Diane Hendricks is an American entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder and chairperson of ABC Supply, the largest wholesale distributor of roofing, siding, and exterior building materials in the United States. Rising from humble beginnings to becoming one of the richest self-made women in America, Hendricks is widely admired for her discipline, grit, and leadership in a male-dominated industry.

Early Life

Diane Marie Hendricks was born on January 10, 1947, in Janesville, Wisconsin. She grew up on a dairy farm, where she learned the values of hard work, long hours, and self-reliance. Her upbringing in rural Wisconsin shaped her strong work ethic — a trait she consistently credits for her business success.

As a young woman, she married early, became a mother at a young age, and worked various jobs, including real estate, to support her family. These experiences exposed her to the construction and property industries, planting early seeds for her entrepreneurial path.

Founding of ABC Supply

In 1982, Diane and her husband, Ken Hendricks, co-founded ABC Supply in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Their mission:
To create a better distribution model for contractors — treating them like valued partners instead of simple customers.

Starting with just three stores, their commitment to service and efficient operations helped ABC Supply expand rapidly. The company built its reputation on:

• Strong contractor relationships
• Consistent product availability
• Reliable delivery systems
• A culture of hard work and customer respect

Rise to National Leadership

ABC Supply grew steadily through acquisitions, strategic expansion, and a relentless service philosophy. By the 2000s, the company had become a national powerhouse.

In 2007, tragedy struck when co-founder Ken Hendricks died unexpectedly. Diane took full leadership of the company.

Many expected the company to decline — instead, Diane led it into its strongest period of growth.

Under her leadership:

• ABC Supply grew to 900+ locations across the U.S.
• The company became the largest roofing and exterior-building supplier in America
• It acquired major competitors, including Bradco Supply and L&W Supply
• Revenues reached tens of billions per year

Her ability to scale a business while maintaining culture and service made her one of the nation’s most respected business leaders.

Wealth & Recognition

Thanks to her majority ownership of ABC Supply, Diane Hendricks has become:

• One of the richest self-made women in the United States
• Frequently listed in Forbes’ “Richest Self-Made Women” rankings
• A symbol of business strength in the construction industry
• One of the most successful female entrepreneurs in U.S. history

Her wealth has been estimated in the billions, depending on ABC Supply’s year-to-year performance.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Diane Hendricks is also known for her large-scale philanthropic work, focusing on:

• Education
• Job creation
• Community revitalization
• Historic preservation
• Economic development in Wisconsin

She has donated millions toward scholarships, training programs, and community redevelopment — particularly in Beloit, a city she has helped transform through long-term investment.

Her nonprofit and civic contributions include:

• Funding new schools and educational programs
• Supporting urban renewal and downtown revitalization
• Building community centers and arts projects

Her philanthropic work is considered one of her most significant long-term impacts.

Leadership Philosophy

Diane Hendricks is known for:

• Relentless work ethic
• Hands-on leadership
• Entrepreneurial discipline
• Focus on customer relationships
• Belief in American manufacturing and workforce training
• Long-term thinking over short-term gain

She often states that success comes from “showing up early, working hard, and staying focused.”

Legacy

Diane Hendricks’ story is a powerful example of American entrepreneurship:

• From dairy farm girl → to real estate worker → to co-founder → to billionaire business leader
• She shattered barriers in a male-dominated field
• She built one of the strongest privately owned companies in the nation
• She became an influential philanthropist improving communities
• She is viewed as a model of resilience, leadership, and self-made success

Her life represents the transformative power of hard work, courage, and vision in business.