Introduction
Ken Hendricks is a name that may not appear in every business textbook, but his story is one of the most inspiring in modern American business. He didn’t wear a suit and tie or attend fancy business schools.
He started out working with his hands—roofing homes and businesses. From there, Ken Hendricks built a company worth billions. His life was about hard work, smart risks, and never forgetting where he came from.
This article tells the story of Ken Hendricks, his rise from humble beginnings, and how he became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in American history. His story is simple, real, and full of lessons anyone can learn from.
Early Life of Ken Hendricks
Ken Hendricks was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1941. He grew up in a working-class family and dropped out of high school in the 11th grade. Unlike many business tycoons, Hendricks didn’t follow a traditional path. Instead of college, he went straight to work in construction.
He learned the roofing trade from his father and others in the industry. Hendricks worked long days and didn’t mind getting dirty. He was proud to earn a living by fixing roofs and building structures that lasted.
Starting His Own Business
After learning the trade, Ken Hendricks decided to go out on his own. He started a small roofing company with just a few workers. He focused on doing good work and treating people fairly.
What made him different was how he handled problems. When other contractors said no, Hendricks said yes. He took on jobs others turned down. That attitude helped his company grow.
Soon, he was not just working on roofs—he was hiring more people, buying more supplies, and thinking bigger. He saw a chance to grow by providing more than just roofing services.
Building ABC Supply
In 1982, Ken Hendricks and his wife Diane founded ABC Supply. It started as a small business selling roofing materials. But Hendricks had a clear idea—he wanted to make it easier for roofers to get the materials they needed.
ABC Supply focused on customer service. Workers could walk in, buy what they needed fast, and get back to work. Hendricks respected roofers because he had been one. He knew their struggles and built a company that served them.
That simple idea—treating customers like family—helped ABC Supply grow. It became one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing, siding, and windows in the U.S.
How Ken Hendricks Changed the Industry
Before ABC Supply, the building supply industry was slow and unfriendly. Ken Hendricks changed that. He believed in giving workers a chance and helping them grow.
He gave second chances to people with criminal records or no education. If someone wanted to work, Hendricks gave them a job. He didn’t judge by background—he judged by effort.
This made ABC Supply more than just a company. It became a place where people found purpose and careers. Ken Hendricks made the workplace feel like home for thousands of workers.
Personal Style and Leadership of Ken Hendricks
Ken Hendricks was never flashy. He didn’t wear suits or drive fancy cars. He preferred jeans, boots, and pickup trucks. He stayed in Janesville instead of moving to a big city.
He led by example. He worked hard, showed up early, and treated everyone with respect. People who worked for him say he remembered their names, asked about their families, and listened to their ideas.
He didn’t believe in being the boss who stayed behind a desk. He wanted to be part of the team. That kind of leadership made people trust him.
A Growing Fortune of Ken Hendricks
By the mid-2000s, Ken Hendricks had built a business empire. ABC Supply had more than 300 locations and billions in sales. Forbes estimated his net worth at over $2.6 billion in 2006.
But Ken Hendricks didn’t let that change him. He still worked hard, lived simply, and gave back to his town. He supported local businesses, schools, and community projects.
Even with his billions, he believed in helping others build their own success. He said many times that he was just a roofer who believed in people.
Giving Back to Janesville
Ken Hendricks loved his hometown. He didn’t just build businesses—he rebuilt parts of Janesville. He bought and fixed old buildings. He helped local companies grow.
He supported education and job training. He wanted young people to have more chances than he did. His wife Diane also played a big role in giving back to the community.
Thanks to Ken Hendricks, Janesville saw new life in its downtown and business areas. His investments helped bring jobs and hope back to the town.
Tragic Death of Ken Hendricks
In 2007, Ken Hendricks died after falling through a roof at his home. He was 66 years old. His death shocked the business world and left a hole in Janesville.
Even in his final days, he was doing the kind of work he always loved. He never stopped building, fixing, and improving things. That’s who he was at heart—a worker, not just a boss.
After his death, his wife Diane continued running the company. She honored his vision and kept ABC Supply growing.
The Legacy of Ken Hendricks
Ken Hendricks left behind more than a business. He left a message: Success doesn’t need to come from big cities or fancy degrees. It can come from sweat, kindness, and believing in others.
His company, ABC Supply, now has over 800 locations and thousands of workers. His impact can be seen in every roof, every town, and every worker he helped.
People still talk about his honesty and how he treated everyone the same. That’s why Ken Hendricks is remembered not just as a billionaire, but as a man of the people.
Lessons from Ken Hendricks
There are many lessons we can learn from Ken Hendricks:
- Hard work matters. He started with nothing and built a fortune by working with his hands.
- People matter. He gave jobs to those who needed a second chance.
- Stay humble. Even with billions, he lived like a regular person.
- Give back. He helped his town and invested in his community.
- Believe in yourself. He didn’t wait for others to open doors—he built his own path.
These simple ideas helped Ken Hendricks build a life and business that inspired many.
Conclusion
Ken Hendricks is proof that success can come from anywhere. You don’t need perfect grades or a big resume. What you need is passion, hard work, and a heart for others.
He changed an entire industry, helped thousands of people, and stayed true to his roots. Though he is gone, his legacy lives on through ABC Supply, his family, and every person he helped along the way.
Today, when people talk about great business leaders, they mention names from Silicon Valley or Wall Street. But many believe Ken Hendricks deserves a place in that list—because he built something lasting with simple tools: trust, effort, and care.
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