Get to Know Dan Greiner, The Unsung Hero Behind the “Queen of QVC”, Lori Greiner

While Lori Greiner often steals the spotlight as the “Queen of QVC,” her success story wouldn’t be complete without the unwavering support of her husband, Dan Greiner. Often referred to as the “silent partner,” Dan has been instrumental in building Lori’s empire, offering invaluable advice and working tirelessly behind the scenes.

From sketching Lori’s first invention to serving as a key figure in her company, For Your Ease Only, Inc., Dan’s contributions have been nothing less than outstanding in Lori’s entrepreneurial journey. Even Lori couldn’t help but appreciate her husband in her 2014 book Invent it, Sell it, Bank it!: Make Your Million-Dollar Idea into a Reality. “You stood by me, loved me, and made me believe in myself. You have changed my life profoundly. I will love you forever,”

Let’s delve into the life and accomplishments of this remarkable man who has played a huge role in one of the most successful entrepreneurial stories of our time.

Dan Greiner is a successful entrepreneur

Dan worked as a controller at Bell and Howell, a firm that engages in both manufacturing and technology. His experience at the organization helped him to hone the skills essential for any organization, which is the ability to manage finance, inventory, and logistics, which he would later apply in Lori’s organization.

In the mid-nineties, Dan left the company and took up a post in Lori’s firm, For Your Ease Only, as her second in command. They expanded the ventures to greater heights with Lois handling the product and public relations side and Dan the operations and financing of the business.

They met in Chicago in the 1990s

Lori and Dan Greiner’s love story began in the bustling city of Chicago in the 1990s. They first met at a lively sports bar in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Kincade’s, where sparks flew and a connection was formed. Explaining what attracted him to her in her book, Country Living “He’s cautious – not at all the type to push the envelope,” Lori Greiner  wrote in her book, per Country Living. “And yet, in this instance he was on board from the minute I told him about my idea.” she continued, “Dan was supportive of my efforts from the very beginning. If I believed my product was a hero, so did he.”

Their shared passion for innovation and entrepreneurship and while Lori Greiner came up with her idea of a jewelry organizer. Dan was all in, making a meticulous sketch of the idea and taking a bold step of getting a large loan to manufacture the invention. Before long, orders continued to fill up, J.C. Penney picked up the product before the holiday season, and they were able to pay off the debts of a $300,000 loan in 18 months.

After her successful invention, the entrepreneurial star ventured into other products, appearing on Home Shopping Network[4] and in the retail store Bed Bath & Beyond.

Dan Greiner has been her support system

Dan Greiner has been an invaluable support system for Lori throughout her career. He has played several roles in her success, from offering creative input to handling business logistics. While Lori Greiner was promoting her product on J.C Penny in the 1990’s. Dan was always there to give him his support. She narrated in one of her speeches that He would pretend to be a stranger and say, “That looks pretty cool. I think I might buy one of those for my wife.” thereby, encouraging more customers to Lori’s products.

Known for his cautious nature, Dan has also often provided balanced counsel to Lori, helping her make informed decisions. He has encouraged her to take calculated risks while also considering potential challenges. Beyond business, Dan has been Lori’s rock, offering unwavering emotional support. He has celebrated her successes and helped her navigate setbacks, always believing in her potential.

The two have successful built a business empire

Lori and Dan Greiner have been highly successful in their entrepreneurial journey, with Lori holding over 120 U.S. and international patents across a wide variety of products. Many of these patents come from Lori’s knack for spotting innovative, everyday solutions for common problems. Lori has often mentioned that Dan is the more organized and detail-oriented partner, handling the behind-the-scenes logistics, finances, and operations. Meanwhile, Lori, known for her creativity and flair, focuses on product development, marketing, and public appearances.

Her most famous early success was as a jewelry organizer, which led to a wave of other products in beauty, kitchen, and home organization categories. Her ability to turn ideas into marketable products has led to more than 700 retail products over the years. Dan, on the other hand, has been supportive of Lori’s ambitions, allowing her to shine publicly while he handles the essential business tasks in the background. Lori Greiner talked about their perfect blend in one of her books, saying “Dan is a numbers guy; I’m the inventor,” she wrote. “That’s why we’re a perfect team.”

They have described working together as rewarding, whether at home or conducting business, she said in one interview with Young Hollywood in 2016,

“When you’re an entrepreneur, it’s really a 24/7 thing,” Lori said. “There isn’t really work-life balance. You have to be committed and willing to work Sundays, Saturdays, evenings — it’s not where you can just say, ‘It’s 9 to 5, I’m leaving.’ “

Their success demonstrate how a good partner is crucial whether in career, family and beyond.