Elizabeth Uihlein

BIO:

• Name:  Elizabeth Uihlein
• Title/Position: President and Co-Founder, Uline Inc.
• Industry: Packaging, Logistics, Industrial Supplies
• Location: Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
• Age:  Born 1945
• Net Worth: $5.6 billion (as of May 2025) 

Elizabeth Uihlein’s Story

Elizabeth Uihlein is a powerhouse in American business and politics. In 1980, she and her husband, Richard Uihlein, launched Uline from their basement, starting with a single product: a carton sizer. Their vision? To revolutionize the packaging supply industry with speed, reliability, and customer-first service.

Today, Uline is one of North America’s largest distributors of shipping, packaging, and industrial supplies, offering over 42,000 products and generating approximately $8 billion in annual revenue. 

Liz, known for her hands-on leadership and deep product knowledge, once said, “It turns out—I didn’t know it—I’m a merchant. I love product.” Her passion and relentless drive helped Uline grow from a family startup to a logistics empire employing over 9,000 people.

Beyond business, Liz is a prominent political donor, contributing significantly to conservative causes. She and Richard have donated over $300 million to federal races, including more than $70 million in the 2023–2024 election cycle. 

Career Highlights

Key Milestones

• 1980: Co-founded Uline in Illinois with her husband, Richard Uihlein.
  
• 2010: Relocated Uline’s headquarters to Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
  
• 2023: Recognized among America’s Richest Self-Made Women by Forbes.
  

Achievements

• Transformed Uline into a leading supplier with over 42,000 products and $8 billion in annual revenue.
  
• Expanded Uline to 13 distribution centers across North America.
  
• Consistently ranked among the top political donors in the U.S., with contributions exceeding $300 million.
  

Elizabeth Uihlein Net Worth

As of May 2025, Elizabeth Uihlein’s net worth is estimated at $5.6 billion. Her wealth stems primarily from Uline, the privately held company she co-founded. The company’s consistent growth and expansive product catalog have solidified its position in the industry.

Together, Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein have a combined net worth of approximately $11.2 billion, making them one of the wealthiest couples in the United States.

Elizabeth Uihlein in the News

• 2024: Donated $5 million to a pro-Trump super PAC, reaffirming her significant role in political fundraising.
  
• 2023: Featured in Forbes’ list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women, highlighting her business achievements.
  
• 2022: Profiled by Forbes for her substantial political contributions and influence in conservative circles.
  

Quotes by Elizabeth Uihlein

“It turns out—I didn’t know it—I’m a merchant. I love product,” she said to BizTimes.

“It’s weird to develop a love of corrugated boxes and shipping supplies, but I really enjoy (it). It’s very exciting to get a product, write the copy, put it in 11 locations in North America, and so I really like the creative part.”

“Your family, your house, your yard, your own little corner of the world—these are things you can control and make better,” she said to Forbes.

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