Answers to Your Main Questions

If you are searching for the basic facts about Michael Cordray, here is the complete answer to your main question and the most common follow-up questions:

• Who is Michael Cordray? He is a real estate renovator, television personality, and the co-founder of the restoration company Save 1900.
• What is his net worth? Alongside his wife Ashley, he holds an estimated net worth of $4 Million in 2026.
• What television show is he on? He stars in Restoring Galveston (formerly known as Big Texas Fix) on the Magnolia Network.
• Where did he study? He graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston.

Table of Contents

• 1. Answers to Your Main Questions
• 2. Early Life and Education
• 3. Career Before Television
• 4. The Save 1900 Mission
• 5. Restoring Galveston TV Show
• 6. Comprehensive Net Worth Breakdown
• 7. Frequently Asked Questions

Early Life and Education

Michael Cordray was born and raised with a deep appreciation for coastal Texas history. He attended Texas A&M University at Galveston, where he graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Administration. His education provided a strong business foundation, which would later prove vital in managing large-scale real estate projects.

Career Before Television

Before becoming a recognizable face on the Magnolia Network, Michael worked in the corporate world. Reports indicate he spent time in maritime business and even local journalism. However, his passion for historic architecture eventually pulled him away from a traditional desk job. He and his wife, Ashley Cordray, realized that the historic homes in their community were rapidly disappearing due to demolition and severe weather events.

The Save 1900 Mission

The turning point in Michael’s career was the founding of Save 1900. The name refers to the catastrophic 1900 Galveston hurricane, which devastated the island. The couple’s mission is to save houses built before or shortly after that storm. Rather than implementing cheap “flips” using generic modern materials, Michael focuses on restoring original shiplap, rescuing historic windows, and maintaining the structural integrity of Texas coastal homes.

Restoring Galveston TV Show

Their unique, historically accurate approach to renovation caught the attention of television producers. The couple originally debuted on the DIY Network under the show title Big Texas Fix. Following the launch of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network, the show was rebranded as Restoring Galveston.

The show’s success stems from Michael’s hands-on approach. He frequently tackles the complex structural and engineering problems that come with saving rotting, century-old seaside properties, while Ashley handles the interior design elements.

Comprehensive Net Worth Breakdown

Based on their expanding real estate portfolio, television salaries, and short-term rental properties, Michael and Ashley Cordray share an estimated net worth of $4 Million as of 2026. To provide insightful financial analysis beyond obvious estimates, we break down their income streams:

• Property Sales: Restoring and selling high-value historic homes in a popular coastal tourist market yields significant profit margins.
• Magnolia Network Salary: Cast members on established home-renovation shows typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per episode.
• Short-Term Rentals: Rather than selling every property, the couple retains select historic homes to operate as premium boutique Airbnbs, generating passive monthly income.

Frequently Asked Questions