In this inspiring episode of Founder’s Story, we sit down with self-made billionaire and serial entrepreneur Mike Paulus. From humble beginnings on a blueberry farm to founding multi-billion dollar companies like Adapar and Assurance IQ, Mike shares powerful insights into building businesses that last, navigating liquidity events, and why he still identifies as a gritty operator rather than a yacht-dwelling billionaire.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why saying no early in your career can lead to massive opportunity
- The underrated power of bootstrapping and how it sharpens your edge
- How to think like an investor—even as a founder
- The future of lean teams, AI, and the one-person billion-dollar business
- Practical advice for young professionals entering the workforce today
- What it means to build with conviction and stay close to the customer
Quotes to Remember:
“I like to think of myself as the underdog, even now.”
“Your customer is your real boss—not the VC.”
“Put your investor hat on before you commit your time.”
“Find a rocket ship. Don’t ask what seat. Just get on.”
Follow Mike Paulus:
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY
* Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com
* Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!