Our Story
Our Story
- Our History
- Our Values
A Brief History of CDW
1984
CDW founded
1985
CDW runs first national advertisement in PC World magazine
1987
CDW publishes first catalog
CDW offers first services, helping customers set up their computers
CDW begins hiring coworkers with technical expertise
1993
CDW completes first IPO; lists on NASDAQ
Sales: $270M
Coworkers: 247
1995
CDW embraces online sales by introducing CDW.com
Sales: $628M
Coworkers: 539
1997
CDW establishes headquarters in Vernon Hills, IL; exceeds $1B sales mark
Sales: $1.27B
Coworkers: 986
1998
CDW•G founded to further support government and education customers
Sales: $1.73B
Coworkers: 1,504
2001
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
2003
CDW purchases Micro Warehouse assets
Micro Warehouse Canada becomes CDW Canada
CDW launches dedicated Small Business team
Sales: $4.66B
Coworkers: 3,600
2005
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
2006
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
2007
CDW goes private, purchased by Madison Dearborn Partners and Providence Equity Partners
Sales: $8.1B
Coworkers: 6,300
2008
CDW becomes the official technology partner for the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour
Sales: $8.1B
Coworkers: 6,850
2009
Tom Richards joins CDW as president and COO
Sales: $7.2B
Coworkers: 6,250
2011
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
2012
CDW revenue exceeds $10B
CDW employs nearly 1,400 technology specialists and engineers
Sales: $10.1B
Coworkers: 6,800
2013
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
2014
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
2015
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
2016
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
2017
CDW launches standalone Small Business unit
CDW ranks No. 199 on the Fortune 500
Sales: $14.8B
Coworkers: 8,700
2018
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
2019
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
2020
CDW acquires IGNW, Aeritae and Southern Dakota Solutions
CDW launches Inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance Report
Sales: $18.5B
Coworkers: 10,000
2021
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
2022
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
2023
CDW acquires Locus and Enquizit
CDW rings Nasdaq Opening Bell to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 2013 IPO
Sales: $21.4B
Coworkers: 15,100
What We Value
At CDW, everything we do revolves around meeting the needs of our customers. Here's how we continue to be a great company for our coworkers and our customers.
Our Purpose
CDW’s purpose is to make technology work so people can do great things.
Our Commitment
CDW's commitment to diversity includes our coworkers, customers and communities, as well as our supplier partnerships.
The CDW Way
- We run our business with passion and integrity.
- We empower others to do their jobs.
- We keep our commitments.
- We treat others with respect.
- We resolve conflict directly.
- We listen.
- We include stakeholders in the decision process.
- We live our “philosophies of success” every day.
- We make things happen.
Philosophies of Success
- It’s only good if it’s win/win.
- Good luck many times comes disguised as hard work.
- People do business with people they like.
- Perfection is unattainable. If you strive for perfection, you’ll achieve excellence.
- Pay attention to your weaknesses. If you dwell on your successes, you will suffocate on your weaknesses.
- Success means never being satisfied.
Our Code
At CDW, we have a code of business conduct and ethics. The CDW Way Code sets forth the standards of behavior necessary to ensure we live up to our values.
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