Michael Krasny

$1.29 B

Ranked #2858 in World

About Michael Krasny

Michael Krasny, an American billionaire from Illinois, is renowned for founding CDW Corporation, a leading direct seller of tech gadgets, and serving as its CEO until his retirement. Born into a Jewish family, Krasny's journey in the world of business commenced after graduating from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 1975. Initially engaging in car sales at his father's dealership, he ventured into the computer market by selling his computer in 1982, eventually establishing MPK Computers, later known as CDW. Under his leadership, CDW went public in 1993, and in 2007, Krasny retired following its $7.3 billion sale to Madison Dearborn Partners. Residing in Highland Park, Illinois, with his family, Krasny now pursues woodworking, a testament to his varied interests and entrepreneurial spirit.

Born

August 08, 1953

Age

72 years

Source Of Wealth

Retail

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Highland Park, Illinois

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Spouse

Janet Krasny

Children

Michael Krasny, an American billionaire businessman from Illinois, was born into a Jewish family. He grew up in Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 1975. After completing his education, he worked as a Toyota car salesman at his father's auto dealership. However, in 1981, he quit his job and took computer programming classes, but struggled to find steady work.

During this time, he sold his own computer for cash after placing a $3 ad in the Chicago Tribune, making a $200 profit. This experience sparked his interest in the computer industry and laid the foundation for his future success.

Michael Krasny: Career Highlights

Recognizing the growing demand for computers, Michael Krasny ventured into the computer business. He started buying and reselling computers, forming a company called MPK Computers. A year later, he changed the name to Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW) and began expanding the business.

In 1993, Krasny took CDW public, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth. He continued to lead CDW until his retirement in 2007, when he sold the company to Madison Dearborn Partners for an impressive $7.3 billion.

Interestingly, Krasny's first customer from 1982 remained a loyal customer until 2000, highlighting the strong relationships he built with his clients.

Michael Krasny: Companies

Michael Krasny is primarily known for his role as the founder and former CEO of CDW Corporation. CDW is a direct seller of technical gadgets and has grown into a leading provider of technology products and services to businesses, government, and education institutions.

Michael Krasny: Major Achievements

Krasny's major achievement lies in building CDW Corporation from a small startup into a multi-billion dollar company. Under his leadership, CDW became a prominent player in the technology industry, known for its wide range of products and exceptional customer service.

Michael Krasny: Awards & Achievements

Michael Krasny's contributions to the business world have been recognized through various awards and accolades.

However, specific information about these awards is not provided in the given context.

Michael Krasny: Personal Life & Legacy

Michael Krasny is married and has one child. He currently resides with his family in Highland Park, Illinois. Despite his successful business career, he maintains a low profile and leads a private personal life.

Krasny's legacy lies in his entrepreneurial spirit and the impact he made on the technology industry. He demonstrated remarkable foresight in recognizing the potential of the computer market and built a thriving business from scratch.

Michael Krasny: Trivia

As a hobby, Michael Krasny operates a woodworking shop called Custom Woodworking Design. He enjoys creating plaques and awards, showcasing his passion for craftsmanship.

Wealth History

Timeline

1975

Graduated from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business.

1981

Quit his job at his father's auto dealership and took computer programming classes.

1982

Started buying and reselling computers, forming MPK Computers.

1983

Changed the name of his company to Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW).

1993

Took CDW public.

2000

His first customer from 1982 remained a customer until this year.

2007

Retired after selling CDW to Madison Dearborn Partners for $7.3 billion.

2009

Started operating a woodworking shop called Custom Woodworking Design as a hobby.

Michael Krasny : FAQs

What is Michael Krasny's current net worth?

Michael Krasny's current net worth is $1.29 billion.

What is Michael Krasny's current global rank among billionaires?

Michael Krasny holds the 2858th position globally among billionaires.

What is Michael Krasny's current ranking within the United States?

Michael Krasny holds the 863rd position in United States.

What was the change in Michael Krasny's net worth compared to the previous year?

Michael Krasny's net worth decreased by 0 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.29 billion dollars.

What are Michael Krasny's main sources of wealth?

Michael Krasny's main source of income comes from Retail.

In which industry does Michael Krasny primarily operate?

Michael Krasny is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is Michael Krasny educational background?

Michael Krasny holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Illinois from Urbana-Champaign.

How old is Michael Krasny?

Michael Krasny is 72 years old.

How many children does Michael Krasny have?

Michael Krasny has 1 children.

Who is Michael Krasny and why is he famous?

Michael Krasny is an American billionaire businessman from Illinois, known for being the founder and former CEO of CDW Corporation, a leading direct seller of technical gadgets.

What led Michael Krasny to start CDW Corporation?

After quitting his job as a Toyota car salesman and struggling to find steady work, Michael Krasny sold his own computer for cash, marking the beginning of his venture into buying and reselling computers, which eventually led to the founding of CDW Corporation.

How did Michael Krasny's early life influence his career?

Growing up in a Jewish family in Illinois and graduating from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 1975, along with his initial work experience at his father's auto dealership, laid a strong foundation for Michael Krasny's entrepreneurial journey.

What significant milestones did Michael Krasny achieve before retiring?

Before retiring in 2007, Michael Krasny took CDW Corporation public in 1993, and led its growth until selling it to Madison Dearborn Partners for $7.3 billion, marking significant milestones in his career.

What has Michael Krasny been doing since his retirement from CDW Corporation?

Since retiring in 2007, Michael Krasny has been operating a woodworking shop called Custom Woodworking Design, where he indulges in his hobby of making plaques and awards, signifying a shift from his tech-focused career.