Steve Friess comes from a family that embodies the American Dream. His father, Foster Friess, grew up in modest circumstances in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, where his grandfather sold cattle and horses for a living, and his grandmother left school in eighth grade to pick cotton and save the family farm during tough times. Foster was the first in his family to attend college, excelling at the University of Wisconsin where he met his wife, Lynn.
A prominent Republican donor and philanthropist, Foster supported conservative candidates and causes nationwide, including running for Wyoming governor in 2018 to promote limited government and fiscal responsibility. He and Lynn were early champions of the Tea Party movement and played a pivotal role in launching Turning Point USA, providing its first major funding after Foster and Steve met a young Charlie Kirk in 2011. Foster’s disdain for big government overreach and his generous support for Christian conservative organizations left an indelible mark on Steve, teaching him that success comes with a duty to give back to community, state, and country.
Nearly three decades ago, Steve moved to Wyoming, where his life truly took root. Baptized in the Shoshone River, he met and married his wife, Polly, and together they built a family, raising four wonderful children in the Equality State. Wyoming isn’t just a place for Steve — it’s home. Its values of independence, community, and resilience define who he is.