David Lloyd Steward
Founder and chairman of IT provider World Wide Technology
Bachelor of Arts/Science, Central Missouri State University
David L. Steward, born on July 2, 1951, is a prominent American businessman with a fortune in the billions. He is renowned as the chairman and founder of World Wide Technology, a major player in the business realm and notably one of the largest African-American-owned enterprises in the United States. Steward donated $1.3 million to the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2018 to create the David and Thelma Steward Institute for Jazz Studies. Notably, Forbes recognized Steward as one of only 13 black billionaires globally in 2019. Additionally, he secured a notable ranking, coming in at 239th place on the prestigious Forbes 400 list of American billionaires in the same year.
David Steward was born on July 2, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to Dorothy Elizabeth Massingale, a homemaker, and Harold Lloyd Steward, a mechanic. The family relocated to Clinton, Missouri, in 1953, where David experienced firsthand the challenges of poverty and discrimination during his upbringing.
Despite the obstacles, David remained determined and resilient. He vividly recalled the impact of segregation on his childhood, including separate schools and restricted access to public facilities. In 1967, he joined a pioneering group of African-American high-school students in integrating the public swimming pool in Clinton, demonstrating his early commitment to equality and justice.
David pursued higher education and graduated with a BS degree in business from Central Missouri State University in 1973, laying the groundwork for his future success.
Upon completing his education, David embarked on a notable business career, holding various positions at Wagner Electric, Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, and Federal Express. He excelled in sales, earning recognition as the salesman of the year and being inducted into Federal Express’ hall of fame in 1981.
In the years leading up to founding his own company, David ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing Transportation Business Specialists and Transport Administrative Services. In 1990, he took a significant leap by founding World Wide Technology (WWT), a systems integrator aimed at providing innovative technology solutions to businesses.
Under David’s leadership, WWT experienced remarkable growth and success. In 1993, the company shifted its focus to enterprise-wide imaging, conversion services, and telecommunication networks. Despite challenges such as the technology recession in 2002, WWT continued to thrive, surpassing $1 billion in combined reported revenues by 2003.
Today, World Wide Technology is a global leader in technology solutions, with estimated revenues exceeding $11 billion in 2018. The company’s impact extends beyond business success, as it is recognized as one of St. Louis’ largest private companies, contributing significantly to the local economy and community.
In addition to his professional achievements, David is actively involved in civic and community initiatives, serving on various committees and boards, including those focused on education, healthcare, and youth development.
David’s contributions to business and society have been widely recognized, earning him numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:
- 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
With his remarkable achievements and enduring commitment to excellence, David Steward continues to inspire others and make a positive impact in both the business world and the community at large.