Larry Gies net worth is a topic that captures the attention of many, reflecting his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent CEO and philanthropist. As of 2025, Larry Gies net worth is estimated at approximately $1.5 billion, amassed through his leadership at Madison Industries, one of the world’s largest privately held companies.
His wealth is not just a measure of financial success but a testament to his commitment to philanthropy, marked by significant contributions such as the $150 million gift to the University of Illinois business school and a $100 million donation to Illinois athletics.
Larry Gies, an alumnus of the University of Illinois, embodies business acumen and generosity, balancing a global empire with impactful giving. With Madison Industries generating annual revenue exceeding $5 billion in 2025, Larry Gies net worth continues to grow alongside his legacy.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Larry Gies |
| Birthday | Born on October 17, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Decatur, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Founder and CEO of Madison Industries; Philanthropist; President of the Gies Foundation; President and CEO of Madison |
| Family | Wife Beth Gies; three children (names private); Gies family honors late father Larry Gies Sr. |
| Career Highlights | University of Illinois alumnus (B.S. in Accountancy, 1988); MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management (1992); Founded Madison Capital Partners in 1994; Grew Madison Industries into one of the world’s largest privately held companies with 10,000 employees across 31 countries; Major acquisitions in filtration, medical diagnostics, and safety equipment; $150 million donation led to renaming of the business school as Gies College of Business; $100 million gift to Illinois athletics resulted in renamed Gies Memorial Stadium; Supports Chicago Jesuit Academy via Gies Campus of Chicago Jesuit |
Larry Gies is a visionary entrepreneur whose name is synonymous with innovation and generosity. As the founder and CEO of Madison, he transformed a startup into a global leader among privately held companies. Born in Decatur, Illinois, Gies developed a passion for business early on.
After graduating from the University of Illinois in 1988, he honed his skills at Amsted Industries before pursuing an MBA at Northwestern University. His entrepreneurial journey began with Madison Capital Partners, which evolved into Madison Industries, a conglomerate focused on safety, health, and productivity.
Larry Gies’ determination was evident from the start. He maxed out credit cards to fund his vision, with wife Beth working multiple jobs to support their family. This resilience paid off, positioning Madison Industries as a powerhouse with annual revenue of over $5 billion by 2025. Larry Gies net worth reflects not just his success but his commitment to ethical leadership.
As of 2025, Larry Gies net worth is estimated at $1.5 billion, driven by the success of Madison Industries. The company’s diverse portfolio, spanning filtration, medical diagnostics, and safety equipment, has solidified its status as one of the world’s largest privately held entities. Strategic acquisitions and a focus on innovation have fueled its growth, with Madison Industries employing over 10,000 people across 31 countries.
The Gies net worth is also tied to his disciplined investment strategy. Unlike many billionaires, Gies maintains a low public profile, focusing on sustainable growth over flashy ventures. His wealth enables significant philanthropic efforts, which have become a hallmark of his legacy.
Larry Gies’ journey to becoming a billionaire began with Madison Capital Partners in 1994. Initially a small investment firm, it grew into Madison Industries, a privately held industrial conglomerate. Gies’ business acumen shone through in his ability to identify and scale businesses in high-demand sectors like healthcare and safety.
His leadership as CEO of Madison Industries emphasizes long-term value over short-term gains. By 2025, Madison Industries boasts annual revenue exceeding $5 billion, a testament to Gies’ strategic vision. His army veteran discipline, inherited from Larry Gies Sr., has been crucial to his success.
Madison Industries is the cornerstone of Larry Gies net worth. Started Madison in 1994 as a small firm, Gies expanded it into a global leader. The company’s mission to make the world safer, healthier, and more productive drives its operations across 31 countries. Its portfolio includes industry leaders in filtration, medical diagnostics, and safety equipment.
As president and CEO of Madison, Gies oversees a workforce of 10,000 and a business model that prioritizes innovation and sustainability. The company’s privately held status allows flexibility, contributing to its $5 billion revenue milestone in 2025.
In 2017, Larry Gies and wife Beth made a historic $150 million donation to the University of Illinois, leading to the renaming of the business school as the Gies College of Business. This million donation to the college was one of the largest in business school history, aimed at enhancing academic programs and student opportunities.
The $150 million gift transformed the business school, funding scholarships, faculty development, and cutting-edge facilities. As a University of Illinois alumnus, Gies’ donation reflects his commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped his career.
In 2025, Larry Gies and Beth Gies donated $100 million to Illinois athletics, a landmark million donation to the university. This 100 million gift led to the renaming of Memorial Stadium as Gies Memorial Stadium, honoring Larry Gies Sr.. The donation supports Illini athletics, upgrading facilities and enhancing the division of intercollegiate athletics.
The $100 million donation is among one of the largest single gifts to a university athletics program, showcasing Gies’ dedication to his alma mater and its sports legacy.
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | Approximately 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Body Measurements | Average build, no specific measurements publicly available |
| Hair Color | Brown, graying |
Beth Gies, Larry Gies’ wife, is a vital partner in his philanthropic endeavors. Wife Beth has been instrumental in supporting Madison Industries during its early years and continues to drive the Gies Foundation’s initiatives. Together, they have donated hundreds of millions, including the $150 million gift and $100 million to Illinois athletics.
Her contributions extend to community projects like the Chicago Jesuit Academy, where the Gies Campus of Chicago Jesuit benefits from their support. Beth Gies shares Larry’s vision for impactful giving, strengthening their legacy as a couple.
Larry Gies’ philanthropy extends beyond the University of Illinois. As president of the Gies Foundation, he supports initiatives like the Chicago Jesuit Academy, focusing on education for underserved communities. The Gies family’s commitment to social good is evident in their strategic donations, which prioritize long-term impact.
The million donation to the university is just one example of Gies’ broader mission. His philanthropic efforts also include healthcare and safety initiatives, aligning with Madison Industries’ ethos.
Larry Gies balances his role as CEO with his passion for philanthropy through disciplined time management and a clear vision. His leadership at Madison Industries is rooted in efficiency, allowing him to dedicate resources to causes like Illinois athletics and the Gies College of Business.
His background as an army veteran’s son and alumnus of both the University of Illinois and Northwestern instilled a sense of duty to give back. Gies’ ability to align business success with social impact sets him apart as a billionaire with purpose.
The renamed Gies Memorial Stadium stands as a tribute to Larry Gies Sr., funded by the $100 million donation to Illinois athletics. This million gift enhances facilities for Illini athletics, ensuring a lasting impact on the University of Illinois. The stadium’s renaming reflects Gies’ deep connection to his late father and alma mater.
The project, completed in 2025, positions Illinois’ Memorial Stadium as a state-of-the-art venue, boosting school spirit and athletic excellence.
Larry Gies stands out as a philanthropist due to his strategic approach to giving. Unlike many donors, his contributions, like the $150 million gift and $100 million donation, are tied to specific outcomes—education and athletics. His business school donation transformed academic programs, while his athletics gift elevated Illini athletics.
As a University of Illinois alumnus, Gies’ donations are deeply personal, reflecting gratitude for his education and a desire to honor his late father.
| Platform | Username | Follower Count (2025) | Profile Link |
| Larry Gies | ~15,000 | linkedin.com/in/larry-gies | |
| X | @LarryGies | ~2,500 | x.com/LarryGies |
| Not publicly active | N/A | N/A | |
| Not publicly active | N/A | N/A |
What is Larry Gies’ net worth in 2025?
Larry Gies net worth is estimated at $1.5 billion, driven by Madison Industries’ success.
How did Larry Gies make his money?
He built his wealth as the founder and CEO of Madison Industries, a privately held conglomerate with $5 billion in annual revenue.
What is the $150 million gift?
Gies donated $150 million to the University of Illinois, leading to the renaming of the business school as Gies College of Business.
Why was Memorial Stadium renamed?
The $100 million donation to Illinois athletics in 2025 resulted in Gies Memorial Stadium, honoring Larry Gies Sr..
Who is Beth Gies?
Beth Gies is Larry Gies’ wife, a key partner in his philanthropy, including the Gies Foundation and major donations.
What is Madison Industries?
Madison Industries is a privately held industrial company founded by Larry Gies, focusing on safety, health, and productivity.
How does Gies support philanthropy?
Through the Gies Foundation, he supports education, athletics, and initiatives like the Chicago Jesuit Academy.
Larry Gies net worth of $1.5 billion is a reflection of his remarkable journey from a University of Illinois alumnus to a billionaire CEO. Through Madison Industries, he has built one of the world’s largest privately held companies, generating $5 billion in annual revenue.
His philanthropy, including the $150 million gift to the Gies College of Business and $100 million to Illinois athletics, has transformed the University of Illinois, with Gies Memorial Stadium standing as a tribute to his late father, Larry Gies Sr.. Alongside wife Beth, Larry Gies continues to redefine success, balancing business acumen with a commitment to making the world better. His story is one of resilience, vision, and unparalleled generosity.