David Steward facts for kids

David Lloyd Steward, born on July 2, 1951, is a very successful American businessman. He is the person who started and leads a big company called World Wide Technology. This company is one of the largest businesses in America owned by an African-American. In 2024, he was listed among the world's richest people by Forbes magazine. His wealth was estimated to be around $11.4 billion.

David Steward's Early Life

David Steward was born in 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. His mother, Dorothy Elizabeth Massingale, was a homemaker. His father, Harold Lloyd Steward, worked as a mechanic. In 1953, his family moved to Clinton, Missouri.

Growing up in Clinton, David faced challenges like poverty and unfair treatment. He remembers a time when schools were separate for different races. He also recalls having to sit in a special section at the movie theater. Public swimming pools were also not open to everyone.

In 1967, David was part of a small group of African-American high school students. They helped to make the public swimming pool in Clinton open to everyone. This was an important step in ending segregation. David went to Central Missouri State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1973.

Building a Business

After finishing college, David Steward started his career. From 1974 to 1975, he worked as a production manager at Wagner Electric. Then, he was a sales representative for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company from 1975 to 1979.

From 1979 to 1984, he worked at Federal Express. He was a senior account executive there. In 1981, he was named salesman of the year. He was also honored in the company's hall of fame. Before starting World Wide Technology, he owned two companies. These were Transportation Business Specialists and Transport Administrative Services. He also helped start Telcobuy, a company that manages technology and supply chains globally.

World Wide Technology (WWT)

In 1990, David Steward helped create World Wide Technology (WWT). This company helps other businesses set up and manage their computer systems. By 1993, WWT focused on specific areas. These included managing large-scale imaging projects and telecommunication networks.

In 1999, WWT created a new company from its telecommunications part, called Telcobuy.com. Both companies continued to grow their sales. However, in 2002, their earnings went down. This was because of a slowdown in the technology industry.

By 2003, the combined earnings of WWT and Telcobuy passed $1 billion. David Steward then formed World Wide Technology Holding Company. This new company became the main parent company for both firms. In 2018, WWT's revenue was estimated to be more than $11 billion. This made it one of the largest private companies in St. Louis.

Helping the Community

David Steward has been very active in his community. He has served on many important committees and boards. These include Civic Progress of St. Louis and the St. Louis Regional Chamber. He was also appointed by the Governor of Missouri to the Missouri Technology Corporation.

He has also been involved with Webster University and BJC Health System. Other organizations he has helped include First Banks, Inc., the Saint Louis Science Center, and the United Way of Greater St. Louis. He also supported The Greater St. Louis Area Council of Boy Scouts of America and Harris–Stowe State University. In 2011, he was appointed to the board of curators for the University of Missouri.

Getting Involved in Politics

David Steward has also participated in political activities. In 2019, he was on the board of trustees for Washington University in St. Louis. At that time, he supported a measure in the Missouri General Assembly. This measure was about how universities handle certain investigations.

In 2024, David Steward gave about $230,000 to groups that support Republican candidates. These candidates included Mike Parson and Mike Kehoe.

Awards and Recognition

David Steward has received many awards for his work and leadership. Here are some of them:

• 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