THE POWER OF GIVING IS ALIVE AND WELL!
Minnesota man parlays successful business venture into a platform for creating charitable opportunities.
– “No one has ever become poor by giving.” This reflection on being charitable, attributed to Anne Frank, is just as true today as was in her time. In fact, often recited to the contrary is the widespread notion that once one’s pockets are emptied, their hearts become more full. If these conclusions are such that the more one is willing to give, the more successful their lives become, then surely Mike Lindell is a very successful person in life. Lindell’s story is synonymous with the “Only in America” theme – going from a struggling entrepreneur with addiction issues to inventing and overseeing the operations of MyPillow, Inc. (a pillow company with now over 25 million units sold). While the details of that journey are worthy of a full-scale Hollywood production, how Lindell has used his platform and influence in the aftermath of his wild success is also truly noteworthy. Lindell has always innately understood the power of helping people, and aligned his vision with the concept coined by Booker T. Washington, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
A Man Inspired
In 2004, focused on helping those suffering from the ill-effects of poor sleep, Lindell set about to invent the most comfortable pillow on the market. This inspiration grew to become a decade-long pursuit of seeing his dreams come true. Lindell originally envisioned a product that wouldn’t go flat during the night, one which would adjust to each individual’s sleep needs, and one that would be easily washed and dried. It was important to Lindell that he do all his own manufacturing and that all the materials be made in the U.S.A. He was equally emphatic about customer satisfaction. To this end, Lindell adamantly defended his offer of a 10-year warranty and 60-day money back guarantee on all pillows sold, even when told by the big bedding companies his type of business plan would surely lead to ultimate failure. However, Lindell eschewed conventional wisdom and instead remained true to his vision. His humble start began by creating his proprietary – and one day patented – pillow fill in a small garage in his home state of Minnesota.
Hard Work Pays Off
Over the years Lindell faced many challenges but held steadfast and eventually saw his fledgling business (originally made up of friends and family as employees) grow to become a pillow-making juggernaut. MyPillow now employs over 1,500 people, boasts a massive facility still located in Minnesota, and has kept all manufacturing right here in the U.S.A. MyPillow also operates its own on-site call center, has sold over 25 million pillows, and has been awarded numerous accolades including being chosen as the 2013 QVC Product Concept of the Year. All the while, a grateful Lindell has continued to honor his commitment to customers by maintaining his warranty and guarantee offers.
Giving Back
Lindell himself has created a platform through his success and persona, from which he is able to give and be helpful to those in need. He launched The Lindell Foundation in 2014 – a service focused on providing assistance to those struggling with issues such as addiction, homelessness, and domestic abuse (to name just a few). Lindell is also a frequent contributor, both monetarily as well as through the giving of his products to numerous centers, shelters, and veteran’s homes across America. When it comes to helping abroad, Lindell is also quick to assist in any way possible. His giving includes shipping thousands of pillows to American soldiers, and providing aid to over 8,000 impoverished people around the world to date.
Making a Difference
Knowing restful sleep is integral in leading a healthy life – and in gratitude for the many blessings God has bestowed upon him, Lindell is now taking his giving a step further by launching a brand new promotion which allows for the public to get in on the giving. MyPillow will donate a pillow to a charitable organization in need for every offer
purchased by their customers. So not only can people experience the positive effects of deep, restorative, and rejuvenating sleep that MyPillow provides, but they can also enjoy knowing their purchase is helping to make a difference in the lives of those who may not otherwise have the means to achieve better sleep. Lindell truly believes with God all things are possible, so while there are those that will snicker at the business viability of such a charitable offer, Lindell’s faith in God to lead the way remains strong and ever intact. It’s as if Lindell enjoys championing John Bunyan’s assertion that, “A man there was, though some did count him mad. The more he cast away, the more he had!”