Michael Krasny (businessman)

Michael Krasny (born 1953) is an American billionaire businessman from Illinois. He is the founder and former chief executive officer of CDW Corporation, a direct seller of technical gadgets including computers and networking equipment.

For other people named Michael Krasny, see Michael Krasny (disambiguation).

Michael Krasny
Born1952 or 1953 (age 69–70)[1]
NationalityAmerican
EducationUniversity of Illinois
OccupationBusinessman
Known forFounder of CDW Corporation
SpouseMarried
Children1

Early life

Krasny grew up in a Jewish family[2][3] in Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 1975.[1]

He worked as a Toyota car salesman at his father's auto dealership in Arlington Heights, Illinois. In 1981, he quit his job as a car salesman and took some classes in computer programming but being unsuccessful in finding steady work, Krasny was forced to sell his own computer for cash. He placed a $3 ad in the Chicago Tribune and ended up selling his computer for a $200 profit.[3]

Career and retirement

Seeing the great demand for computers, Krasny began buying computers to resell them eventually forming MPK Computers. A year later he changed the name to Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW) and steadily grew the business. In 1993, he took CDW public.[3] Krasny retired in 2007 after selling the company to Madison Dearborn Partners for $7.3 billion.[1]

According to Forbes, his first caller from 1982 was still a customer as of 2000.

Since 2009, as a hobby, Krasny has operated a woodworking shop in Northbrook, Illinois called Custom Woodworking Design, making plaques and awards.[3]

Personal life

Krasny is married, with one child, and they live in Highland Park, Illinois.[1]

References
  1. "Forbes profile: Michael Krasny". Forbes. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  2. Jewish Telegraph Agency: "At least 139 of the Forbes 400 are Jewish" By Jacob Berkman October 5, 2009
  3. CRN: "Michael Krasny – IT Sales Innovator" by Jeff O'Heir Archived September 30, 2012, at the Wayback Machine November 13, 2002
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