Michael and Ashley Cordray are household names for fans of the hit television show “Restoring Galveston”. Known for their incredible talent in restoring historic homes in Galveston, Texas, this dynamic duo has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. Their passion for breathing new life into old houses and their relatable personalities have made them standout stars in the world of home renovation.
But how did they rise to fame, and what is it about their journey that fascinates so many? More importantly, what is their net worth today, and how did they build such a successful business?
| Personal Information | Michael Cordray |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Cordray |
| Year of Birth | 1982 |
| Age | 43 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Galveston, Texas, USA |
| Current Residence | Galveston, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Texas A&M University |
| Profession | Home renovator, reality TV star |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Weight | 76 lbs (168 kg) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 3 daughters (Elle, Emma, Emory) |
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashley Cordray |
| Gender | Female |
| Year of Birth | 1987 |
| Age | 38 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Spring, Texas, United States |
| Current Residence | Galveston, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Texas A&M University |
| Profession | Home renovator, reality TV personality |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Partner | Michael Cordray |
| Children | 3 daughters (Elle, Emma, Emory) |
| Physical Attributes | |
|---|---|
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Height (ft/in) | 5’5″ |
| Height (cm) | 165 |
| Weight (lbs) | 55 |
| Weight (kg) | 121 |
Background of Michael and Ashley Cordray
Early Life
Michael and Ashley Cordray both hail from Galveston, Texas, a city steeped in history and known for its beautiful architecture. Growing up amid historic homes and coastal charm significantly influenced their passion for restoring old properties.
Michael’s upbringing was deeply rooted in Galveston’s culture. His parents instilled in him an appreciation for hard work and the value of preserving the past. Ashley, on the other hand, grew up with a creative flair. Her interest in design and aesthetics emerged early, setting the stage for her role in their future endeavors.
Both pursued higher education—Michael graduated with a degree in real estate, while Ashley studied marketing and design, which would later prove instrumental in their business ventures.
Career Beginnings
Before stepping into the limelight, Michael worked in real estate, developing a keen understanding of the housing market and learning the intricacies of buying, selling, and restoring properties. Meanwhile, Ashley honed her skills in design and marketing, gaining experience that would later help them brand their business and connect with clients.
Together, they shared a passion for preserving history and transforming neglected spaces into livable, beautiful homes. This shared passion laid the foundation for what would become their entrepreneurial journey.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Names | Michael Cordray, Ashley Cordray |
| Profession | Home Renovators, Reality TV Stars |
| Company | Save 1900 |
| TV Show | Restoring Galveston |
| Location | Galveston, Texas |
| Marriage Duration | Married for 9 years |
| Children | Two daughters, including Emory James (born March 18, 2023) |
The Birth of Save 1900
Founding of the Business
The duo launched Save 1900, a home restoration business, to bring their dream of saving historic properties to life. The name itself reflects their mission: to preserve and restore homes built before the 1900s. This idea was born out of their love for Galveston’s rich architectural heritage and a desire to prevent historic homes from falling into disrepair.
Starting a business in this niche wasn’t without its challenges. Renovating older homes comes with a unique set of obstacles, such as navigating outdated building codes, dealing with structural issues, and sourcing period-appropriate materials. But Michael and Ashley’s determination and resourcefulness helped them overcome these hurdles.
Business Model
Save 1900 specializes in home renovations and restorations, focusing on preserving the charm and character of historic homes while making them functional for modern living. Their unique selling proposition (USP) lies in their ability to seamlessly blend the old with the new. They don’t just renovate homes; they tell stories through their work, preserving the unique history of each property.
Their services include everything from structural repairs to interior design, offering clients a one-stop shop for all restoration needs. This comprehensive approach has made Save 1900 a standout business in the competitive home renovation market.
“Restoring Galveston” – A Game Changer
Overview of the Show
In 2019, Michael and Ashley Cordray became the stars of “Restoring Galveston,” a television show on HGTV (originally titled “Big Texas Fix”). The show follows their journey as they take on ambitious projects to restore dilapidated homes in Galveston. Each episode showcases their creativity, problem-solving skills, and love for historic architecture.
The show’s format is engaging and relatable, as viewers get an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of home restoration. From tight budgets to unexpected structural issues, the Cordrays tackle it all with grit and humor.
Impact on Their Brand
“Restoring Galveston” catapulted Michael and Ashley to national fame. The exposure brought them a loyal fan base and significantly boosted their business. The show allowed them to showcase their work to a broader audience, attracting clients from across the country.
What makes the show particularly appealing is the personal touch they bring. Their chemistry as a couple and their genuine passion for their work resonate with viewers, making them not just renovators but storytellers.
Financial Overview
Estimating Their Net Worth
Michael and Ashley Cordray’s financial success stems from multiple streams of income. Let’s break it down:
- Revenue from Save 1900: Their home restoration projects bring in significant income, with some projects valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Earnings from “Restoring Galveston”: While exact figures remain undisclosed, TV appearances on HGTV reportedly contribute a substantial portion of their earnings.
- Other Income Streams: This includes merchandise sales, endorsements, and public appearances, which further supplement their income.
As of 2025, their net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.
Current Net Worth Estimates
The table below summarizes their estimated income sources:
| Financial Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Combined Net Worth | Between $3 million and $5 million (as of 2025) |
| Annual Revenue from Business | Approximately $3 million from Save 1900 |
| Estimated Earnings from TV Show | About $350,000 per season from Restoring Galveston |
Income Sources Detailed
Home Renovation Projects
Save 1900’s restoration projects are not just about aesthetics; they’re about storytelling. Each project is carefully planned to preserve the home’s history while meeting modern needs. Some of their most notable projects have fetched six-figure profits, cementing their reputation as top-tier renovators.
Television Earnings
Though exact earnings from “Restoring Galveston” are not public, HGTV stars typically earn anywhere from $30K to $50K per episode, depending on popularity. Given the show’s success, it’s safe to assume that Michael and Ashley’s earnings fall within this range or higher.
Other Ventures
In addition to their business and TV show, the Cordrays have ventured into merchandise sales and brand collaborations. These additional revenue streams not only bring in extra income but also help strengthen their brand.
Lifestyle and Expenditures
Living Expenses
Despite their success, Michael and Ashley lead a modest lifestyle. They reside in Galveston, where they continue to invest in and restore local properties. Running Save 1900 also incurs costs, such as materials, labor, and permits, which they manage carefully.
Investments and Savings
The Cordrays are savvy with their finances, reinvesting much of their income into real estate. By purchasing and renovating properties, they secure both short-term profits and long-term wealth through real estate appreciation.
Challenges Faced Along the Way
Business Challenges
Like any business, Save 1900 has faced its share of hurdles. Economic downturns, fluctuating real estate markets, and the challenges of working with older homes have all tested their resilience.
Personal Challenges
Balancing their business with family life hasn’t always been easy. As parents, Michael and Ashley work hard to ensure they have time for their children while managing the demands of running a business and filming a TV show.
Future Prospects for the Cordrays
Expansion Plans
The Cordrays have hinted at plans to expand their business, potentially taking on larger projects or exploring new markets. Their passion for historic preservation suggests they’ll continue to innovate and grow.
Upcoming Projects or Shows
Fans are eager to see what’s next for Michael and Ashley. While no new shows have been announced, their success on “Restoring Galveston” leaves the door wide open for future opportunities.
For more information read our net worth category.
