Joe Ganhadeiro and Don Willard Embody the Spirit of ABC Supply With Their Commitment to Our Company’s Core Value

“Every person has within themselves the ability to do great things.” This belief, held by ABC Supply’s co-founder Ken Hendricks, is a foundational part of all we do. It’s what keeps us dedicated to promoting and preserving the American Dream — helping both our associates and contractors accomplish the extraordinary and reach their full potential.

When Ken and his wife and co-founder Diane started ABC Supply, they championed seven guiding Core Values — ones that are tightly woven into the fabric of our company and have paved the way for not only success for the business, but the success of the many individuals who’ve joined our ABC Supply family. While Ken’s untimely passing occurred in 2007, the principles he stood for continue to guide the company he and Diane founded.

To honor Ken’s memory and perpetuate his legacy, the Ken Hendricks Award was created to recognize the individuals who exemplify these values in their day-to-day work with ABC Supply. This year, we honor two associates: Joe Ganhadeiro and Don Willard. Through their leadership, guidance and volunteer work, they’ve certainly done great things for all who’ve had the privilege to work with them — their associates, the local contractors who depend on them and their communities.

Get to know Joe and Don a bit and see why we’re proud to have them as part of our ABC Supply family:

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Joe Ganhadeiro

Fall River, Massachusetts, Managing Partner

Born and raised in the Fall River, Massachusetts, area by Portuguese immigrant parents, Joe was 18 when he began working — under now Eastern New England District Manager Tom Zimmerman — at General Building Products, a company that ABC Supply would later acquire in 1997.

Twenty-four years later, the Fall River branch is a cornerstone of the community — and Joe’s leadership is a key reason. As a native Portuguese speaker in a very Portuguese area, he’s made many friends and forged many connections over the years, leading Tom Zimmerman to nickname him “The Mayor of Fall River.” The branch is such a success, in fact, that he’s hosted several visitors from ABC Supply’s National Support Center over the years who are keen to get a glimpse into his branch’s operations. “The first thing people typically notice is how we get along so well,” Joe says, talking about his team. “You really have to listen to your people — they’re often right on the money.”

It’s this simple act — listening — that has created incredible associate longevity and success. Many of Joe’s associates have been with him since the very beginning, and it’s because he takes the time to learn what they enjoy doing and gives them the tools to do it. “If you give people what they need to do their jobs, they’ll turn around and take care of customers,” he says. Listening to Fall River’s contractors has also led to the introduction of new products to meet changing needs.

Even with a busy work schedule, Joe still finds time to give back to both his family at ABC Supply and his community. He enjoys putting on an annual clambake with five other branches and loves how the event builds camaraderie. With his wife, Dulce, he’s active in his church, volunteering at food and clothing drives on the weekends. He’s also involved with the nearby vocational high school, where he shares knowledge with youth interested in the roofing and siding industry.

Joe, who had the fortune to meet Ken, was instantly humbled upon learning he was receiving the Ken Hendricks Award. “He embodies the American Dream to me — giving others the opportunity to better themselves and make their dreams come true. I want to make sure I do the same for my team.”

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Don Willard

Bethel Heights, Arkansas, Managing Partner

In college, Don Willard wanted to be a coach. Sports were a big part of his life growing up, and he wanted to continue fostering that feeling of teamwork. Eventually, he switched his major to business, but years later, he’s still a coach: one to over 40 full-time and 15 seasonal associates at the ABC Supply branch in Bethel Heights, Arkansas.

The branch is a leader in the North Arkansas market and continues to grow at an incredible rate due to Don’s passion and energy for the business — a passion that was cultivated years ago when he decided that he wanted to do something other than climb the corporate ladder. A conversation with a college friend — an overwhelmed roofing contractor — led Don to eventually open his own business — Metro Roofing Supply — with his wife, Tinka. Metro Roofing eventually became an ABC Supply branch in 2010.

ABC’s Core Value of Entrepreneurial Spirit is Don personified. Over the years, the Bethel Heights branch has expanded to offer commercial roofing, insulation and siding — all products Don learned personally before introducing them to his team. “It’s important for me to understand how the products work for our customers,” he says. “I’m always willing to go in and figure out the learning curve.” This care and empathy for his work is something he’s passed down to the next generation of leaders he’s helped to mentor, many of whom have gone on to leadership positions at ABC Supply.

Family is important to Don, and along with his faith, they always come first. He and Tinka celebrated their 43rd anniversary this year. Together they’re involved in prison ministry and are court-appointed special advocates who support teenage girls in foster care in transitioning to adoption. Their three children — Zach, Ben and Brooke — all grew up helping around the Bethel Heights branch, and today Zach and Ben are also part of the ABC family. They also have six grandchildren who call Don “Gampie,” and spending time with them is the highlight of his free time.

Even though Don treats the Bethel Heights branch like it “has (his) name on it,” he was at a loss when Diane called him about his Ken Hendricks Award. “There are an enormous number of people at ABC Supply who have achieved so much,” he says. “It’s incredibly humbling.”

ABC Supply is proud to have incredible associates like Don and Joe who make a difference within our company, for our customers and in their local communities. If you know someone interested in starting a career at ABC Supply, visit our careers page or learn more about our company culture by taking a look at our Core Values.