How a St. Louis technology reseller became a multibillion-dollar global powerhouse
In short: Starting as a modest equipment vendor in 1990, World Wide Technology has evolved into a massive private enterprise. Today, it manages over 14,000 employees and generates $20 billion in annual revenue, bridging the gap between complex IT infrastructure and the corporate world through its expansive global integration labs and software expertise.
Established in July 1990 by David Steward and Jim Kavanaugh, World Wide Technology began as a simple reseller of technology gear. The firm quickly scaled its operations, notably securing a pivotal partnership with Cisco Systems in 1994. This collaboration served as a foundation for further alliances with industry giants like Intel, Microsoft, and Dell, allowing the company to expand its reach into data centers, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.
The company's physical footprint is as significant as its digital influence. With over 20 facilities spanning five million square feet, WWT manages complex supply chains and system configurations. A major milestone in its operational strategy was the 2009 launch of the Advanced Technology Center, a facility that allows partners and customers to test hardware and software in a controlled environment. This capability has since been extended to global hubs in Amsterdam, Singapore, and Mumbai.
Beyond its technical services, WWT has cultivated a high-profile public presence through strategic sponsorships, including the PGA Tour's World Wide Technology championship and naming rights for the World Wide Technology Raceway. Despite its success and consistent recognition as a top workplace by Fortune and Fast Company, the company faces scrutiny. In March 2025, a lawsuit alleged that Missouri state officials bypassed competitive bidding laws to award the firm lucrative IT contracts.
The company's growth has been fueled by both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, such as the 2015 purchase of Asynchrony and the 2025 takeover of Softchoice Corporation. While the firm has navigated economic downturns—including the dot-com bubble burst that forced the merger of its subsidiary Telcobuy back into the parent company in 2003—it remains the largest black-owned business in the United States, maintaining a dominant position in the private technology sector.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: World Wide Technology
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