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Uihlein
Richard Uihlein
Rank #584
UNITED STATES•Manufacturing•Packaging materials

Richard Uihlein

Net Worth
$6.739B
0% (24h)
Richard Uihlein, at 80 years old, is the CEO of Uline, a leading North American distributor of shipping, packaging, and industrial supplies. His source of wealth stems from his role in the packaging materials industry, specifically through Uline, which he co-founded with his wife, Elizabeth, in 1980. Uihlein's career began in international sales at General Binding Corporation before transitioning to entrepreneurship. A significant figure in conservative politics, Uihlein has been a major donor to Republican campaigns and conservative causes, contributing millions of dollars over the years.

How to read Richard Uihlein's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Richard Uihlein, we anchor the narrative to Packaging materials and Packaging materials, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $6.739B alongside global rank #584, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Richard Uihlein was born in 1946 as the son of Edgar Uihlein, a descendant of the Schlitz Brewing family. Despite his family's brewing heritage, Richard chose to pursue an independent entrepreneurial path. He graduated from Stanford University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Following graduation, he gained experience in sales and distribution at General Binding Corporation.

Rise to Success

In 1980, Richard and his wife, Elizabeth, co-founded Uline, a shipping and packaging supplies company. They started the business from their basement with funds from Richard's father. Uline initially focused on selling the H-101 carton sizer, recognizing a need for shipping supply distribution. Over time, Uline grew into one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S., with a vast catalog and online presence. The company has expanded to offer over 43,000 products to businesses nationwide.

Key Business Strategies

Uline's success is built on several key strategies. The company emphasizes high-quality products, a wide selection, and quick service. They have a direct-to-business sales model, which serves small companies and large corporate buyers. Uline's large-scale distribution network, including over a dozen distribution centers, ensures fast delivery across North America. The company focuses on a customer-service-first model, including an 'always in stock' guarantee.

Philanthropy

Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein are known for their extensive political contributions to Republican candidates and conservative causes. They also support philanthropic initiatives through the Ed Uihlein Family Foundation, which donates to various conservative organizations, schools, and churches.

Career Timeline

1980

Co-founded Uline

Founded Uline with his wife, Elizabeth, a shipping and packaging supplies company.

1967-1980

Worked at General Binding Corporation

Employed in international sales.

1967

Graduated from Stanford University

Obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

Philanthropic Impact

Conservative Philanthropy$XB

Ed Uihlein Family Foundation

Provides grants to civic organizations and right-wing groups.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Uline——

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Richard Uihlein was born in 1946 as the son of Edgar Uihlein, a descendant of the Schlitz Brewing family. Despite his family's brewing heritage, Richard chose to pursue an independent entrepreneurial path. He graduated from Stanford University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Following graduation, he gained experience in sales and distribution at General Binding Corporation.

Rise to Success

In 1980, Richard and his wife, Elizabeth, co-founded Uline, a shipping and packaging supplies company. They started the business from their basement with funds from Richard's father. Uline initially focused on selling the H-101 carton sizer, recognizing a need for shipping supply distribution. Over time, Uline grew into one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S., with a vast catalog and online presence. The company has expanded to offer over 43,000 products to businesses nationwide.

Key Business Strategies

Uline's success is built on several key strategies. The company emphasizes high-quality products, a wide selection, and quick service. They have a direct-to-business sales model, which serves small companies and large corporate buyers. Uline's large-scale distribution network, including over a dozen distribution centers, ensures fast delivery across North America. The company focuses on a customer-service-first model, including an 'always in stock' guarantee.

Philanthropy

Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein are known for their extensive political contributions to Republican candidates and conservative causes. They also support philanthropic initiatives through the Ed Uihlein Family Foundation, which donates to various conservative organizations, schools, and churches.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Richard Uihlein are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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