulled him away from the security of his corporate career.
From Real Estate Risk to Purpose
Michael’s turning point came gradually, not through one dramatic event. While working in shipping paid his bills, it left his interests in craftsmanship, history, and design unfulfilled. Around 2011, his relationship with Ashley grew alongside a shared curiosity for old Galveston homes, leading them to buy their first home together as a restoration project rather than a place to settle.
This first purchase set the tone for their future, turning real estate from a side hustle into a genuine calling that blended financial opportunity with historical preservation. Leaving a stable corporate job for this uncertain path was risky, but it reflects a common pattern among successful entrepreneurs: choosing purpose over guaranteed security.
The Birth of Save 1900
Michael and Ashley Cordray founded Save 1900 in 2015, a restoration company named after the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. Their mission was to preserve homes from the early 1900s that most investors saw as too damaged or costly to save.
Michael led the structural and construction work, while Ashley handled interior design and staging. Together, they earned a reputation in Galveston for transforming neglected, damaged homes into beautiful, livable spaces while preserving their original character.
Michael Cordray Parents
Michael’s parents played a foundational role in shaping his work ethic and appreciation for craftsmanship. His mother, Helen “Bootsie” Cordray, was born and raised in Galveston, giving Michael deep local roots.
His father, Emil Cordray, was known in the community as an avid coin collector. Michael has shared that one of his earliest jobs involved helping his father sell coins, an experience that taught him early lessons in customer interaction, patience, and value assessment. Emil Cordray passed away in 2007, and his influence is still referenced by Michael as part of his personal story and values.
As Save 1900 gained local attention, television producers took notice. HGTV producers, searching for new home restoration talent, reached out after seeing the couple’s growing portfolio of Galveston projects. Michael and Ashley filmed a sizzle reel, and producers were impressed enough to order a pilot on DIY Network, HGTV’s sister channel at the time.
To make the show possible, the couple took out a substantial loan to purchase eight properties they would renovate and flip on camera. That leap of faith paid off. Their series, originally titled Big Texas Fix, premiered in 2019 and quickly resonated with audiences who appreciated its authenticity over manufactured drama.
On Screen Dynamic with Ashley Cordray
Part of what makes Restoring Galveston successful is the natural chemistry between Michael and Ashley. Unlike scripted television personalities, the couple’s dynamic on screen mirrors their real working relationship: Michael tackles structural and construction challenges while Ashley brings design vision and emotional storytelling to each project.
Their on-screen partnership works because it isn’t manufactured for television. Michael and Ashley had already spent years working side by side on real Galveston homes before cameras ever arrived, meaning viewers are watching an authentic professional partnership rather than a produced arrangement..
Major Projects and Defining Moments
Throughout their television run, Michael and Ashley have tackled numerous historic properties across Galveston Island. Some of their most notable milestones include:
- Their very first flip, a modest home purchased for around fifty-five thousand dollars, which launched their real estate journey
- The restoration of the Gustave Mayhoff Cottage, a historic property they began renovating in 2020 and completed roughly two years later for their own family
- Multiple derelict homes converted into livable residences, short-term rentals, and community landmarks
- Recognition from local preservation organizations for their contribution to protecting Galveston’s architectural heritage
Each project reinforced Save 1900’s reputation for tackling homes considered too far gone by other investors, reinforcing Michael’s growing authority in the historic preservation space.
Personal Life and Family
Michael Cordray and Ashley Cordray met in 2011 while both were connected to Texas A&M University at Galveston. Their relationship progressed quickly, and the couple married on April 4, 2014.
Today, Michael and Ashley are raising three daughters:
- Elle, born in November 2019, during production of the show’s early seasons
- Emma, born in May 2021
- Emory James, born on March 18, 2023, sharing a birthday with her father
Balancing a demanding renovation business, a television schedule, and family life has become part of the couple’s public narrative. They frequently share glimpses of their daughters on social media, giving fans insight into the personal side of their restoration journey.
Michael Cordray Birthday
Michael Cordray was born on March 18, 1982, making him a Pisces. As of 2026, he is in his mid-forties, though he continues to take an active, hands-on role in physically demanding restoration projects.
Interestingly, his youngest daughter, Emory James, was born on the exact same date, March 18, adding a meaningful personal milestone to a birthday he already shares with the founding of much of his career’s momentum.
Net Worth and Financial Growth
Michael Cordray’s estimated net worth falls in the low to mid seven-figure range as of 2026, based on publicly available financial analysis and industry comparisons. His wealth stems primarily from three connected sources:
- Ongoing revenue from Save 1900’s restoration, resale, and rental projects
- Television earnings tied to Restoring Galveston’s multi-season run on Magnolia Network
- Expanding business ventures built around Galveston’s tourism and hospitality economy
Unlike renovation personalities who rely heavily on quick property flips, Michael’s financial growth is closely tied to long-term real estate value and diversified local business ownership, giving his income a more sustainable foundation.
Business Interests and Investments
Beyond Save 1900, Michael and Ashley have expanded their business portfolio significantly in recent years. Their growing list of ventures includes:
- Save 1900 Realty, extending their brand into real estate sales
- The Mansard House, a boutique hotel built around historic Galveston charm
- Cordray Drug Store, a restored property now operating as an ice cream parlor
- Local Dogs, a hot dog restaurant housed inside a renovated 1922 filling station
This diversification shows a deliberate strategy: rather than depending solely on television income or property flips, Michael has built multiple revenue streams rooted in Galveston’s local economy and tourism appeal.
Public Image and Cultural Impact
Michael Cordray’s public image stands apart from typical reality television personalities. His appeal comes from authenticity rather than manufactured conflict or dramatic reveals. Viewers consistently praise the show for its realistic pacing and genuine respect for historical accuracy.
His work has also contributed to a broader cultural appreciation for architectural preservation, encouraging audiences nationwide to see historic homes as assets worth saving rather than obstacles to modern development. This cultural impact extends beyond entertainment value, positioning Michael as a credible voice in conversations about heritage preservation and sustainable renovation practices.
Michael Cordray Galveston
Galveston isn’t just where Michael Cordray lives; it’s central to his professional identity. His restoration projects have contributed to preserving the island’s architectural character, and several of Save 1900’s completed homes have received recognition from local preservation organizations, including honors connected to the Galveston Landmark Commission.
By choosing to restore rather than demolish, Michael has played a direct role in maintaining Galveston’s unique historical identity for future generations, something that resonates deeply with both locals and the show’s national audience.
Challenges and Controversies
Restoration work is rarely straightforward, and Michael Cordray’s career has included its share of real challenges. Common obstacles associated with his line of work include:
- Structural surprises in century-old homes, including foundation failures and extensive water damage
- Financial risk tied to large loans taken out to fund early television projects
- The physical demands of hands-on construction work, especially as Michael has continued working actively into his forties
While Michael and Ashley haven’t been at the center of major public scandals, the pressures of balancing a growing family, a demanding business, and a television production schedule represent ongoing, real-world challenges rather than manufactured drama.
Also read this celebrity: Brian Atlas Biography, Age, Career & Net Worth 2026
FAQS
1. Was Michael Cordray in the military?
No, Michael Cordray was not in the military. He is best known as a real estate investor, home renovator, and television personality.
2. What degree does Michael Cordray have?
Michael Cordray earned a bachelor’s degree in Maritime Administration from Texas A&M University at Galveston.
3. What does Michael Cordray do for a living?
Michael Cordray works as a real estate investor, home renovator, TV host, and entrepreneur specializing in restoring historic homes.
4. What businesses do the Cordrays own?
Michael and Ashley Cordray own a real estate and home restoration business focused on buying, renovating, and preserving historic properties in Galveston, Texas.
5. What are the Cordrays doing now?
The Cordrays continue renovating historic homes, managing their real estate business, and appearing on their home renovation television series.
Final Thoughts
Michael Cordray’s story stands out in the crowded world of home renovation television because it was never really about fame. It’s about a Galveston native who chose to protect his city’s architectural history instead of chasing quick profit, and who built a business, a family, and a television career around that single, consistent value.
From his early roots in Galveston to the founding of Save 1900 and the national success of Restoring Galveston, Michael’s journey reflects patience, craftsmanship, and a genuine commitment to preservation. As his career continues to grow through new ventures and ongoing restoration work, Michael Cordray remains a compelling example of how purpose-driven work can build both a meaningful legacy and lasting financial success.
