A 2020 Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor marks one point in the varied career of Michael James Lindell, a Mankato-born entrepreneur and media figure. Often recognized as the founder of the bedding company My Pillow, he has pursued a wide range of professional roles, including film production, screenwriting, and active engagement in political circles across the United States.
Early Ventures and Manufacturing
Born on June 28, 1961, Lindell attended Chaska High School before beginning various business enterprises in the 1980s, ranging from carpet cleaning to restaurant operations in Carver County. In 2004, he invented the My Pillow, a product designed with interlocking shredded foam. He developed this into a significant manufacturing operation based in Minnesota. Throughout its history, the company faced scrutiny, including an F rating from the Better Business Bureau in 2017 regarding promotional pricing structures. By 2021, shifting market demands led several major retailers to cease carrying his products.
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Lindell expanded into media through the Mike Lindell Media Corporation, which operates platforms for video streaming and social networking. Originally launched under the name FrankSpeech in 2021, the digital venture was created to host video content. Despite significant personal financial investment and technical challenges, the platform eventually transitioned into a publicly traded entity in 2025 under the ticker MLMC. He later introduced FrankSocial, a site focused on networking features, to his digital portfolio.
Political Engagement and Gubernatorial Run
Following his initial meeting with Donald Trump in 2016, Lindell became a vocal supporter of the former president, frequently appearing at rallies and advising on policy. In late 2025, he declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election. To concentrate on this political campaign, he stepped down from his role as CEO of MyPillow in August 2026. However, he was defeated in the Republican primary by Lisa Demuth later that month.
Philanthropic Foundations
Before his shift into national media and politics, Lindell established the Lindell Foundation, an organization focused on providing assistance to individuals in recovery from substance abuse. The foundation later expanded its scope to offer support services for veterans and cancer patients. In 2019, he launched the Lindell Recovery Network, which functions to connect those struggling with addiction to faith-based treatment centers and peer support resources.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Mankato
- Education: Chaska High School
- Company: My Pillow
- Award: Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor (2020)
- Political Party: Republican
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
Did Mike Lindell run for governor?
Yes, he sought the Republican nomination for the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election but lost the primary to Lisa Demuth.
What is the Lindell Recovery Network?
It is a non-profit organization founded by Lindell that connects people struggling with addiction to treatment centers and support networks.
Achievements
- Affiliated with My Pillow
- Educated at Chaska High School
- Worked as entrepreneur, film producer and philanthropist
