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Earlier
this year, David Steward, founder and CEO of World Wide Technology,
Inc. (WWT), a privately held billion dollar company with headquarters
in St. Louis, presented a seminar focusing on entrepreneurship and
business diversity. WWT was founded in 1990 by Steward with four people
and 4,000 square feet of office space to distribute computer hardware
and software and services to the federal government. Today, with more
than 600 employees, 1 million-plus square feet of facilities, and over
$1 billion in sales, WWT specializes in developing state-of-the-art
supply chain solutions for its customers, suppliers, and partners. It
is the largest African-American-owned business in the nation.
David Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide
Technology, Inc, met with a Crosby MBA class before
speaking at the Tom and Betty Scott CEO Forum.
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As
well as running a thriving business, Steward also heads the United Way
of Greater St. Louis campaign, honoring his commitment of “giving
forward” in order to “pay back” those who have helped him in life.
Throughout Steward’s childhood, United Way agencies played a large role
in helping him overcome tremendous adversity. Now a successful
businessman, Steward is dedicated to repaying these agencies that
played a paramount role in contributing to his achievements.
In
addition to talking about the specifics of his company, Steward also
discussed his recent book which he completed with Robert L. Shook,
titled, Doing Business by the Good Book; Fifty-two Lessons on Success Straight from the Bible.The book focuses on how to succeed in a highly competitive market, and how to do so honestly and ethically.
Steward
attributes his business success to the people and institutions that
helped him learn to overcome adversity, take risks, and stay true to
his principles at the same time.
“I think
entrepreneurship is something ingrained within all of us. It’s just a
matter of learning the right way to get it out,” Steward said.
Other recent speakers at MU included:
• Gary Forsee, President and CEO, Sprint Nextel:
“Mergers and Acquisitions: The Reasons, Rationale, and Consequences”
• Steven Bjelich, President and CEO, St. Francis Healthcare:
“Today’s Hospital Business Model”
• Mark Sweeney, CFO, Nuclear Energy Division, GE:
“Leadership in a Changing Business Environment: Considerations for Finance Professionals”
• William Schoenhard, Executive VP/COO, SSM Health Care:
“Quality as a Business Strategy”
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