Our Story

CDW founded

CDW runs first national advertisement in PC World magazine

CDW publishes first catalog
CDW offers first services, helping customers set up their computers
CDW begins hiring coworkers with technical expertise

CDW completes first IPO; lists on NASDAQ
Sales: $270M
Coworkers: 247

CDW embraces online sales by introducing CDW.com
Sales: $628M
Coworkers: 539

CDW establishes headquarters in Vernon Hills, IL; exceeds $1B sales mark
Sales: $1.27B
Coworkers: 986

CDW•G founded to further support government and education customers
Sales: $1.73B
Coworkers: 1,504

John Edwardson becomes CEO and chairman
CDW debuts on the Fortune 500 at No. 435 and on the NASDAQ 100
Sales: $3.96B
Coworkers: 2,783

CDW purchases Micro Warehouse assets
Micro Warehouse Canada becomes CDW Canada
CDW launches dedicated Small Business team
Sales: $4.66B
Coworkers: 3,600

CDW opens the Western Distribution Center in Las Vegas
Total distribution center space exceeds 950,000 sq. ft.
CDW launches CDW Healthcare
Sales: $6.3B
Coworkers: 4,300

CDW acquires Berbee Information Networks, adding two new data centers and 11 new offices in six states
CDW employs more than 760 advanced technology specialists and engineers
Sales: $6.8B
Coworkers: 5,480

CDW goes private, purchased by Madison Dearborn Partners and Providence Equity Partners
Sales: $8.1B
Coworkers: 6,300

CDW becomes the official technology partner for the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour
Sales: $8.1B
Coworkers: 6,850

Tom Richards joins CDW as president and COO
Sales: $7.2B
Coworkers: 6,250

Tom Richards becomes CEO
CDW launches People Who Get IT campaign, focusing on how technology solves everyday business problems
Sales: $9.6B
Coworkers: 6,700

CDW revenue exceeds $10B
CDW employs nearly 1,400 technology specialists and engineers
Sales: $10.1B
Coworkers: 6,800

CEO Tom Richards also becomes chairman of the board
CDW launches the Technoliner, the ultimate technology vehicle
CDW ranks No. 267 on the Fortune 500 

CDW lists on NASDAQ

Sales: $10.8B
Coworkers: 7,000

CDW completes a 35% investment in Kelway,  a leading U.K. technology services and solutions company
CDW ranks No. 265 on the Fortune 500
CDW hits cloud stride with more than 40 leading industry partners
Sales: $12.1B
Coworkers: 7,200

CDW ranks No. 253 on the Fortune 500
CDW opens new Enterprise Command Center in Vernon Hills, IL, expanding managed services and cloud capabilities
Forbes names CDW to its inaugural America’s Best Employers list
CDW and Dell grow their partnership
CDW acquires U.K.-based solutions provider Kelway
Sales: $13.0B
Coworkers: 8,400

CDW opens new Lincolnshire office
Kelway becomes CDW
CDW ranks No. 220 on the Fortune 500
Security solution sales exceed $1B 
Sales: $13.7B
Coworkers: 8,500

CDW launches standalone Small Business unit
CDW ranks No. 199 on the Fortune 500
Sales: $14.8B
Coworkers: 8,700

CDW opens new office in Nashville, TN
CDW ranks #189 on the Fortune 500
Sales of workloads delivered via cloud reach $3B
Sales: $16.2B
Coworkers: 9,000

Christine Leahy becomes CEO
CDW acquires Canadian solutions provider Scalar Decisions
CDW ranks #191 on the Fortune 500
CDW acquires Aptris
Sales: $18.0B
Coworkers: 9,900

CDW acquires IGNW, Aeritae and Southern Dakota Solutions
CDW launches Inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance Report
Sales: $18.5B
Coworkers: 10,000

CDW acquires  Amplified IT, Focal Point Data Risk, Sirius Computer Solutions
CDW revenue exceeds $20B
CDW ranks #161 on Fortune 500 
Sales: $21.0B
Coworkers: 13,900

CDW launches HBCU-focused Legacy Excellence Program
CDW receives Frost & Sullivan Global Customer Value Leadership Award for 2nd year in a row
Sales: $23.7B
Coworkers: 15,000