Have you heard of the slogan of the family-owned company of Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen? “Grounded on agriculture. Focused on family. Centered on values.” These are truly heartwarming catchphrases that this newbie politician has seemed to abide by in his life. Let’s check out Jim Pillen net worth and see where he’s coming from.
Jim Pillen has worn many hats throughout his career: all-American athlete, veterinarian, businessman, civic leader, University regent, and family man. The Republican party has chosen to back him up in the state governor race.
Jim’s life journey is more than an interesting read. The views and achievements of this farm boy can serve as an inspiration to all of us. Let’s learn more.
Jim Pillen Net Worth
Jim Pillen has a total net worth of $221 million. He is an American businessman, veterinarian, and politician. He is the founder of Pillen Family Farms and the chairman of DNA Genetics, a multigenerational family enterprise.
Jim Pillen – Short Bio
On 31st December 1955, Jim Pillen was born in Nebraska, United States. He is currently 66 years old. His current residence is in old Mill city, located in Columbus.
Apart from his political and business career, Jim is fond of sports. He played football as a defender during his university days. His team’s name was Cornhuskers at the University of Nebraska.
If we look into his physical appearance, Jim is a handsome man with an overall height of 5 feet 7 inches. His estimated weight is around 70 kgs.
Early Life
In 1974, Jim completed his diploma from Lakeview High School. Five years later, he joined the University of Nebraska for a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. Moreover, he also attended Kansas State University for a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1983.
Jim raised pigs on his farm in his early days with his father, Dale. He used this experience to open a small animal and swine consulting practice in 1983. Jim partnered with his father to raise 1,200 market hogs and 60 sows on their own farm.
Jim Pillen’s Career
In 1993, Jim stepped onto the path of success by launching his first business, Pillen Farms. After 10 years of service, he expanded his business by introducing DNA genetics in 2003. DNA genetics is a firm that also works on making a better life for pigs.
His businesses are now run by more than one generation. He has included all his family members in the companies for growth purposes. The current DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms teams have more than 1,100 members. His grandchildren Sarah and Brock are the current CEOs of Pillen Farms. They were given their positions in 2012.
Jim has set some rules of operations that every team member follows. These include:
- Do what is right.
- Do your best.
- Treat the way you want to be treated.
Jim is an active member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, NU’s governing body that provides strategic leadership to advance its education, research, and outreach mission.
Achievements
Jim has earned himself a lot of awards. He has achieved some great accolades mentioned below.
- Columbus Days King Ferdinand in 2009
- Award for Chamber of Commerce archway in 2008
- UNL College of Administration’s Distinguished Entrepreneur in 2008
- Hall of Fame 2007 at Voluntary Pork
- UNL Hall of Fame, Two-time First-Team All-Big Eight in 2004
- Award for Business excellence from UNL College of Business Administration in 2003
Apart from his awards from multiple sources, Jim has always served the community by working for community service organizations. Some of his community involvements are as follows.
- Church of St. Isidore
- Endowment Board of Catholic high school at Scotus Central
- St. Augustine’s Board of Directors
- Mentoring Program Foundation’s Board of Directors
- Columbus Family’s former President
- Chamber of Commerce former President
- Board Member of Nebraska’s Commerce Chamber
- Columbus Community Hospital Board of Directors, former chairman
- Faith campaign of Archdiocese Ignite
- Part of the CEC Movement
- Part of a mission called Youth for Christ
- AKSARBEN Foundation

Jim Pillen’s Personal Life
Jim is a married man. His wife’s name is Suzanne Shreve. Moreover, the couple has 4 children: Sarah, Polly, Izic, and Brock.
His children are married as Jim is blessed with 7 grandchildren named Halle, Willian, Eloise, Harrison, Henry, Thomas, and Eva.
Social Media Presence
Jim Pillen’s social media presence is not as attractive as other politicians, but he is present on all mainstream social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
Here’s a sneak peek at Jim’s social media accounts.
- 8.3k followers on the Facebook page.
- 2.9k followers on the official Twitter account.
- Jim Pillen Governor YouTube channel with more than 30 videos.
- His Instagram is inactive, with only 52 followers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Jim Pillen Net Worth
What Is Jim Pillen’s Net Worth?
Jim Pillen’s net worth is $221 million. His major source of income is his two ever-growing businesses as the CEO and founder of Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics.
Who Is Jim Pillen?
Jim Pillen is an American businessman and conservative politician. He is the Republican Party’s official candidate for Governor of the state of Nebraska in the last elections.
How Did Jim Pillen Become Rich?
Educated as a veterinarian, Jim Pillen became rich by raising pigs. His family company, Pillen Farms, raises hogs and produces high-quality pork while striving to protect the environment and promote animal welfare.
Conclusion – Jim Pillen Net Worth
Jim Pillen has lived a successful, commendable life. His resume reads like an ordinary rural American journey: farming, sports, enterprise, family, and community. In a rapidly changing world, he represents good, old-fashioned American values. What makes it extraordinary is his consistency and his commitment to stay rooted in that world.
Regardless of the gubernatorial poll results, Jim Pillen and his success story can teach important lessons about hard work, solid values, and a winning vision.
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Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.