Early Life
David Lloyd Steward was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 2, 1951. Soon after his birth, his family moved to Clinton, Missouri. Growing up in Clinton, Steward experienced segregation, attending segregated schools and facing restrictions in public spaces. He witnessed his father working as a mechanic, janitor, and trash collector. Steward's family lived a humble life, and these experiences shaped his character and fueled his determination. Steward's experiences in Clinton, Missouri, particularly the segregation he faced, profoundly impacted him. These early challenges instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to overcoming obstacles.
Rise to Success
After graduating from Central Missouri State University in 1973 with a degree in business administration, Steward began his career. He worked in sales for Missouri Pacific Railroad, Union Pacific, and FedEx. At FedEx, he was recognized as Salesman of the Year and inducted into the company's Hall of Fame in 1981. In 1990, Steward co-founded World Wide Technology (WWT) with a modest budget. Despite early financial struggles, including going without a paycheck and facing repossession of his car, Steward persevered. WWT's success grew over the years.
Key Business Strategies
WWT specializes in providing IT solutions to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Steward's vision and leadership transformed WWT into a global technology solutions provider, focusing on supply chain logistics, systems integration, and consulting services. The company's core values and strong collaboration between employees have been essential to its success. In 2023, WWT recorded sales of $17 billion.
Philanthropy
David Steward and his wife, Thelma, established the Steward Family Foundation, supporting initiatives in education, health, and human services, with a focus on underrepresented communities. Through the foundation and personal giving, the Stewards have contributed millions to various organizations, including the United Way of Greater St. Louis. In 2018, Steward donated $1.3 million to the University of Missouri-St. Louis to create the David and Thelma Steward Institute for Jazz Studies.