David Steward

Businessman, Owner of World Wide Technologies

David Steward is the founder of World Wide Technologies which helped him become one of the richest African Americans in American history. His work ethic and foundation for success began with humble beginnings in Clinton. David grew up in rural Missouri in a poor family and faced constant discrimination, especially in his early life. But he didn’t let that hold him back from using his smarts, faith, and athletic skills to climb to the top. He studied at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg where he earned a basketball scholarship and attained a degree in 1973.

After graduation from college (now known as the University of Central Missouri), he worked in sales for several companies and honed his skills that made him a success. He worked at Missouri Pacific Railroad, Union Pacific and FedEx before he decided to venture off on his own. That decision made him a legend in Missouri business.

Steward founded World Wide Technology in 1990 in St. Charles County to provide IT solutions for businesses in the Midwest. Soon, his business acumen helped expand the reach of the country across the country with some of the biggest brands in America as his clients. The technology company rose to become one of Missouri’s largest privately-owned businesses and the largest privately owned African American business in the country. The company has since relocated to Maryland Heights in St. Louis County and continues to expand rapidly.

That success landed Steward on a prestigious list, the Forbes 400 List of Wealthiest Americans. In 2019, Forbes pointed out that he was one of only five black billionaires in the United States. Recent numbers report his net worth at more than $7-billion. He was also honored with the University of Central Missouri Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004.