From segregated swimming pools to a multi-billion dollar technology empire in Missouri
In short: David Steward grew up facing systemic discrimination in Clinton, Missouri, where he was barred from public facilities. Today, he stands as one of America's wealthiest business leaders. His journey from a humble upbringing to founding World Wide Technology reveals how resilience and strategic focus built a global enterprise.
Born in 1951, David Steward experienced the realities of segregation firsthand. As a child, he was excluded from public swimming pools and relegated to balcony seating in movie theaters. In 1967, he was part of a small group of African-American students who successfully integrated the public swimming pool in his hometown of Clinton. These early experiences with inequality shaped a career defined by persistence and a commitment to expanding opportunity for others.
After graduating from Central Missouri State University in 1973, Steward navigated various roles in production and sales, including a notable tenure at FedEx where he earned salesman of the year honors in 1981. He eventually founded World Wide Technology (WWT) in 1990. Initially a systems integrator, the company pivoted in 1993 to focus on telecommunications and enterprise imaging. Despite a dip in revenue during the technology recession of 2002, the firm rebounded significantly, with combined revenues for WWT and its spin-off, Telcobuy, exceeding $1 billion by 2003.
Steward's influence extends far beyond his corporate success. As of 2025, he is the second-richest African American with a fortune surpassing $10 billion. Through the Steward Family Foundation, he directs significant resources toward education, health, and faith-based initiatives, particularly for underrepresented communities. His career has been marked by numerous accolades, including being named the 14th best American entrepreneur by Success Magazine in 1998 and receiving the Horatio Alger Award in 2014. Today, he remains a prominent figure in St. Louis civic life, serving on various boards and supporting workforce development programs across the Midwest.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: David Steward
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