In recent years, no CEO in the Saint Louis area has been quite as influential as David Steward, one of the highest paid African American CEOs in the country.  Steward, the founder of WorldWide Technologies, has grown from humble beginnings to being a published author, mentor, and respected visionary, recognized by many including Forbes magazine. Many, including Westminster parent Brandon Mann, have been heavily influenced by David Steward’s entrepreneurship and ideas on business. Mann, who has been a protege of stewards for many years, gives us an inside on one of St Louise’s greatest businessmen. 

David was born in Chicago, Illinois to Dorothy and Harold Steward. The family ended up moving to Clinton, Missouri where the family faced poverty and discrimination as a result of segregation laws at the time (around 1967) .  This did not sway or prevent David from receiving his bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University in 1973. 

After graduation, Steward went on to work at many technology and electronic related companies, where he gained experience and respect before beginning his work on WorldWide Technology.

In 1990, Steward finally put his ideas and experience into action with World Wide Technologies. “[He startedWorldWide Tech] with 5 people and 4,000 square feet,” said Mr Mann. “today, there are over 8,000 people working for worldwide tech, as well as millions of square feet all across the world”. Over the course of 30 to 40 years, Steward built up not only his own community within his company but also the community around himself as well. Though being a global success is incredible on its own, it is what Steward did with his success that truly set him apart from the rest. 

Along with his extremely successful work with WWT, Steward gave back to many community  foundations in the Saint Louis area, especially focusing on education for those with lack of access. These included: the Civic Project of Saint Louis, Saint Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, and African American Business Leadership Council.

 “He’s a visionary,” Mr. Mann explains; “He [truly] works to serve”. God’s influence is prevalent in every aspect of Steward’s business career, which allows him to give back to his community in impactful ways. 

There are many influential CEOs within the Saint Louis area, however Mr David Steward is one step above the rest because of his drive to serve his community. From his early career onto the global success that WorldWide Tech became, Steward carried his Godly love and care through all of it. Overall, Steward  is a perfect example of neighborhood heroes in our community. Cool things and cool people are all around our city, all you have to do is look for them!