Who Founded CDW and When
CDW was founded by Michael H. Krasny in 1984 as a small mail-order business selling computer products. Krasny started the company with a focus on direct sales to businesses and institutions, which later evolved into a major technology solutions provider. The business was originally named "MPK Computing" before becoming CDW Corporation. Learn more about the early history on the company's official investor relations page CDW Investor Relations.
CDW went public in 2013 after being taken private by a consortium led by Madison Dearborn Partners and Providence Equity Partners in 2007. The company returned to the public market under the ticker symbol CDW on the NASDAQ stock exchange. This transition marked a significant milestone in the company's growth trajectory.
CDW's Business Model and Market Position
CDW operates as a leading provider of technology products and solutions for businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. The company offers a wide range of products including hardware, software, cloud services, and IT consulting. CDW's business model focuses on direct sales, online channels, and a dedicated sales force targeting mid-market and enterprise customers.
As of recent reports, CDW generates billions in annual revenue and serves hundreds of thousands of customers across North America. The company has expanded its service portfolio to include cybersecurity, digital transformation, and managed IT services. CDW's market position remains strong in the competitive technology reseller and solutions provider landscape Forbes.
Leadership and Corporate Structure
While Michael Krasny founded CDW, the company has had several CEOs and leadership changes over the decades. Current leadership focuses on cloud-first strategies, digital transformation services, and expanding CDW's footprint in the public sector and education markets. The corporate structure includes various subsidiaries focused on specific technology verticals and geographies.
Key Executives and Governance
The board of directors and executive team at CDW guide strategic decisions around acquisitions, organic growth, and technology partnerships. CDW has made several strategic acquisitions to broaden its product offerings and customer base. The company's governance structure follows standard public company practices with regular reporting to shareholders SEC Filings.