Raised among the endless fields of Wisconsin, Diane Hendricks dreamed of a business suit and big enterprise from childhood. Her youth was shaped by strict rules: her father forbade his daughters from driving the tractor or doing any work considered for men. But these very limitations became her motivation to prove the opposite. By age ten, she knew she would not stay on the farm or become a farmer’s wife.
However, life had its own plans. At 17, Diane became a mother and soon after, a divorced woman, forced to support herself and her child alone. Looking for work, she took a job as a waitress at the local Playboy Club, wearing the famous Bunny costume. That year was not just a challenge but also a lesson: to survive, sometimes you have to take unexpected steps. She later admitted she never felt ashamed of that experience—it gave her the confidence and financial independence she needed at the start of adulthood.
First steps in business
After leaving the club job, Hendricks earned a realtor’s license and began selling homes. It was during this period that she met Ken Hendricks—a builder who, despite lacking a degree, had keen entrepreneurial instincts. Their partnership proved fateful: together, they bought hundreds of houses to rent to students, and then set their sights on an even more ambitious venture.
In 1982, the couple invested all their savings and took out a large loan to found ABC Supply—a company specializing in roofing and finishing materials. Within a few years, their business expanded to dozens of branches across the country, and by the late 1990s, the company’s turnover exceeded a billion dollars. Diane and Ken were not afraid to take risks, and it was this boldness that allowed them to become market leaders.
Trials and Triumph
In 2007, tragedy struck: Ken died in an accident. Many believed Diane would be unable to manage such a vast company alone. However, not only did she keep the business afloat, she took it to new heights. Despite the real estate market crisis, ABC Supply continued to grow, and Hendricks herself became a symbol of female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Today, the company is among the largest private enterprises in the US, and Diane’s fortune is estimated at billions of dollars. She has maintained full control of the business while preparing to pass it on to her children. Her management style combines strict discipline, foresight, and a commitment to family values.
Philanthropy and Influence
Diane Hendricks is known not only as a businesswoman but also as an active participant in political and public life. She supports conservative initiatives, donates millions to election campaigns and educational projects, and after surviving two bouts of cancer, invests in medical startups, biotechnology, and develops a network of boutique hotels.
All of Hendricks’ decisions are made from the small town of Benoit, Wisconsin, where her business empire is headquartered. Despite her immense fortune, she remains true to her habits: early mornings, a strict business style, and daily commitment to the company’s success.
Legacy and the Future
The story of Diane Hendricks is more than just a tale of financial success. It is an example of how perseverance, courage, and the willingness to defy convention can change one’s destiny. Her journey inspires women around the world, proving that even the most unexpected turns in life can mark the beginning of something great.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that ABC Supply is the largest supplier of roofing and facade materials in the United States, founded in 1982 by Diane and Ken Hendricks. The company has hundreds of branches nationwide and remains a family business. Diane Hendricks is one of the most influential women in American business, renowned for her philanthropic work and support of educational initiatives. Her fortune is estimated at over $15 billion, and she continues to be deeply involved in expanding the company and launching new projects.
