Could a man who once lived in a crack house, battled crippling drug addiction, and dropped out of college become a multi-millionaire and a confidant of a former U.S. President? The answer, in the case of Michael J. Lindell, is a resounding yes, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the American Dream.
Born on June 28, 1961, in Mankato, Minnesota, Michael James Lindell, known worldwide as Mike Lindell, is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and author. He is most famously known as the founder and CEO of MyPillow, Inc., the company that revolutionized the pillow industry with its unique designs and aggressive marketing strategies. Lindells story is a fascinating tapestry woven with threads of adversity, addiction, resilience, and unwavering faith.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael James Lindell |
| Date of Birth | June 28, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Mankato, Minnesota |
| Education | University of Minnesota (dropped out) / Honorary Doctor of Business, Liberty University (2019) |
| Known For | Founder and CEO of MyPillow |
| Net Worth (Peak Estimate) | Over $100 million |
| Spouse(s) | Dallas Yocum (current), Karen Dyer (former) |
| Children | Heather Lueth, Darren Lindell, Lizzy Meyer, Charlie Lindell |
| Political Affiliation | Republican |
| Religious Affiliation | Evangelical Christian |
| Other Ventures | Founder of Lindell Recovery Network, Lindell Foundation, Frankspeech, Franksocial |
| Reference | Wikipedia |
Lindell's childhood, spent in the small Minnesota towns of Chaska and Carver, was a far cry from the glitz and glamour he would later become associated with. He grew up in a camper near a pickle factory in Chaska. His life took a darker turn in his teenage years, where he began to develop a gambling addiction, a habit that would foreshadow future struggles. After graduating from a local high school in Minnesota, he briefly attended the University of Minnesota but dropped out within a few months.
Before his meteoric rise to entrepreneurial success, Lindell battled a severe crack cocaine addiction. He has spoken candidly about hitting rock bottom. It was a time when he lived in his sister's basement, far removed from the image of the successful businessman he would later project. In his own words, it was a period of immense struggle and despair. The turning point came when he decided to seek help and embrace his faith. This spiritual awakening proved to be the foundation for his eventual recovery and success. In fact, he is also the founder of the Lindell Recovery Network, which highlights his determination to help others escape the same struggles he had to overcome.
Lindell's entrepreneurial journey began in 2004 when he conceived the idea for MyPillow. The MyPillow infomercial, which debuted on October 7th, 2011, became a phenomenon. The infomercial's success was immediate and overwhelming. To handle the influx of orders, Lindell quickly built an entire call center. He was insistent that the presentation be real and unscripted, a reflection of his personality and approach to business. This direct approach resonated with consumers, propelling MyPillow to become a household name.
Lindell's business acumen quickly became apparent. He transformed MyPillow into a major Minnesota business. However, his ventures have not always been limited to the world of sleep products. He's had experience with various minor companies before MyPillow, including roles at Better Brands Bevco., Proximo Spirits, White Rock Distilleries and Seagrams Beverage Co. The brand's success enabled Lindell to achieve a net worth that, at its peak, easily topped $100 million. However, his company, MyPillow, Inc., later faced financial challenges, including owing $8.8 million in shipping charges to FedEx. The company also faced a lawsuit filed on February 27th.
Beyond his business ventures, Lindell is also known for his outspoken political views. He is an unwavering supporter of former President Donald Trump, a relationship that has significantly shaped his public image. He has attended rallies and events alongside Trump. The MyPillow CEO has been a fixture at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Lindell also has a YouTube channel where he features analyses of the 2020 election in battleground states and interviews. He has been involved in supporting causes aligned with his political beliefs. In November 2020, he, along with actor Ricky Schroder, helped pay for Kyle Rittenhouses $2 million bail, a move that generated both praise and controversy. Attorney Lin Wood tweeted, Special thanks to actor Ricky Schroder & Mike Lindell for putting us over the top.
Lindell's association with Trump and his promotion of unsubstantiated claims of election fraud following the 2020 presidential election have drawn considerable scrutiny and criticism. He has been a vocal proponent of conspiracy theories, even after Twitter kicked him off the platform for repeating these claims. The businessman's foray into politics has brought him both fame and controversy, transforming him into a polarizing figure. Prosecutors alleged a man associated with Lindell gained access to county's voter systems to assist Lindell, which adds another layer of complexity to his narrative.
His involvement in politics has extended to media ventures. He founded the social media platform FrankSpeech and FrankSocial in 2021 after being banned from Twitter. These ventures reflect his commitment to his political beliefs. Lindell's public image has evolved as he has become a prominent figure in the media, making frequent appearances and giving numerous interviews. His views have had a significant impact on public discourse.
Lindell's personal life is marked by resilience and transformation. He is an evangelical Christian. His spiritual path is frequently mentioned in his lectures, offering insights into his values. He is currently married to Dallas Yocum. He has four children from his previous marriages: Heather Lueth, Darren Lindell, Lizzy Meyer, and Charlie Lindell. He received an honorary doctor of business from Liberty University in 2019. Lindell has also dealt with controversies, including those surrounding his support for Fox News host Laura Ingraham. He was bombastic during a deposition for a defamation lawsuit brought by former Dominion security director Eric Coomer. His story, from a cocaine addict to a rich pillow pitchman, has taken multiple turns.
In recent years, Lindell's story has continued to evolve. From the call center he built to handle the success of his infomercial to the ongoing controversies surrounding his business and political activities, Lindell's life remains a source of fascination and debate. His journey is a complex one, a reminder of the multifaceted nature of success, the enduring power of faith, and the ever-shifting landscape of the American Dream.
