In an era where cancel culture is growing at an alarming pace, Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, is feeling the heat. With various corporations choosing to sever their ties with his company, Lindell is now being forced to auction off hundreds of pieces of equipment as part of a larger strategy to manage his business amidst declining sales.
The auction, planned for Tuesday, will see the disposal of roughly 850 items ranging from office supplies to warehouse and manufacturing equipment. The circumstances prompting this decision? A series of events that have rocked Lindell’s prosperous company, MyPillow, set off by his outspoken activism against the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Many household names such as Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond, have chosen to “cancel” MyPillow. “It was a massive, massive cancellation,” Lindell explained. He estimates that these actions, largely fueled by the ever-expanding cancel culture, resulted in a loss of nearly $100 million in revenue.
Yet, like any determined entrepreneur, Lindell isn’t going down without a fight. Instead, he’s pivoting his business model, concentrating on direct sales and partnerships with those retailers still willing to sell his products. This shift has led to a reduction in space and equipment needs for his Minnesota-based company.
“We kind of needed a building and a half, but now with these moves, we’re making, we can get it down to our one building,” Lindell said. His commitment to his employees remains steadfast, as he’s managed to avoid layoffs, reassigning some workers to other areas of his operations.
The legal battles Lindell faces have undeniably added to his load. He’s currently contesting a ruling that demands him to pay $5 million to a software expert who claimed to have debunked some of Lindell’s assertions about the 2020 election. “Of course it has,” he remarked when asked about the strain these lawsuits have brought on. But Lindell remains undeterred, asserting, “I will be vindicated in every single one.”
Lindell’s story offers a stark example of the real-life impacts of cancel culture and its influence on businesses and their owners. Despite the challenges, it’s clear Lindell is ready to adapt, focusing on the preservation of his employees’ jobs and upholding his commitment to his customers. It’s a testament to the spirit of resilience—a key tenet of conservative values—that can withstand even the most severe storm. It serves as a reminder that, while the winds of societal trends may blow hard, the roots of conviction and adaptability run deep, ready to ensure survival and continued growth.
