America’s Richest Self-Made Woman Grew up on a Dairy Farm—now She Has a Net Worth of $11.6 Billion

Most people dream of becoming wealthy overnight, but it takes a strong work ethic and a lot of determination. When these successes happen, celebrating ourselves often comes naturally. However, some would argue, it’s equally important to celebrate the success of others as well. Particularly, when someone made it on their own. In a story likely to inspire females everywhere, here is Diane Hendricks and her incredible success, absolutely worth celebrating.

Meet Diane Hendricks

Diane Hendricks, born in 1947 as Diane Smith, came from very humble beginnings. Her Wisconsin blue collar parents ran a dairy farm 24/7 while also raising Diane and her 8 sisters. Life was rarely glamorous, but she was happy and had learned a valuable life lesson about hard work. “I had a beautiful life, living on the farm. But… I always wanted to go to the city. I wanted to wear a suit,” she said. Although she has made the Forbes list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women 5 years in a row and became a huge success, the self-made billionaire also overcame a number of obstacles.

Determined to Overcome

At 17, and still living at home, Diane Hendricks found out she was pregnant. She finished high school while simultaneously learning to parent. “I would go up after the other students had left and do my test and hand in my schoolwork. It was embarrassing but it was okay.” She explained, “Motherhood got in the way real quick, and I grew up real fast. It didn’t stop me from wanting to reach my dream,” she said in a 2017 Forbes interview.

Instead, it seemed the opposite happened. She continued, “I think I became even more focused on what I wanted to do.” She married her high school sweetheart and child’s father, but ultimately filed for divorce. Now trying to make it as a single parent, the 21-year-old took a variety of jobs including in factories, offices, and as a waitress, before eventually obtaining her real estate license. But that wasn’t her only obstacle. The self-made billionaire has also beat cancer twice.

Success and More Tragedy

In the 1970’s, she began selling custom homes, and that’s how she met her late husband, Ken, who eventually becoming Diane Hendricks. They would go on to have 6 more children, as well as establish a now multi-billion-dollar company prior to his untimely death in 2007. Diane remodeled rentals with her father-in-law. Meanwhile, Ken handled the business aspects. Adding a trucking operation and wholesale store, the pair co-founded ABC Supply in 1982, now one of America’s top distributors of roofing, siding, and windows.

Just over 10 years after its founding, ABC Supply had grown to over 100 locations. Diane’s experience in real estate and Ken’s professional background gave the couple a leg up toward success. “We knew what the contractor wanted. They needed choices, they needed to be treated with respect and professionalism.” She explained.

Tragedy struck when Ken passed away after falling through a roof. Shortly after his death the grieving widow had yet another obstacle to overcome, the 2008 recession. Unsurprisingly, the company took a huge loss. Nonetheless, the powerful female force pressed on, and Diane Hendricks regained her success.

Diane Hendricks Makes a Comeback

In 2016, she bought another major building materials distributor and merged companies, adding products like drywall and steel framing. The company has also acquired the assets of more than 18 companies since its early start. In 2017, the company had more than 700 locations, and in the last five years has grown to over 840 locations nationwide.

Investing in Her Community

Diane Hendricks is not only wealthy and business savvy, but she also has a heart of gold. She takes great pride in her state and invests all she can to help restore nearby towns and communities. She’s purchased and refurbished, restaurants, libraries, old buildings, and even the shopping mall. “I see old buildings, and I see an opportunity for putting things in them,” She explained. “It’s the one thing that Ken and I said we’d never do: buy restaurants or a golf course. And now we have both.” Diane jokingly shared, regarding her efforts to build up her community.

She has also invested in restoring old factories, storefronts, and community centers stating, “The workforce has been pretty well eliminated when it comes to manufacturing, construction, all of the trades. Those aren’t being taught in our schools anymore, they haven’t for probably 30 years. Our workforce in our nation has never been lower. It is very difficult to hire qualified tradesmen.” Hendricks explained.

It’s a beautiful thing wealthy people help those around them and invest into their communities. Moreover, when someone becomes so successful, without inheritances or help from celebrities, they inspire others and remind them that hard work truly does pay off. Diane Hendricks has overcome a lot and used her business savvy to take her company, family, and community to new and unthinkable heights.

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