‘Southern Charm:’ What Is J.D. Madison’s Career and Net Worth?
John David “J.D.” Madison from Southern Charm became a visible part of the show even though he was never deemed an official cast member.
The real estate developer and businessman first appeared in the series as Thomas Ravenel’s friend, but quickly integrated into the cast and storyline. He often played host to the various gatherings on the show, plus he acted as Ravenel’s sounding board during Ravenel’s run for Senate in 2014.
Now that Ravenel is off the show, it appears that Madison was also swept up by controversy. His drama began before he removed from the Southern Charm cast roster and appears to continue off camera.
He started as a sales rep for Novartis
Madison kicked off his career several years after graduating from college. He attended Colorado State University from 1991 to 1996 and graduated with a BA in English and Theater. He was active in college and was a member of the Colorado State Ski Team.
It wasn’t until 2004 when he landed the job with Novartis as a sales consultant. He was based in Charleston for the position, but left in 2007. From there he became a developer for Madison Element Hospitality Group. Madison continues to list this business as a present job.
He also infamously opened Gentry Bourbon (and the restaurant and hotel) in 2013. Viewers saw Craig Conover go to work for Madison but the job didn’t seem to meet his passions. Gentry Bourbon is also listed as a current position.
What is his net worth?
Various resources assert Madison’s net worth stands at about $25 million. He started Gentry Bourbon and used to own and operate Gentry Bar and Room.
Madison lost the Gentry Bar space after failing to pay $163,233 in rent and fees, The Post and Courier reports. He allegedly hadn’t paid rent on the establishment since April 2017 and was ultimately evicted. Madison initially told the building landlord he could make rent, but then asserted he found an investor to provide financial backing. None of this came to fruition with Madison claiming Hurricane Irma derailed his deal with the financial backer.
Madison said Gentry Bar and Room did not go out of business, but it was more of a logistical error when the building changed hands. “The ownership of the building changed hands, and when that happened, the option for lease renewal became increasingly difficult,” he remarked in a statement. “The decision to relocate the successful business became a necessity.” However, Open Table claims the restaurant is permanently closed.
More trouble ahead
Before season five, Madison was considered to be an upstanding Charleston businessman, husband, and father. He and his wife Liz seemed like they had a perfect life. But when season five opened, Madison and his wife had separated. Plus rumors swirled about his business dealings. The women took Liz’s side, with Chelsea Meissner calling Madison a “con artist.”
Naomie Olindo seemed especially heated about the breakup. She lashed out at Madison at Shep Rose’s birthday party in defense of Liz, who she befriended.
But Liz was upset by what she saw and spoke out. “This season, after just watching the first two episodes, my jaw hit the floor. For J.D. to be attacked like that is not acceptable. It was an unprovoked attack at a very inappropriate place,” she told Bravo’s The Daily Dish.
She also addressed the accusation that her husband was a con artist. “As for Chelsea saying he is a con artist, if I had been there, I would have lost it. That could not be further from the truth,” she said. “I think J.D. did the right thing by not being drawn into a fight with a bunch of girls. He is a gentleman and it shows.”
