Early Life
Richard Ellis Uihlein was born in 1946. He is an heir to the Schlitz brewing fortune. He graduated from Phillips Andover and from Stanford University in 1967 with a BA in history. Before founding Uline, he worked in international sales for General Binding Corporation.
Rise to Success
In 1980, Richard and his wife Elizabeth founded Uline, a shipping and business supplies company, with funds from his father. The company started in their basement, and its first product was the H-101 carton sizer. Under Richard's leadership as CEO, Uline has grown to become a leading distributor of shipping, packaging, and industrial supplies in North America. The company has over 9,000 employees and is headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
Key Business Strategies
Uline's success is attributed to several key strategies. The company offers a wide range of products, with over 43,000 items available. Uline relies on extensive online advertising and a large catalog. The company has also focused on quick delivery and customer service to meet the needs of businesses.
Philanthropy
Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein are major donors to conservative causes, and they have contributed significantly to Republican candidates and political action committees.
