From Ambulance Rides to a $115 Million Exit: The Unstoppable Journey of Nurse Mike Linares

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Mike Linares, founder of Simple Nursing, to unpack a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that spans ambulance shifts, YouTube flops, viral nursing videos, and a staggering $115 million acquisition. If you've ever doubted the power of video content or the grit required to build a meaningful brand, this episode will change your mind.

From Hustle to Heart: Mike’s Unlikely Start

Before he became the face of Simple Nursing, Mike was an EMT earning $12 an hour, and a nursing school dropout. Sounds bleak? Maybe. But Mike flipped that adversity into ambition.

What began as a class project to get readmitted into nursing school turned into a YouTube sensation. Armed with nothing but an iPhone, a whiteboard, and a sock for an eraser, Mike created video lessons to help nursing students grasp complex material. Those videos? They became the foundation of Simple Nursing, now a go-to platform for thousands of nursing students.

The Power of Video & the Birth of a Brand

Mike’s journey is a masterclass in how video content transforms learning and engagement. His raw, authentic teaching style stood out just as YouTube began investing heavily in educational creators like Khan Academy. Timing, talent, and tenacity converged to fuel explosive growth.

Here’s what made Simple Nursing different:

• Bite-sized, engaging video lessons for stressed-out students

• A mission-first mindset shift: from profit-seeker to purpose-driven educator

• Community feedback that drove content evolution

Scaling Through Storms

Success didn’t come easy. Mike faced fierce competition, slander, platform pivots, and internal team restructuring. But by investing in product quality, animated video content, and a killer COO, Simple Nursing bounced back—and soared. At its peak, the company grew by over 3000% in four years.

What’s Next for Mike?

After the acquisition, Mike didn’t slow down. He’s now building a longevity supplement company with his firefighter brother. For this, they’re applying the same principles of authentic product creation and audience-first marketing. Once again, video is the key tool in building trust and scale.

Watch the Full Episode to Be Inspired

Want to hear how Mike turned rock-bottom moments into million-dollar milestones? Don't miss this powerful episode.