Charles L. Shor is a Cincinnati-based entrepreneur and philanthropist whose career spans large-scale manufacturing leadership, strategic acquisitions, and mission-driven philanthropy. As Founder and Chairman of the Charles L. Shor Foundation he applies the same rigor that built a global manufacturing enterprise to advancing medical research, wellness, and economic opportunity.

A graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in economics, Shor joined his family’s business, Duro Bag Manufacturing Company, shortly after college. He rose quickly through the organization and became CEO in 1987, transforming Duro Bag from a regional manufacturer into the world’s largest paper bag producer. During his tenure, Shor expanded Duro’s national footprint and strengthened its manufacturing capabilities. In 2014, he led the sale of the company after building it into an industry leader.

Shor’s life has been shaped by profound personal challenges. In 1982, he survived a widely publicized kidnapping — an ordeal that tested his resilience and deepened his perspective on purpose and stewardship. Years later, after experiencing seizures that led to a diagnosis of epilepsy, he established the Charles L. Shor Foundation for Epilepsy Research in 2002.

In the past 20 years, Shor has supported advanced epilepsy research, integrative wellness initiatives, and expanded patient education. He launched Epilepsy Wellness Advocates (EWA) to provide practical resources and community support for individuals and families navigating epilepsy. His giving philosophy centers on backing credible research, measurable progress, and long-term solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms.

Shor also founded the Blue Collar Dollar Institute (BCDI) to support efforts that examine economic policy, workforce development, and the long-term competitiveness of U.S. industry. BCDI reflects his enduring commitment to American manufacturing and the strength of the middle class.

Shor’s leadership is marked by conviction, resilience, and disciplined growth. Whether scaling companies, navigating adversity, or investing in medical research and economic opportunity, his work reflects a consistent belief: meaningful progress requires courage, strategic clarity, and an unwavering commitment to outcomes that endure.

In addition to his charitable work, Shor enjoys staying active by exercising, riding his horses, visiting the Cincinnati Zoo and spending time with his two daughters.