Mike Lindell: From Crack Addict to MyPillow CEO

Mike Lindell, often called “The MyPillow Guy,” is a name that resonates with millions of Americans. As the founder and CEO of MyPillow, Lindell turned a simple idea into a multimillion-dollar empire. His journey from a troubled youth battling addiction to a prominent entrepreneur and political activist is nothing short of remarkable. However, his outspoken political views and controversial claims have also made him a polarizing figure. This biography dives deep into Mike Lindell’s life, exploring his early struggles, business ventures, personal life, and lasting impact.

Fact	Details
Full Name	Michael James Lindell
Date of Birth	June 28, 1961
Age	64 years (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Mankato, Minnesota, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Entrepreneur, Author, Political Activist
Known For	Founder of MyPillow
Net Worth	Estimated $0–$100 million (2025, varying reports)
Spouses	Karen Dickey (divorced), Dallas Yocum (divorced), Kendra Reeves (m. 2023), Maria Lindell (m. 2025)
Children	Four (Lizzy Meyers, Heather Lueth, Darren Lindell, Charlie Lindell)
Height	5’10” (178 cm)
Religion	Evangelical Christian

Early Life and Childhood

Mike Lindell was born on June 28, 1961, in Mankato, Minnesota. He grew up in the small towns of Chaska and Carver, Minnesota, in a middle-class family. His parents, James and Barbara Lindell, instilled a strong work ethic in him and his three siblings—two brothers and a sister. However, Lindell’s childhood was far from ordinary. He spent much of it living in a camper near a pickle factory in Chaska, an experience that shaped his resilience.

As a child, Lindell stood out for his daring behavior. He was known for risky stunts, like jumping from moving cars, crashing motorbikes, and even skydiving with a half-opened parachute. These incidents highlighted his fearless yet reckless nature. Lindell struggled to fit in with his peers, often using bold antics to gain attention and acceptance. This need for validation would later influence his entrepreneurial drive.

Education and Growing Years

Lindell attended Mankato East High School, where he was an average student with a knack for business ideas. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota to study business administration. However, his time at university was short-lived. Struggling with personal issues and a growing gambling addiction, Lindell dropped out after just a few months.

During his twenties, Lindell’s life took a darker turn. He developed a cocaine addiction, which escalated to crack cocaine use in the 1990s. To support his habits, he worked as a part-time bartender and learned to count cards, a skill he honed to fuel his gambling. These years were marked by chaos—foreclosure of his home, mounting debts to bookies, and multiple DUIs. His first marriage also crumbled under the weight of his addictions.

Entry into Entrepreneurship

Lindell’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1980s with small ventures in Carver County, Minnesota. He tried his hand at carpet cleaning, operating lunch wagons, and running bars and restaurants. In 1990, he seized an opportunity to buy Schmitty’s Tavern in Victoria, Minnesota, using gambling winnings. The tavern became a community hub, and Lindell thrived as its charismatic owner. He credits this experience with teaching him people skills, marketing, and networking.

Despite his early business efforts, Lindell’s addictions continued to sabotage his progress. He often went on drug and alcohol binges, leaving friends and family worried for his life. Yet, these struggles also fueled his determination to turn things around, setting the stage for his biggest venture yet—MyPillow.

Breakthrough Moment

In 2004, Mike Lindell had a vision that changed his life. He claims divine inspiration led him to design a unique pillow filled with shredded foam pieces that interlock for comfort. Working from a small garage with just a few sewing machines, Lindell created the first MyPillow prototype. His relentless drive and innovative marketing—particularly through infomercials—turned MyPillow into a household name.

By 2011, MyPillow’s late-night TV ads had captured national attention. The company’s direct-to-consumer model and Lindell’s passionate pitches resonated with audiences, leading to millions of pillows sold. This breakthrough marked the start of Lindell’s rise from a struggling entrepreneur to a business mogul.

Rise to Fame

MyPillow’s success skyrocketed in the 2010s, with the company reportedly selling over 41 million pillows and generating over $100 million in annual revenue at its peak in 2019. Lindell’s hands-on approach and relentless promotion made him the face of the brand, earning him the nickname “The MyPillow Guy.” His infomercials, featuring his distinctive mustache and enthusiastic delivery, became iconic.

Lindell expanded MyPillow’s product line to include mattresses, slippers, and bedding, employing 1,500 people at its height. His rags-to-riches story inspired many, and he became a symbol of the American Dream. However, his growing fame also brought new challenges, including scrutiny over his business practices and personal beliefs.

Career Highlights

Major Business Ventures

Lindell’s most significant achievement is undoubtedly MyPillow, which he built from scratch into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. The company’s success came from its patented pillow design and aggressive marketing. At its peak, MyPillow was sold in major retailers like Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond, with annual revenues reaching $110 million.

Beyond MyPillow, Lindell ventured into media with the launch of FrankSpeech and FrankSocial in 2021. These platforms aimed to promote conservative voices but faced technical issues and criticism for spreading misinformation. Lindell also authored a memoir, What Are the Odds? From Crack Addict to CEO, published in 2019, detailing his journey from addiction to success.

Awards & Achievements

In 2019, Liberty University awarded Lindell an honorary Doctor of Business degree for his entrepreneurial success and faith-based initiatives. MyPillow’s massive sales figures and widespread brand recognition remain his most notable achievements. Additionally, Lindell’s recovery from addiction and his advocacy for sobriety have earned him respect in recovery communities.

Personal Life

Mike Lindell’s personal life has been as turbulent as his career. He has been married multiple times. His first marriage to Karen Dickey lasted around 20 years and produced four children: Lizzy Meyers, Heather Lueth, Darren Lindell, and Charlie Lindell. The marriage ended in divorce due to his addictions.

In 2013, Lindell married Dallas Yocum, but the marriage lasted only a month, with Yocum reportedly calling him “boring.” He later married Kendra Reeves in 2023, and as of 2025, he is married to Maria Lindell. Rumors of a relationship with actress Jane Krakowski in 2021 were denied by both parties. Lindell’s evangelical Christian faith has been a cornerstone of his life, credited with helping him achieve sobriety in 2009.

Controversies and Challenges

Mike Lindell’s outspoken political activism has sparked significant controversy. A vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, Lindell served as the Minnesota campaign chair for Trump’s 2020 re-election bid. He promoted unfounded conspiracy theories about election fraud, leading to defamation lawsuits from Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic. These legal battles have cost him millions, with a $1.3 billion Dominion lawsuit still ongoing as of 2025.

Lindell’s claims about unproven COVID-19 treatments, like Oleandrin, also drew criticism. In 2021, Twitter banned him for spreading election misinformation. Major retailers, including Walmart and Kohl’s, dropped MyPillow products, contributing to a 95% revenue drop by 2024. Additionally, Lindell faced allegations of domestic violence from an ex-wife and ex-girlfriend, though these claims have not been substantiated in court. His “Prove Mike Wrong” challenge, offering $5 million to disprove his election fraud claims, backfired when he lost the arbitration case.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Despite his controversies, Lindell has made significant charitable contributions. He founded the Lindell Foundation to support addiction recovery, veterans, and cancer patients. The Lindell Recovery Network, launched in 2019, connects individuals with faith-based treatment centers. Lindell has donated pillows to homeless shelters, disaster relief efforts, and organizations like the Salvation Army.

His philanthropy reflects his personal journey, emphasizing second chances and community support. Lindell’s advocacy for addiction recovery has inspired many, though his political activism often overshadows these efforts.

Fun Facts About Mike Lindell

• Lindell’s iconic mustache is a signature part of his brand image.
• He claims the MyPillow design came to him in a dream.
• Lindell is an avid collector of American historical artifacts, including items tied to Abraham Lincoln.
• He once offered $5 million to disprove his election fraud claims, only to lose the challenge.
• Lindell donated over $600,000 worth of pillows during Liberty University’s 2019 graduation.

Mike Lindell in Pop Culture

Lindell’s larger-than-life persona has made him a pop culture figure. His MyPillow infomercials are widely recognized, often parodied for their enthusiastic delivery. His political activism and media appearances, including a notable 2021 interview with Jimmy Kimmel, have kept him in the public eye. Lindell’s story has been featured in news outlets, documentaries, and social media discussions, cementing his status as a polarizing yet unforgettable figure.

Legacy & Influence

Mike Lindell’s legacy is a complex mix of entrepreneurial triumph and controversy. His journey from addiction to building a business empire inspires those facing personal struggles. MyPillow’s success revolutionized the bedding industry, proving the power of direct-to-consumer marketing. However, his political activism and legal battles have tarnished his reputation and finances, with his net worth dropping from a peak of $300 million to as low as $0 by some estimates in 2025.

Lindell’s influence extends to conservative politics, where he remains a vocal figure. His philanthropy, particularly in addiction recovery, leaves a positive mark. Whether admired for his resilience or criticized for his controversies, Lindell’s story reflects the highs and lows of chasing the American Dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Mike Lindell’s net worth in 2025?

A: Estimates vary widely, ranging from $0 to $100 million, due to legal battles and MyPillow’s revenue decline.

Q: Is Mike Lindell still the CEO of MyPillow?

A: Yes, Lindell remains the CEO, though his son Darren has taken on significant roles, including COO.

Q: What controversies has Mike Lindell been involved in?

A: Lindell faced defamation lawsuits from Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic for election fraud claims, lost retail partnerships, and was banned from Twitter in 2021.

Q: How did Mike Lindell overcome addiction?

A: Lindell credits his sobriety to prayer and his evangelical Christian faith, achieving sobriety in 2009.

Q: What is the Lindell Recovery Network?

A: It’s a faith-based initiative connecting individuals with addiction recovery resources and treatment centers.

Final Thoughts

Mike Lindell’s life is a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. From a troubled youth to the helm of a bedding empire, his story embodies resilience and ambition. Yet, his controversial political activism and legal challenges highlight the risks of intertwining personal beliefs with business. Lindell’s philanthropy and recovery advocacy offer a redeeming narrative, showing that even flawed figures can make a difference. As he continues to navigate challenges, Mike Lindell remains a testament to the complexities of the American Dream.