Michael Krasny (businessman)
Michael Krasny | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | United States |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois (B.A.) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of CDW Corporation |
| Spouse | 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 is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.[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).[1]
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]