David L. Steward, Founder and Chairman of World Wide Technology was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved with his family shortly thereafter to the small rural town of Clinton, Missouri.

 

After graduating from Central Missouri State University in 1973, Mr. Steward relocated to St. Louis, Missouri. He was the first person of color ever hired by Missouri Pacific Railroad Company to sell rail services. Upon leaving Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, he joined Federal Express as a senior account executive.  During his tenure at FedEx, Mr. Steward was recognized as salesman of the year and was inducted into the company’s sales hall of fame in 1981. 

 

After founding two successful startup companies, Mr. Steward founded World Wide Technology in 1990.  Steward and his executive team have built what started as a small logistics/ transportation audit company into a leading systems integrator and supply chain solutions provider with over 5,000 employees globally and $13 billion in revenue.

 

Mr. Steward is a member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and serves on their Board of directors.  He also serves on the boards National Academy Foundation (NAF), United Way of Greater St. Louis, Washington University, Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis, Boy Scouts of America Great St. Louis Area Council and many other organizations.

 

Under Mr. Steward’s leadership, WWT has grown to be the most successful business in the history of the Government’s 8A disadvantaged business and small business program.  The company has successfully partnered with the DOD, various security agencies, NIH and many other civilian agencies.  The company has also been issued clearances at the highest level.

 

In addition to graduating from Central Missouri State University, Mr. Steward holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Washington University, as well as Honorary Doctorates in Humane Letters from numerous colleges and universities.  Mr. Steward was the first non-engineer to be awarded the Black Engineer of the Year Award.  In 2018, Mr. Steward was presented with Boy Scouts of America’s national-level Silver Buffalo Award for distinguished service.

 

Mr. Steward and his wife are involved in many philanthropic and community efforts. “I don’t have a business philosophy and a personal philosophy. They are one and the same that I live by 24/7. My wife, Thelma and I come from humble backgrounds, and we have been blessed with more prosperity than we could have  imagined when we were young. It is a blessing for us to give to others.”