Larry Walter Gies has built his name as one of the most innovative entrepreneurs in America, balancing remarkable business success with a deep sense of social responsibility. As of 2025, Larry Gies’s net worth is estimated at $17 million, a figure that reflects his strong leadership of Madison Industries, his strategic investments, and his long-standing commitment to creating companies with global impact. At 61 years old, Gies continues to be both a respected businessman and a generous philanthropist, dedicating his wealth and influence toward education, health, and community development.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1962, Larry Gies grew up with a strong sense of discipline and purpose, values that shaped his future journey. He pursued higher education at Northwestern University and later at the University of Illinois, both of which played a vital role in shaping his vision of business and leadership. His academic achievements eventually led him to give back in powerful ways, most notably through a historic donation that helped transform the University of Illinois business school into the now well-known Gies College of Business. His belief that education empowers the next generation continues to guide much of his philanthropic work.
Building Madison Industries
Larry Gies is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Madison Industries, a privately held company that has expanded into one of the world’s most successful global businesses. Madison specializes in creating branded market leaders with a focus on improving health, safety, and productivity worldwide. Gies built Madison on an entrepreneurial spirit that emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and extraordinary value for customers. The company not only generates financial success but also operates with the goal of developing solutions that make a difference in people’s daily lives. His strategies have been a key driver of his rising net worth, which grew from around $5 million in 2019 to $17 million in 2025.
Philanthropy and the Gies Foundation
Beyond business, Larry Gies is deeply committed to philanthropy through the Gies Foundation, an organization he runs alongside his wife, Beth Gies. The foundation focuses on improving access to education and enhancing health outcomes for communities. One of his most notable contributions was a $150 million donation to the University of Illinois, which made history as one of the largest gifts ever received by the institution. In addition, Gies played a central role in the creation of The Gies Campus of Chicago Jesuit Academy, a full-scholarship school on Chicago’s West Side serving grades three through eight. His efforts reflect his belief that education can close achievement gaps and open doors to long-term opportunities.
Contributions to Education and Leadership
From 2016 to 2022, Gies served as a board member for Northwestern University and Amsted Industries, sharing his expertise and leadership skills. He has also supported the Accelerate Institute, one of the most impactful employee stock ownership programs in the country, which works to reduce the achievement gap in U.S. schools. These contributions go beyond financial donations; they highlight his role as a mentor and motivator who invests his time and experience into shaping future leaders.
Personal Life and Values
Larry Gies lives in Illinois with his wife, Beth Gies, and together they have raised a family that actively participates in charitable giving. His strong family values are central to his life, and he often emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance between personal and professional commitments. Gies believes that success should never come at the cost of ethics or integrity, and he frequently shares motivational insights with students and entrepreneurs about the value of positive leadership and staying true to one’s morals. His role as a motivational speaker at universities reflects his dedication to guiding the next generation.
Net Worth Growth Over the Years
Larry Gies’s wealth has grown steadily over the past decade, largely fueled by the success of Madison Industries and his smart investment strategies. His net worth stood at $5 million in 2019, rose to $6.5 million in 2020, then reached $7 million by 2023. By 2024, estimates placed his fortune between $7 million and $15 million, and in 2025 it stabilized at $17 million. While impressive, Gies has always made it clear that his fortune is not simply for personal gain but a tool for creating long-lasting impact through philanthropy.
Legacy and Influence
The legacy of Larry Gies is not just tied to his business empire but also to the institutions and communities he has transformed through his vision. His leadership at Madison Industries ensures continued global growth, but his influence stretches far beyond corporate success. Through his foundation, his historic donation to education, and his personal mentorship, Gies has positioned himself as a leader who values people as much as profits. His story demonstrates that financial achievement and social responsibility can go hand in hand, leaving behind something that lasts well beyond one’s career.
