David Steward facts for kids

David Lloyd Steward (born in 1951) is a very successful American businessman. He is the chairman and founder of World Wide Technology. This company is one of the biggest businesses in America owned by an African-American person.

In 2024, he was listed among the richest people in the world. His wealth was estimated to be about $11.4 billion.

David Steward's Early Life

David Steward was born in 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. His mother, Dorothy, was a homemaker, and his father, Harold, was a mechanic. In 1953, his family moved to Clinton, Missouri. Growing up, David faced tough times. His family was poor, and he experienced unfair treatment because of his race.

He remembers a time when schools and public places were separated for different races. In 1967, David was part of a small group of African-American students. They helped to end the separation at the public swimming pool in Clinton.

David went to Central Missouri State University. He earned a degree in business in 1973.

David Steward's Business Journey

After college, David Steward started his career in different jobs. He worked as a production manager at Wagner Electric from 1974 to 1975. Then, he was a sales representative at Missouri Pacific Railroad Company until 1979.

From 1979 to 1984, he worked at Federal Express. He was a top salesperson there and was even named "salesman of the year" in 1981. Before starting his big company, he also owned two other businesses. He also helped start Telcobuy, a company that manages technology and supply chains globally.

Starting World Wide Technology

In 1990, David Steward helped create World Wide Technology (WWT). This company helps other businesses set up and manage their computer systems. They are known as a "systems integrator."

By 1993, WWT focused on helping companies with digital imaging and telecommunication networks. These networks help people communicate over long distances.

In 1999, WWT created a separate company called Telcobuy.com for its telecommunications work. Both companies grew a lot. Even when the technology industry slowed down in 2002, they kept going. By 2003, their total earnings went over $1 billion. David then formed World Wide Technology Holding Company to oversee both businesses.

In 2018, WWT's earnings were estimated to be more than $11 billion. This made it one of the largest private companies in St. Louis.

Community Work and Recognition

David Steward cares a lot about his community. He has served on many important groups and boards. These include groups like Civic Progress of St. Louis and the St. Louis Regional Chamber. He also helped with the United Way and the Boy Scouts of America.

He was also on the board of trustees for Washington University in St. Louis. David has received many awards for his business success and community work.

Awards and Honors

• 100 Leaders for the Millennium, St. Louis Business Journal, 2000
• 100+ Most Influential Black Americans - Ebony magazine
• 14th Best American Entrepreneur, Success Magazine, 1998
• Business Person of the Year for Missouri, Small Business Administration
• Company of the Year, Black Enterprise, 1999
• Entrepreneur of the Year, Black Enterprise, 2000
• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 1998
• Five time winner, Fast 50 Awards
• Granville T. Woods Award for Outstanding CEO, 1997
• Minority Small Business Person of the Year, Small Business Administration, 1997, 1998
• Phoenix Award, St. Louis Minority Business Council, 2000
• Small Business Association Hall of Fame, 2001
• The American Marketing Association 1996 Distinguished Executive
• Top 100 Industrial/Service Companies, Black Enterprise, 11th in 1998, 6th in 1999, 1st in 2000 and 2001
• Top 100 List of St. Louis Leaders, 2002
• Top Minority Entrepreneur, Small Business Administration, 1998
• Black Engineer of the Year, BEYA STEM Conference, 2012
• Horatio Alger Award, Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, 2014
• Silver Buffalo Award, Boy Scouts of America