David Steward
| David Steward | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1951 (age 66–67) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Education | Central Missouri State University (BS) |
| Known for | Chair and Founder of World Wide Technology |
| Board member of |
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Centene Corporation Webster University University of Missouri |
| Spouse(s) | Thelma |
| Children | 2, including Kimberly 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.
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.
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. He is also a founder of Telcobuy, a global technology and supply chain solutions company.
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.
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