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Krasny
Michael Krasny
Rank #2882
UNITED STATES•Fashion & Retail•Retail

Michael Krasny

Net Worth
$1.29B
0% (24h)
Michael Krasny is an American billionaire businessman and philanthropist, best known as the founder of CDW Corporation, a leading provider of technology products and services. Born in Illinois in the early 1950s, Krasny built CDW from a small direct-mail operation into a Fortune 500 company, which he sold in 2007 for $7.3 billion. His career reflects a dedication to customer service and strategic business practices. As of March 2026, his net worth is estimated at $1.3 billion. Krasny's philanthropic efforts focus on Jewish causes, medical research, and community initiatives through his Circle of Service Foundation. He joined the Giving Pledge in 2022, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy. His career spans the creation of CDW in 1984 and later founding Sawdust Investment Management Corp.

How to read Michael Krasny's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Michael Krasny, we anchor the narrative to Retail and Retail, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.29B alongside global rank #2882, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Michael Krasny was born in Illinois in 1953. He grew up in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, where his father owned a Toyota dealership. This environment provided early exposure to sales and business operations. Krasny graduated from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 1975 with a degree in finance.

Rise to Success

Krasny's career took a pivotal turn when he founded Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW) in 1984. He started the business from his home. CDW was a direct seller of computers and networking equipment, expanding rapidly due to customer service, multi-brand offerings, and a sales force that emphasized relationship-building. Under Krasny's leadership as chairman and CEO, CDW grew into a Fortune 500 company and the largest direct marketer of computer products in the United States. In 2007, Krasny sold CDW to Madison Dearborn Partners for $7.3 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Krasny's business strategy was built on customer service and relationship-building. He focused on providing a wide range of products and excellent customer support. Krasny's vision was telemarketing with a focus on service, which helped CDW's growth.

Philanthropy

Krasny has a long history of philanthropy, supporting Jewish causes, medical research, and community initiatives. He established the Circle of Service Foundation in 1994, which provides funding for educational, health, and community initiatives primarily in Illinois. In 2022, Krasny joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes.

Career Timeline

2022

Joined Giving Pledge

Joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth.

2007

Sold CDW

Sold CDW to Madison Dearborn Partners for $7.3 billion.

2001

Stepped down as CEO

Stepped down as CEO of CDW but remained as chairman.

1993

CDW went public

Took CDW public, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth.

1984

Founded CDW

Founded Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW) from his home.

1975

Graduation

Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois.

Philanthropic Impact

Philanthropy$XB

Circle of Service Foundation

Supports community services, medical research, Jewish community initiatives, and education.

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Michael Krasny was born in Illinois in 1953. He grew up in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, where his father owned a Toyota dealership. This environment provided early exposure to sales and business operations. Krasny graduated from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 1975 with a degree in finance.

Rise to Success

Krasny's career took a pivotal turn when he founded Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW) in 1984. He started the business from his home. CDW was a direct seller of computers and networking equipment, expanding rapidly due to customer service, multi-brand offerings, and a sales force that emphasized relationship-building. Under Krasny's leadership as chairman and CEO, CDW grew into a Fortune 500 company and the largest direct marketer of computer products in the United States. In 2007, Krasny sold CDW to Madison Dearborn Partners for $7.3 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Krasny's business strategy was built on customer service and relationship-building. He focused on providing a wide range of products and excellent customer support. Krasny's vision was telemarketing with a focus on service, which helped CDW's growth.

Philanthropy

Krasny has a long history of philanthropy, supporting Jewish causes, medical research, and community initiatives. He established the Circle of Service Foundation in 1994, which provides funding for educational, health, and community initiatives primarily in Illinois. In 2022, Krasny joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Michael Krasny are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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