Early Life
Richard Ellis Uihlein was born in 1945. He is a descendant of the Schlitz Brewing dynasty. He graduated from Stanford University in 1967 with a B.A. in History.
Rise to Success
Uihlein's career began with a role in international sales at General Binding Corporation. In 1980, he and his wife, Elizabeth, founded Uline. The company started in their basement, recognizing a need for shipping supplies. With start-up funds from his father, Edgar Uihlein, they built Uline into a major distributor of shipping, packaging, and industrial supplies. Uline's success led to significant growth, expanding to multiple locations across North America.
Key Business Strategies
Uline's business model focuses on providing quality products, excellent customer service, and rapid delivery. The company's extensive catalog and online presence offer a wide variety of products to meet the needs of businesses. Uline has invested heavily in its infrastructure, including large warehouses and distribution centers, to ensure efficient order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
Philanthropy
Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein are known for their philanthropic activities, primarily through the Ed Uihlein Family Foundation. They support various conservative causes and organizations, including those focused on free markets and limited government. Their foundation has made significant donations to various conservative and Republican causes.