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Billionaire Profile
Michael Krasny
Global Rank
#2766

Image: David Sifry | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Krasny

CEO, Retail
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.29B
Estimated based on Retail stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
72
Source
Retail
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Michael Krasny is an American billionaire businessman, best known as the founder and former CEO of CDW Corporation, a leading direct seller of technical gadgets. Born in 1953, Krasny's source of wealth is primarily from retail and technology. He built CDW into a multi-billion dollar company before selling it in 2007. Krasny's career began with car sales, but a $3 ad in the Chicago Tribune led him to the computer market, and eventually, the founding of CDW. As of February 2, 2026, his estimated net worth is $1.3 billion.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Michael Krasny was born in Illinois in 1953 and grew up in the Chicago area. He graduated from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 1975. Before his career in technology, he worked as a car salesman at his father's auto dealership.

Rise to Success

Krasny entered the tech industry after selling his own computer for cash. In 1984, he founded Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW), which he built into a successful company. He took CDW public in 1993. In 2007, he sold the company to Madison Dearborn Partners for $7.3 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Krasny's success was attributed to his focus on customer service, multi-brand offerings, and building strong relationships with his customers. He emphasized creating a team that wanted to win and a focus on execution.

Philanthropy

Krasny has been involved in philanthropic activities, especially supporting Jewish causes and medical research through his Circle of Service Foundation.

Career Milestones

1975

Graduated University of Illinois

Obtained a degree in finance.

1984

Founded Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW)

Started CDW as a computer reseller.

1993

Took CDW Public

CDW went public, marking a significant milestone.

2007

Sold CDW

Sold CDW to Madison Dearborn Partners for $7.3 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Jewish Causes & Medical Research

Jewish causes and medical research

$350M

Supported various initiatives through Circle of Service Foundation

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Perfection is unattainable, but if we strive for perfection, we will achieve excellence."

Leadership Principles

Customer Service

Providing value and reasons for customer loyalty.

Teamwork

Building a team that wants to win.

Execution

Perfect execution in all areas of the business.

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