Overview:
This article traces Diane Hendricks’ life from her humble beginnings, through the founding and growth of ABC Supply, to her efforts in community rebuilding and philanthropy—especially in Beloit, Wisconsin—and highlights how her business and leadership continue to influence building trades, economic growth, and local and national development.
Diane Marie Hendricks was born in 1947 in Mondovi, Wisconsin, and raised on a dairy farm in Osseo. Her early life was shaped by hard work, modest surroundings, and strong values. At 17 she became a single mother and took on work to support herself and her child. After finishing high school in 1965, she earned a real estate broker’s license and began selling custom-built homes.
In 1975 she married Ken Hendricks, a roofing contractor, and the two became business partners. Initially they bought, renovated, and rented homes—and later industrial properties—in and around Beloit.
Founding ABC Supply & Early Growth
In 1982, Diane and Ken Hendricks founded what became ABC Supply Co., Inc. They acquired three building supply centers to launch “American Builders and Contractors Supply.” Their guiding philosophy was simple: treat contractors with respect, give them needed products and services, and help them succeed.
From those first three locations, ABC Supply expanded steadily, opening new branches and making strategic acquisitions. By 1995, the company had more than 100 locations. Soon after, it reached $1 billion in sales and opened its National Support Center in Beloit.
Scaling, Acquisitions & Reach
ABC Supply grew through both organic expansion and major acquisitions. In 2010, the company acquired Bradco Supply Corp, and in 2016 it added L&W Supply, expanding into interior building materials. In recent years, ABC Supply also moved into Canada with key acquisitions.
Today, ABC Supply has more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, employs over 20,000 people, and generates revenues exceeding $20 billion annually.
Leadership & Continuity
After Ken Hendricks’ death in 2007, Diane took full leadership of the business. Under her chairmanship, ABC Supply has remained committed to its mission of serving contractors, treating people with respect, and investing in both customers and associates.
Community Impact, Beloit, and Beyond
Diane Hendricks has also invested heavily in her community. Her business presence has anchored the economy of Beloit, Wisconsin, where ABC Supply is headquartered. She has supported real estate development, historic preservation, education, and workforce initiatives, helping to revitalize Beloit and strengthen opportunities for its residents.
Her efforts have extended beyond her hometown as well. By supporting workforce development and training programs across the country, she continues to contribute to America’s economic growth and infrastructure needs.
Today & Ongoing Influence
Diane Hendricks is now recognized as one of the richest self-made women in the world, with a net worth in the tens of billions. ABC Supply continues to lead in distributing roofing, siding, windows, and other building materials, while also offering innovative digital services, measurement tools, and delivery solutions to support contractors nationwide.
Her leadership is not only about growing a business but also about re-energizing communities, investing in people, and ensuring that the places she touches can thrive for generations to come.
Sources
- ABC Supply – History and Milestones
- ABC Supply – Fact Sheet
- Forbes Profile: Diane Hendricks
- Wikipedia: Diane Hendricks
- Wikipedia: ABC Supply
- CEO Today – Diane Hendricks Profile
- Business Women – Diane Hendricks Profile
- Jagran Josh – Diane Hendricks Biography
More at Presence News:
