Nationality American Spouse Thelma Steward | Name David Steward Children 2 | |
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Full Name David L. Steward Alma mater Central Missouri State University Education University of Central Missouri Residence St. Louis, Missouri, United States Books Doing Business by the Go, Planet Earth, Amazing Gracie | ||
Conversation with David Steward
David L. Steward (born 1951) is chairman and founder of World Wide Technology, Inc., one of the largest African-American-owned businesses in America.
Contents
- Conversation with David Steward
- Mr david steward chairman founder world wide technology at ofcvc 2013
- Early years
- Business career
- Founding World Wide Technology
- Publications
- Civic and community involvement
- Honors
- References
Mr david steward chairman founder world wide technology at ofcvc 2013
Early years
Steward was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Dorothy, a homemaker, and Harold Steward, a mechanic. As a child growing up in Clinton, Missouri, Steward faced poverty and discrimination.
"I vividly remember segregation—separate schools, sitting in the balcony at the movie theater, being barred from the public swimming pool," notes Steward, who was among a small group of African-American high-school students who integrated the public swimming pool in Clinton in 1967. "These experiences had a profound effect on the man I am today. I am not one to back down when it comes to taking a stand for what I believe." Steward found a purpose for the hardship he encountered in his early years—it strengthened his character and taught him perseverance. "The adversities I encountered during my youth served as my training ground for hard times I eventually faced as a struggling entrepreneur."
Steward received his B.S. degree in business from Central Missouri State University in 1973.
Business career
After graduating from college, Steward worked at Wagner Electric as a production manager (1974–1975), a sales representative at Missouri Pacific Railroad Company(1975–1979), and a senior account executive at Federal Express (1979–1984), where he was recognized as salesman of the year and inducted into the company's hall of fame in 1981. He owned Transportation Business Specialists and Transport Administrative Services in the years leading up to founding World Wide Technology.
Founding World Wide Technology
In 1990, Steward founded World Wide Technology, a leading systems integrator that provides technology products, services and supply chain solutions to customers around the globe. In 1993, WWT concentrated its focus on the implementation of enterprise wide imaging, conversion services, and telecommunication networks. These integrated solutions have greatly enhanced WWT's overall market position and long term viability.
In 1999 World Wide Technology spun off its telecommunications division to form Telcobuy.com. Sales for the two companies continued to grow, although revenues slipped in 2002 as World Wide Technology felt the impact of the technology recession. In 2003 combined reported revenues passed $1 billion, and Steward formed World Wide Technology Holding Company as the parent company for the two firms.
In 2011, World Wide Technology's annual revenue are estimated to be greater than $3.2 billion, ranking it as one of St. Louis’ largest private companies.
Publications
Civic and community involvement
Steward serves on committees and boards that include: Civic Progress of St. Louis; the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association; Missouri Technology Corporation, appointed by the Governor of Missouri; Webster University; BJC Health System; First Banks, Inc.; St. Louis Science Center; United Way of Greater St. Louis; The Greater St. Louis Area Council of Boy Scouts of America and Harris-Stowe State College African-American Business Leadership Council. In 2011, Steward was appointed to the Board of Curators, University of Missouri (though he has since resigned) by Governor Jay Nixon.