Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipping supplies |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Richard Uihlein, Elizabeth Uihlein |
| Headquarters | Lake Forest, Illinois , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Elizabeth Uihlein (President), Richard Uihlein (CEO) |
Number of employees | 7,000 (2020) |
| Website | www |
Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein () are American billionaires who own the business supply enterprise Uline. They are heirs to the Schlitz fortune and serve as substantial financial supporters of the Republican Party.
Biographies
Richard Ellis Uihlein is the son of conservative Schlitz heir Edgar Uihlein and Lucia Ellis Uihlein. He completed his studies at Phillips Andover and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Stanford University in 1967. Prior to 1980, Richard was employed in international sales at General Binding Corporation, a company co-founded by his father. He is characterized as "quiet and reserved" and has a passion for fishing. His cousin is Lynde Bradley Uihlein.
Elizabeth Anne Uihlein was born to Robert Emerson Hallberg, an automobile industry executive, and Elizabeth Pierce Hallberg from Winnetka, Illinois. She is described as "outgoing and engaging" and has publicly discussed her higher education experiences. Elizabeth is related to Wisconsin environmentalist Martin Hanson, whose land inspired her appreciation for Northern Wisconsin.
The couple's marriage is described by Politico as "warm and affectionate." They have three children together. Their main home is located in Lake Forest, Illinois, with additional residences including a seasonal home in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. In 2020, Bloomberg valued their net worth at around $4 billion.
Uline
In 1980, Elizabeth and Richard launched Uline, a shipping supplies company, using initial capital provided by Richard's father. The couple remains the owners of the business. The company experienced swift growth and has become one of the largest privately held firms in the United States; in 2014, Forbes appraised its worth between $700 million and $2 billion. By 2020, Uline had approximately 7,000 employees. Their three children hold leadership positions within the firm, with Elizabeth serving as president and Richard as CEO.
EAU Holdings
Through EAU Holdings Inc., a holding company featured on Uline's website, Elizabeth and Richard operate several businesses in downtown Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. These include a gym, restaurant, lodging facilities, coffee shop, salon, spa, and gift stores.
Galectin Therapeutics
Richard Uihlein acts as chairman and is the largest individual shareholder of Galectin Therapeutics, a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for chronic liver disease and cancer. He extended a $60 million credit facility to sustain the company's operations through 2024.
Richard
Edgar Uihlein, Richard's father, was a notable conservative figure during the 1960s and 1970s who was affiliated with the John Birch Society and supported segregationist and far-right initiatives. Richard has contributed to Republican causes for many years and notably increased his political donations following the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision. He endorses ultra-conservative Republican candidates promoting social and economic conservatism, including anti-union, anti-tax, and pro-deregulation policies. Richard supports far-right politicians and opposes rights related to gay and transgender individuals as well as abortion. Known for avoiding public attention, he seldom participates in interviews.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Uihlein characterizes her mother as liberal and her father as conservative. She supported Bill Clinton in two presidential elections before embracing staunch conservative beliefs following her relationship with Richard. In contrast to Richard’s reserved nature, Elizabeth openly shares her political opinions through columns featured in the Uline catalog and on their website, covering subjects such as competition from China, the health implications of marijuana, and Federal Reserve policies.
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Elizabeth voiced opposition to stay-at-home mandates, describing the perceived danger as "overstated." Her political contributions predominantly benefit prominent Republican organizations including the Republican National Committee, National Republican Senatorial Committee, and National Republican Congressional Committee.
National politics
Uihlein stands as the leading contributor to Women Speak Out PAC, which campaigns for a nationwide abortion ban. He has invested millions into Restoration PAC, an advocate for traditional marriage, and has financially supported conservative candidates and groups such as Ted Cruz, Roy Moore, The Club for Growth, and the Illinois Policy Institute. Additionally, he is a significant backer of Liberty Principles PAC, Americas PAC, and has supported Scott Walker.
2014 election cycle
During the 2014 election cycle, the Uihleins donated no less than $5 million to political initiatives, focusing mainly on right-wing PACs like Liberty Principles PAC ($1.8 million), Americas PAC ($670,000), and close to $500,000 directed to Jim DeMint's Senate Conservatives Fund along with affiliated super PACs.
2016 election cycle
In 2016, their contributions amounted to $22 million throughout the election period. Initially backing Scott Walker and Ted Cruz during the Republican primaries, Uihlein redirected support to Donald Trump following their withdrawal. He financed pro-Trump campaigns including the "Great America PAC" and donated $500,000 toward Trump's inauguration—an event he attended. Furthermore, he provided substantial funding to the Republican National Committee.
2018 election cycle
During the 2018 election cycle, Richard escalated his political spending dramatically, contributing $37.7 million to outside spending entities, positioning him as the fourth largest donor nationally. His financial support extended to numerous Republican candidates battling in competitive primaries such as Ives and Chris McDaniel. Uihlein also backed Kevin Nicholson’s Republican Senate bid in Wisconsin; eight super PACs funded by him endorsed Nicholson. These groups collectively injected $4 million into the Fair Courts America PAC.
Donations to Roy Moore
Richard began supporting Roy Moore's Alabama Senate campaign on September 8, 2017, with an initial $50,000 donation to Moore's Proven Conservative PAC before allegations against Moore became public. Following multiple sexual assault accusations—including those involving minors—Richard contributed an additional $50,000 to the same PAC on November 22, 2017.
Pay for play newspapers
From 2016 through 2018, a political action committee financed by the Uihleins allocated at least $646,000 to a series of free newspapers and websites established by Brian Timpone. These outlets resemble local news sources but publish pay-for-play content tailored specifically for conservative clients.
2020 election cycle
Throughout the 2020 election cycle, the Uihleins and their enterprise allocated $1.5 million to Trump's "America First Action" super PAC, alongside an additional $20 million directed to various Republican organizations by April 2020.
Uihlein played a significant financial role in supporting the rally that preceded the January 6 Capitol assault. Between 2015 and 2020, their donations to Tea Party Patriots amounted to $4.3 million, including $800,000 contributed in October 2020. This group was involved in the March to Save America rally, which escalated to the Capitol breach.
After their financial involvement with the rally became public, Northwestern University conducted a review of its contract with Uline following a donor's request. Ultimately, the institution decided to maintain its business ties with the company.
In November 2020, amidst media speculation linking their COVID-19 diagnosis to attendance at Trump's White House election watch event, the Uihleins disclosed they had contracted the virus. Reporters noted their private jet arrived in Washington, D.C., that evening, and several known attendees later tested positive. Elizabeth Uihlein denied being present at the event, attributing her illness to contact with a friend. She had previously characterized COVID-19 as "overhyped" and advocated for loosening public health mandates.
2022 election cycle
During the 2022 election cycle, the Uihleins provided financial support to Senate candidates including Herschel Walker, Ron Johnson, and Adam Laxalt. Their contributions also extended to Georgia representative Jody Hice and Texas representative Louie Gohmert.
2024 election cycle
By October 2024, Richard Uihlein had contributed nearly $59 million to Restoration PAC, a leading pro-Trump super PAC active in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia.
State politics
Richard Uihlein is a principal funder of the Foundation for Government Accountability, a policy institute advocating for relaxed child labor regulations across 22 states. In September 2022, he donated $750,000 opposing a ballot initiative aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana.
The Uihleins were significant investors during the 2011 Wisconsin Senate recall elections, supporting senators who resisted collective bargaining limitations and backing lawsuits against public-employee unions, including Janus v. AFSCME. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Elizabeth encouraged Wisconsin Republicans to seek Governor Tony Evers' removal over his stay-at-home directives.
Richard contributed $2.6 million toward Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner's victorious 2014 campaign but distanced himself after Rauner expanded Medicaid abortion coverage in 2017. Subsequently, he financed millions for Jeanne Ives’ challenge against Rauner in the 2018 Republican primary.
In the 2022 Illinois gubernatorial election, Uihlein donated over $42 million to "People Who Play By The Rules PAC," a super PAC conducting attack advertisements against Governor J. B. Pritzker in support of Republican Darren Bailey. He also provided $10 million directly to Bailey’s campaign. The PAC was managed by Republican strategist Dan Proft.
For Ohio’s August 2023 special election, Uihlein contributed $4 million to a PAC backing Issue 1, which aimed to raise the threshold for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments to a 60% majority; however, voters rejected the measure by a margin of 57% to 43%.
During the 2022 election cycle, the Uihleins ranked among the top donors for Doug Mastriano’s Pennsylvania gubernatorial campaign. Between 2019 and 2020, Richard gave $250,000 toward Allen West’s campaign for Texas Republican Party chairmanship against incumbent James Dickey.
Local political involvement
Richard and Elizabeth possess several homes throughout the United States and participate actively in local political affairs by making significant contributions to municipal governments where their properties are located. Their main residence is situated in Lake Forest, Illinois, with other holdings in Lake Bluff, Wisconsin, including lakefront houses in Manitowish Waters and Hayward on Kavanagh Bay, as well as properties in Florida. Elizabeth notably influences the political and commercial environment of Manitowish Waters through her leadership role at EAU Holdings.
From 2020 to 2022, the Uihleins donated $3.2 million to the American Principles Project PAC, which supported school board candidates opposing transgender-related policies and critical race theory.
Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin
Elizabeth maintains a prominent presence in the political and economic affairs of Manitowish Waters, where she and Richard own a sizable summer residence on Spider Lake. Her initial foray into local investments began in 1998 with the acquisition of a motel aimed at preventing its purchase by another party. Despite these efforts, she reported that her ventures in the area were not financially successful as of 2015.
Between 2007 and 2015, the couple invested roughly $6.5 million into the community. In 2018, they committed $1.15 million to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for the upkeep and expansion of bicycle trails, followed by additional donations exceeding $71,000 made through the LUMW Foundation in 2022.
Elizabeth exercises significant influence over Rest Lake Park and nearby trail systems, although these arrangements have generated controversy among locals who object to what they perceive as excessive landscaping and tree removal. She also advises area business proprietors on visual enhancements, frequently offering to fund such improvements personally.
Rest Lake Lodge
In August 2015, unauthorized clear-cutting took place at Rest Lake Lodge, a business owned by the Uihleins' EAU entity, violating regulations designed to protect trees adjacent to water bodies. Elizabeth Uihlein’s legal counsel attributed the incident to contractor oversight but confirmed it originated from her direction. A remediation plan approved in October 2015 required the Uihleins to restore vegetation and pay a $750 penalty.
That same year, Elizabeth pursued acquiring lakefront property linked to Rest Lake Lodge from the Wisconsin DNR after it became available following legislative actions led by Republicans under Governor Scott Walker—whom the Uihleins strongly supported. Due to concerns about pricing and its proximity to protected forested areas, the sale was initially postponed in September 2015. Nevertheless, a modified agreement involving an exchange of land and lake frontage was finalized in August 2016.
Later in 2015, officials found an unauthorized 500-foot trail on the DNR land sought by the Uihleins. While Elizabeth denied creating this pathway herself, she admitted that her staff might have performed minor clearing there.
Hayward, Wisconsin
During 2015 and 2016, Richard engaged with Utility company Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to arrange for anchoring a floating bog obstructing his dock on Kavanagh Bay at his Hayward residence by securing it to the lake bottom. Historically, residents managed such floating vegetation by pushing it away with boats.
Lake Bluff and Lake Forest, Illinois
In June 2023, the Uihleins sought a two-year waiver from a seasonal leaf blower restriction at their 22-acre estate in Lake Bluff, claiming eligibility under an exemption for public properties exceeding twenty acres. This appeal was ultimately rejected.
They possess residences in both Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.
Richard provided financial support to candidates for the local school board, including the prominent opponent of Chala Holland, Lake Forest High School’s first Black principal. Addressing concerns about Holland and debates over academic tracking, Richard remarked, "I cannot stand by while the current leadership undermines transparent communication, compromises academic standards, and misuses my tax contributions."
Palatine, Illinois
Richard has also funded community organizations and school board campaigns opposing policies that permit students to access school facilities aligning with their gender identities.
Engagement with conservative media
Prior to the 2014 Texas Senate election, Richard Uihlein contributed $450,571.65 to back a newspaper that circulated misleading claims against Republican Representative Steve Stockman’s challenger, Senator John Cornyn. The false allegations included assertions that Cornyn intended to prohibit veterans from owning firearms, voted to support abortion funding, and secretly collaborated with Democrats to provide amnesty for undocumented immigrants. This funding prompted an investigation into whether Stockman attempted to circumvent campaign finance restrictions.
Uihlein has sustained a long-term financial partnership with conservative media entrepreneur Brian Timpone. Since 2004, Timpone has built a network of complimentary local online and print news outlets that often adopt names resembling reputable local media but operate independently. These outlets frequently manipulate facts to evoke strong emotional reactions and have been known to offer paid content opportunities to conservative clients.
Between 2016 and 2018, a political action committee financed by the Uihleins allocated at least $646,000 to support Timpone’s network. The People Who Play By The Rules PAC, which backed Timpone’s activities during the 2022 Illinois elections, received in excess of $42 million from Richard Uihlein. During that cycle, Timpone’s publications distributed numerous free newspapers across Illinois targeting Governor JB Pritzker and other Democratic figures.
In October 2024, ProPublica linked "The Wisconsin Catholic Tribune," an independent publication portraying Trump as pro-Catholic and Biden as anti-Catholic, to both Timpone and Uihlein. The outlet’s publisher was compensated by Restoration PAC, which had obtained $125 million from Richard between 2020 and the time of reporting.
Richard is also a benefactor of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization with substantial media influence founded in 2012. From 2014 through 2016, he donated $275,000 to the group and provided an additional $250,000 shortly after the January 6 Capitol attack in 2020.
Moreover, RealClearPolitics and The Federalist are key recipients of contributions from the Ed Uihlein Foundation, Richard Uihlein’s philanthropic organization.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth directs the LUMW Foundation, which chiefly provides funding to groups located in Chicago's Northern suburbs and the Manitowish Waters region.
| Tax Year | Donations to LUMW by Elizabeth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 5,031,766 |
| 2021 | 3,053,250 |
| 2022 | 5,600,000 |
| 2023 | 4,042,843 |
Richard
Richard administers the Ed Uihlein Family Foundation, which makes significant contributions to conservative organizations and think tanks such as the Conservative Partnership Institute, Turning Point USA, Sons of Liberty, Center for Security Policy, Liberty Justice Center, and Think Freely Media. The foundation also allocates funds to educational institutions, healthcare clinics, churches, Uline's scholarship program, and environmental initiatives.
From 2013 through 2016, Richard provided $40 million in grants supporting entities including the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Institute for Humane Studies, Media Research Center, Leadership Institute, and Philanthropy Roundtable. Further donations have been made to groups like the American Enterprise Institute, Americans for Prosperity, Institute for Free Speech, and Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute.
| Tax Year | Contributions to Ed Uihlein Family by Richard |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 16,863,500 |
| 2021 | 4,535,000 |
| 2022 | 11,400,000 |
| 2023 | 6,850,000 |
Association with Rep. Steve Stockman and Freedom House
In January 2013, Richard contributed $350,000 to Representative Steve Stockman and his aide Thomas Dodd for an initiative called "Freedom House," which was intended as a facility for meetings and training of young Republicans. This project was reportedly connected to a nonprofit named the Congressional Freedom Foundation that did not actually exist. Instead of benefiting Freedom House, Stockman and Dodd diverted the funds for their own promotional activities and personal advantage.
According to Stockman's indictment documents, in February 2013 Richard also provided $450,571.65 to support a newspaper disseminating false information about Stockman's political rival Senator John Cornyn. The publication falsely alleged that Cornyn aimed to prohibit veterans from owning firearms and secretly collaborated with Democrats on immigration amnesty legislation. This paper was produced by the nonprofit Center for the American Future controlled by Stockman’s aide Jason Posey, leading to accusations of campaign finance violations due to coordinated expenditures.