Diane Hendricks stands at the pinnacle of American entrepreneurship with a net worth of $22.3 billion as of 2026, making her the wealthiest self-made woman in the United States. The chair and co-founder of ABC Supply built her fortune from the ground up, transforming a small roofing supply business into the largest wholesale distributor of building materials in North America.
Her journey from a Wisconsin dairy farm to billionaire status represents one of the most remarkable success stories in American business history. Unlike many wealthy individuals who inherited fortunes or benefited from family connections, Hendricks created her empire through decades of strategic decisions, calculated risks, and unwavering determination. ABC Supply now operates over 970 locations across the United States and Canada, generating $20.4 billion in annual revenue.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born on March 2, 1947, in Mondovi, Wisconsin, Diane Hendricks grew up on a small dairy farm with nine sisters. Her childhood was marked by hard work and modest means, far from the luxury her wealth affords today. At seventeen, she became a teenage mother, a circumstance that could have derailed her future but instead fueled her determination to achieve financial independence.
To support herself and her child, Hendricks worked at the Parker Pen Company assembling pens and briefly worked as a Playboy Bunny. At twenty-one, she developed an interest in real estate and obtained her broker’s license, marking her first step into the business world.
Meeting Ken Hendricks and Entering Real Estate
While selling custom-built homes, Diane met Ken Hendricks, a high school dropout who had built a successful career as a roofing contractor. The couple married in 1975 and discovered they shared a powerful entrepreneurial vision.
Together, they began purchasing undervalued homes in the Beloit, Wisconsin area, personally renovating them and converting them into rental properties. Over three years, the couple acquired approximately 100 properties, learning valuable lessons about construction, materials, and the building industry.
Founding ABC Supply in 1982
In 1982, Diane and Ken Hendricks co-founded American Builders and Contractors Supply, later known as ABC Supply, in Beloit, Wisconsin. The company started with a single location focused on distributing roofing materials to contractors.
The business model emphasized exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with contractors. Rather than simply selling products, ABC Supply positioned itself as a partner to builders and contractors, offering expertise along with materials.
Tragedy Strikes in 2007
In 2007, tragedy struck when Ken Hendricks died at age 66 after falling through a roof at his Wisconsin home. At the time of his death, ABC Supply had grown into a $3 billion business with hundreds of locations.
She chose to preserve her late husband’s legacy by assuming control of ABC Supply. The decision required immense personal strength and business confidence. Hendricks told the New York Times in 2009 that she knew the businesses had to continue because they represented her and Ken’s life’s work together.
Strategic Acquisitions That Changed Everything
Under Hendricks’ sole leadership, ABC Supply made two transformative acquisitions that cemented its position as the industry leader. In 2010, during the aftermath of the Great Recession, when the construction industry was struggling, she acquired rival Bradco Supply.
The deal required enormous risk, as Hendricks temporarily gave up 40 percent of her stake in ABC Supply to secure financing. The gamble paid off spectacularly. Hendricks bought back her stake within four years, and ABC Supply emerged from the recession stronger than ever.
Beyond Roofing Materials
While ABC Supply remains the cornerstone of her fortune, Hendricks diversified through Hendricks Holding Company, which she and her husband, Ken, founded in 2001. The holding company oversees a portfolio of businesses across multiple industries, including trucking, insurance, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, recycling, and life sciences.
Hendricks also ventured into film production, serving as executive producer on several movies, including “The Stoning of Soraya M.” and “An American Carol.” These creative pursuits demonstrate interests beyond business, though they account for only a small fraction of her overall wealth.
Revitalizing Beloit, Wisconsin
Hendricks has invested heavily in revitalizing her hometown of Beloit, Wisconsin, a city of approximately 37,000 residents. She purchased and renovated historic downtown buildings, transforming entire blocks to attract new businesses and economic development.
Beyond real estate development, Hendricks established career centers offering skill workshops for high school students, teaching them the value of work and trades. She serves on numerous local boards, including the Beloit Foundation and Forward Janesville.
Conclusion
Diane Hendricks’ journey from assembling pens at seventeen to chairing a $20 billion company illustrates the transformative power of entrepreneurship and perseverance. As the richest self-made woman in America for seven consecutive years, she proves that with determination and calculated risk-taking, extraordinary wealth can be built from humble beginnings. At 78 years old in 2026, she continues to lead ABC Supply while inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to pursue ambitious business goals regardless of their starting circumstances.