From Corporate Life to Youtuber - The Kevin Stratvert Story

Kevin Stratvert’s story is a true testament to passion, perseverance, and bold decisions. From being a curious teenager fascinated by technology to becoming a leading YouTuber with over 3.2 million subscribers, Kevin’s journey is both inspiring and relatable. One key aspect of his story is the instrumental role of his manager during his time at Microsoft.

Early Beginnings

Kevin was born in 1983 in New York City and grew up in Morristown, New Jersey. His fascination with technology began when his father brought home the family’s first computer. Playing games like SimCity and Transport Tycoon sparked his interest in the possibilities of tech and systems thinking.

In middle school, Kevin’s curiosity about the web led him to create websites and later launch his own web hosting company, eMegaWeb, at the age of 15. This business exposed him to the technical and business worlds, teaching him the importance of recurring revenue and the challenges of running a startup. By high school, Kevin was earning $24,000 a year and managing over 120 customers worldwide. After nearly seven years, he sold the company, but the experience stayed with him.

Microsoft Journey

After earning his Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan, where he combined business studies with technical courses, Kevin joined Microsoft in 2006 as an Associate Product Manager. Over the next 14 years, he worked on flagship products like Microsoft Teams and Managed Exchange Server.

At Microsoft, Kevin’s problem-solving nature and passion for teaching stood out. He often found himself explaining tools and software to his colleagues, noticing that many people struggled to adapt to new technologies. This realization planted the seed for his next big idea.

The Birth of a YouTube Channel

In 2016, Kevin decided to share his tech knowledge on a broader scale by creating tutorial videos on YouTube. His first video, "How to Use Your Phone as a Mic," was the start of something remarkable, though initially, it only received a few hundred views.

Balancing his full-time job and YouTube was challenging. Kevin dedicated nights and weekends to creating content, driven by his passion for teaching. As his channel began gaining traction, he came across Jeff Bezos’ Regret Minimization Framework, which urges people to make decisions they won’t regret later in life. This concept resonated deeply with Kevin.

Taking the Leap

In 2020, Kevin made the bold decision to leave his Microsoft job and become a full-time YouTuber. By this time, his channel was already earning more than his corporate salary, giving him the confidence to take the leap. Kevin’s manager at Microsoft played a pivotal role in his journey, supporting his growth and encouraging his entrepreneurial mindset.

Today, Kevin creates tech tutorials that simplify complex tools, empowering millions of viewers worldwide. His revenue streams include ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and selling his "Excel for Beginners" course.

Personal Life and Success

Kevin lives in Seattle, Washington, with his wife, Kerry, who also works at Microsoft. They have two children. Despite his success, Kevin remains grounded, focusing on helping others through his content.

Kevin Stratvert’s journey from a Microsoft employee to a full-time YouTuber is a story of following your passion, taking calculated risks, and continuously learning. His videos inspire not just with their content but with the story behind the creator.

How has Kevin’s journey inspired you? Let me know in the comments!