Early Life
Diane Marie Smith was born on March 2, 1947, in Mondovi, Wisconsin, and raised in Osseo, Wisconsin, on a dairy farm. She was one of nine sisters. At 17, she had her first child. She graduated from Osseo-Fairchild High School in 1965. She briefly worked as a Playboy Bunny waitress.
Rise to Success
Hendricks earned a real estate broker's license at 21. In 1975, she married Ken Hendricks, a roofing contractor. Together, they co-founded ABC Supply Co., Inc. in Beloit, Wisconsin, in 1982. They acquired three struggling supply centers. ABC Supply grew rapidly, becoming the largest roofing and vinyl siding wholesale distributor in the United States. After her husband's death in 2007, Diane took full control of the company. She led ABC Supply to make significant acquisitions, including Bradco Supply in 2010 and L&W Supply in 2016.
Key Business Strategies
Hendricks focused on providing excellent customer service and building relationships with contractors. She expanded the company through strategic acquisitions. ABC Supply now has over 1,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada and more than 20,000 associates. The company's 2024 revenue was $20.7 billion.
Philanthropy
Diane Hendricks has invested millions in revitalizing Beloit's historic buildings and businesses and supporting educational and community initiatives. She founded the Hendricks Family Foundation, which supports scholarships and vocational training. She also supports conservative political causes and Republican politicians.
