Episode 35 - The Many Faces of John Micheal Stewart – Troll Co.

From South Arkansas to the Spotlight

John Micheal Stewart’s roots run deep in South Arkansas, near the Louisiana border, where he grew up surrounded by hardworking tradesmen. His early career was influenced by his stepfather’s offshore oil rig job and his father’s position running a bag plant. These experiences laid the foundation for Stewart’s relentless work ethic, ultimately shaping his journey from a blue-collar worker to a social media sensation.

Making a Living in the Trades

Stewart’s professional journey began early. At 17, he secured a job at AutoZone, where he interacted with tradespeople, sparking his interest in the field. By 18, Stewart was a boilermaker for Armor Mechanical, traveling along the east coast shutdown circuit. His career continued to advance, ultimately leading him to a supervisory role at a company specializing in blown film plastic extrusion. His diverse skill set included crane operation and welding, which frequently took him across the country, working in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

The Turning Point: Embracing Social Media

In 2021, Stewart’s life took an unexpected turn when his sister persuaded him to join TikTok. Skeptical at first, he realized he could leverage his work experiences and humor into social media content. Initially inspired by a creator claiming to make hundreds of dollars per video, Stewart aimed for a modest $50 per video. His commitment was unwavering, dedicating six hours daily to content creation, even during his lunch breaks from his 12-hour shifts.

Building a Social Media Empire

Stewart’s hard work quickly paid off. Within a short time, he amassed a massive following across multiple platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. His character 'Ricky,' inspired by an unintelligent and accident-prone former employee, became a fan favorite. Stewart’s ability to craft humorous and relatable content resonated with audiences, helping him build a robust online presence.

Unique Opportunities through Social Media

Stewart’s social media success opened doors to numerous unique opportunities. Notably, he received an invitation to attend the Bristol Motor Speedway, where he met notable creators like Ginger Billy. His presence at local mud rides further cemented his status as a beloved figure in the online community. These events not only expanded his network but also strengthened his bond with fans and fellow creators.

Navigating Challenges and Haters

Like many public figures, John encountered his share of challenges and negativity. Despite receiving death threats and harsh comments, particularly for his jokes about electricians, Stewart maintained a positive outlook. His encounter with a critic at a fishing event in Tulsa highlighted his resilience – the critic eventually backed down, unable to confront Stewart face-to-face. For Stewart, haters were simply part of the journey, often driven by jealousy.

Work-Life Balance and Personal Life

Balancing his burgeoning social media career with professional responsibilities proved challenging. Ultimately, John made the tough decision to leave his job, focusing entirely on social media. This transition came with financial and emotional stress, especially after moving to a larger house. However, his determination paid off. He now runs a fabrication shop, handling tasks like building and repairing side-by-sides, while also earning through social media engagements.

Giving Back: Community and Recommendations

Despite his fame, Stewart remains deeply connected to his community, frequently helping neighbors with repairs. He also took advantage of his platform to suggest guests for the podcast, including Dane, a social media star turned country artist, the humorous "all right then" personality, and Audrey Desale from "Cooking with Cajun."

Advice for Aspiring Creators

Stewart’s journey offers valuable insights for aspiring content creators. He emphasizes the importance of creating short, engaging videos to quickly grow a follower base. Utilizing analytics and community engagement, he tailors his content to audience preferences, ensuring sustained growth and loyalty. Stewart’s success is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the willingness to learn new skills.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Hard Work and Humor

John Micheal Stewart’s story is one of transformation and triumph. From working grueling hours in various trades to becoming a social media sensation, his journey underscores the value of hard work, humor, and adaptability. Stewart’s engaging content and unwavering dedication continue to inspire audiences, proving that with the right mindset, anyone can master the hustle and achieve their dreams.

Listen Here

"There was a lot of long days and hours, but I mean, I loved every minute of it, you know, because I'm in Los Angeles, I'm in New York, I'm in Chicago, I'm in Orlando." - John Micheal Stewart

3 Fun Facts About John Micheal

John Michael Stewart's truck with hydraulic suspension allows him to participate in truck shows while selling merchandise, helping him build a network of creators and fans.
Stewart attributes his character "Ricky" to a real former employee who was notably klutzy and restricted to non-power tools for safety reasons.
Stewart transitioned from a traditional job to full-time social media, reaching around 10 million followers by dedicating 8 hours daily to content creation.