Early Life
Michael Krasny was born in Illinois in 1952 or 1953, growing up in a Jewish family in the Chicago area. After graduating from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 1975 with a degree in finance, he worked as a Toyota car salesman at his father's auto dealership in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Rise to Success
Krasny's career took a pivotal turn in 1981 when he left his job as a car salesman and took computer programming classes. After struggling to find a steady job, Krasny sold his own computer, making a $200 profit from a $3 ad in the Chicago Tribune, sparking his interest in the computer business. He began buying and reselling computers, forming MPK Computers in 1982. A year later, he renamed the company Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW). Krasny took CDW public in 1993. In 2007, he sold CDW to Madison Dearborn Partners for $7.3 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Krasny's success at CDW was built on several key strategies. He recognized the growing demand for computers early on and capitalized on this trend by providing computers and networking equipment. He established a direct-sales model, which allowed the company to focus on IT hardware and software for businesses, providing excellent customer service and building strong customer relationships. CDW expanded rapidly with multi-brand offerings, making it a leader in the personal computing market.
Philanthropy
Krasny is involved in philanthropy and established the Circle of Service Foundation, which supports various causes including education, healthcare, and Jewish community initiatives. In 2022, he joined The Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes.