Diane Hendricks is an American businesswoman, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of ABC Supply, one of North America’s largest wholesale distributors of roofing and other building products. She built her business career by focusing on opportunity, hard work, customer service, and long-term growth.
As of 2026, Forbes estimates Diane Hendricks’ net worth at about $21.7 billion, making her the richest self-made woman in America on its 2026 list. Her wealth is primarily connected to building supplies, while her broader business interests include real estate, manufacturing, logistics, recycling, and other industries.
Who Is Diane Hendricks?
Diane M. Hendricks is a Wisconsin-based American entrepreneur and business leader. She co-founded ABC Supply with her late husband, Kenneth “Ken” Hendricks, in 1982.
Today, she serves as the founder and remains closely associated with the privately held ABC Supply business. The company has grown from just three supply centers in 1982 into a major building-products distributor with more than 1,000 locations across the United States and Canada.
Her story is notable because she did not build her fortune through inheritance. Forbes identifies her source of wealth as building supplies and gives her a self-made score of 9 out of 10.
How Did Diane Hendricks Start Her Business Career?
Before becoming a billionaire businesswoman, Hendricks worked in real estate and custom-home sales. She later partnered with Ken Hendricks, who had experience in roofing and construction.
In 1982, the couple saw an opportunity during a difficult economic period. Instead of waiting for better conditions, they purchased three building supply centers from Bird & Sons Inc. Those locations became the foundation of American Builders and Contractors Supply, later known as ABC Supply.
The idea was simple: treat professional contractors with respect and provide them with the products and services they needed to grow their businesses.
That customer-focused approach became one of the main principles behind ABC Supply’s expansion.
How Did ABC Supply Become So Large?
ABC Supply grew through a combination of new locations and acquisitions.
The company expanded quickly during its early years. It also acquired other distributors to increase its geographic reach and product offerings.
Two major acquisitions were especially important. In 2010, ABC Supply acquired Bradco Supply Corp., adding nearly 2,000 associates and 128 locations. In 2016, it acquired L&W Supply, adding 136 locations across 36 states and strengthening its interior building-products business. In 2022, ABC Supply expanded into Canada through the acquisition of the Monarch Group in Alberta.
According to ABC Supply, the company now has more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and more than 20,000 associates. It is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and other select exterior and interior building products in North America.
Forbes reported that ABC Supply generated $20.2 billion in revenue in 2025.
Diane Hendricks’ Business Empire
Diane Hendricks’ business interests extend beyond ABC Supply.
She and Ken Hendricks also founded Hendricks Holding Co., which oversees a diversified portfolio involving areas such as manufacturing, distribution, real estate development, construction, recycling, and life sciences.
This diversification has been an important part of the broader Hendricks business strategy.
Instead of depending on a single industry, the family’s business interests have expanded into different sectors. This approach can help create multiple sources of long-term value while also providing opportunities to invest in growing businesses.
What Is Diane Hendricks’ Net Worth?
Diane Hendricks’ net worth changes with business valuations and market conditions.
Forbes listed her estimated net worth at $21.7 billion in June 2026 and ranked her as the richest self-made woman in America on its 2026 list. Forbes also reported that ABC Supply had $20.2 billion in 2025 revenue.
It is important to remember that a billionaire’s net worth is an estimate of the value of assets and ownership interests. It is not the same as cash held in a bank account.
Diane Hendricks and Beloit, Wisconsin
Diane Hendricks has also invested heavily in Beloit, Wisconsin, where ABC Supply and Hendricks Holding are headquartered.
Forbes reports that she has spent millions of dollars on local economic development, including efforts to rebuild parts of Beloit and attract new businesses.
Her connection to Beloit demonstrates another part of her business philosophy: successful companies can have an impact beyond their own operations by supporting the communities where they are based.
What Can Entrepreneurs Learn From Diane Hendricks?
Diane Hendricks’ career offers several useful lessons for entrepreneurs.
1. Look for opportunities during difficult times
Hendricks and Ken did not wait for perfect economic conditions before starting ABC Supply. They saw an opportunity in 1982 and acted on it.
2. Focus on customers
ABC Supply was built around the idea of treating contractors with respect and helping them succeed.
3. Think long term
Building a large company takes years. Hendricks’ career shows the value of patience, reinvestment, and consistent business development.
4. Diversify carefully
Her broader business interests cover several industries, including real estate, manufacturing, construction, and recycling.
5. Invest in people
ABC Supply describes itself as an employee-first company and has received numerous workplace awards. Its culture is built around respect, opportunity, entrepreneurship, family, giving back, and other core values.
Diane Hendricks’ Legacy
Diane Hendricks’ story is more than a story about wealth. It is a story about building a company from three locations into a major North American business.
Her partnership with Ken Hendricks created ABC Supply in 1982. After his death in 2007, Diane continued to lead and expand the business. Forbes notes that she played a major role in the company’s two largest acquisitions, Bradco Supply in 2010 and L&W Supply in 2016.
Her career has made her one of the most prominent self-made businesswomen in the United States.
For entrepreneurs, her journey highlights the importance of identifying opportunities, serving customers well, building strong teams, and thinking beyond short-term profits.
