ABC Supply Co. Announces Dual Recipients of 2024 Ken Hendricks Award

Management ‘rock stars’ Leon Clark and Kurt Smith receive the company’s highest honor

ABC Supply named Leon Clark (pictured at left) and Kurt Smith (pictured at right) with its 2024 Ken Henricks Award.

ABC Supply named Leon Clark (above left) and Kurt Smith (above right) with its 2024 Ken Henricks Award, the company’s highest honor, for their leadership, commitment to integrity and upholding the company’s core values. The two will be honored in September at ABC Supply’s annual Founders’ Celebration.

— Images courtesy of ABC Supply; Bryan Gottlieb for Roofing Contractor

ABC Supply Co., Inc., the North American bellwether distributor of roofing and building products, announced last week its recipients of the company’s prestigious Ken Hendricks Award, an honor named after ABC Supply’s late co-founder, which recognizes associates who demonstrate a commitment to the company’s character and core values.

In an April 25 news release, ABC Supply announced its 2024 Ken Hendricks Award recipients: Kurt Smith, managing partner of the Louisville, Ky., location, and Leon Clark, Mountain West District manager. The company said each recipient has “consistently demonstrated their unwavering dedication to supporting their teams, communities and customers” and expressed its elation in recognizing their leadership.

Leon-Clark pictured “Kurt and Leon are exceptional leaders who have consistently guided their teams to success, time and time again,” said Keith Rozolis, president and CEO of ABC Supply. “Their dedication to leading their respective teams with care and integrity is what drives the incredible success they’ve achieved.”

Leon Clark

Clark joined ABC Supply in 2002 as a branch manager after the company acquired Cameron Ashley. Throughout his 21-year tenure, the company said, Clark has demonstrated “remarkable leadership,” initially overseeing the Ogden, Utah, location.

In 2005, he was named managing partner. Recognized for his achievements, Clark was inducted into ABC Supply’s President’s Club in 2007 and awarded Manager of the Year in 2009. Under his leadership, the Ogden, Utah, location achieved ‘Gold Center of the Year’ in both 2012 and 2016.

In 2016, Clark transitioned to the role of business manager for the West Region and was promoted to Mountain West District manager in 2022. ABC Supply said Clark exemplifies its core values, from his “inspiring entrepreneurial spirit to his genuine care and respect for each and every one of his peers.” The company added that he serves as a mentor to many, inspired by the opportunities he was given after joining ABC Supply.

Kurt Smith

Kurt-Smith pictured. Smith joined ABC Supply in 1998 as branch manager at the company’s Louisville, Ky., location. During his 25-year tenure, the Louisville location has consistently excelled, receiving a “Center of the Year” award for an impressive 16 years.

The accolades include four Gold-level awards, five Platinum-level awards and seven Diamond-level awards. In 2006, he was inducted into ABC Supply’s President’s Club. Two years later, Smith was made a managing partner at ABC Supply and honored as Manager of the Year.

ABC Supply said Smith has excelled in business throughout his career with the company, fostering a “supportive atmosphere for his team” and making meaningful contributions to his local community through programs like Operation Care.

Clark and Smith will be recognized in September at ABC Supply’s annual Founders’ Celebration in Beloit, Wisc.

“Each year, it is truly an honor to recognize the powerful impact that the award recipients have on their teams,” says ABC Supply Chairman Diane Hendricks. “Associates like Kurt and Leon, who lead with courage and compassion, are what makes ABC Supply such an exceptional community.”

To learn more, visit abcsupply.com.