Early Life
Diane Marie Smith, later Diane Hendricks, was born on March 2, 1947, in Mondovi, Wisconsin. Raised on a dairy farm in Osseo, Wisconsin, she learned the value of hard work from a young age. At seventeen, she had her first child and graduated from Osseo-Fairchild High School in 1965. She briefly worked assembling pens at the Parker Pen Company. Before the age of 21, she pursued a career in real estate, earning her broker's license and selling custom homes.
Rise to Success
In the early 1970s, she met Ken Hendricks, a roofer, and they married in 1975. They began buying and renovating homes and industrial properties in Beloit, Wisconsin. In 1982, they co-founded ABC Supply Co., Inc., with a loan, which grew into the largest wholesale distributor of roofing materials in the United States. Following Ken Hendricks' death in 2007, Diane took over as chairwoman, leading the company to further expansion.
Key Business Strategies
Diane Hendricks expanded ABC Supply through strategic acquisitions, including Bradco in 2010 and L&W Supply in 2016. Under her leadership, the company now operates over 900 branches across the U.S. and Canada. A key factor in her success has been her focus on customer service and building strong relationships with contractors.
Philanthropy
Diane Hendricks is known for her philanthropic efforts, primarily focused on her community in Beloit, Wisconsin. She has contributed to local economic development initiatives, rebuilding blocks, and bringing new businesses to the state. She has also supported educational and arts initiatives. Hendricks has donated to Republican candidates and causes, including Donald Trump. She has contributed $5,000,000 to the Super PAC, Make America Great Again, Inc., as of 2023.
