Michael Krasny (businessman)

Michael Krasny
Nationality United States
Alma mater University of Illinois (B.A.)
Occupation Businessman
Known for Founder of CDW Corporation
Net worth Increase 1.39 billion USD (March 2017)[1]
Spouse(s) married
Children one

Michael Krasny is an American 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.

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 in order 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 is still a customer (as of 2000).

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

Personal life

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

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Forbes: The World's Billionaires - "Michael Krasny"
  2. ↑ Jewish Telegraph Agency: "At least 139 of the Forbes 400 are Jewish" By Jacob Berkman October 5, 2009
  3. 1 2 3 4 CRN: "Michael Krasny - IT Sales Innovator" by Jeff O'Heir Archived 2012-09-30 at the Wayback Machine. November 13, 2002
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