Chairman and Founder of Worldwide Technology David Steward sits down with his son, David Steward, II for an interview with Craig Fowler at Higher Ground International Ministries’ Faith Summit.
Dave steward how did he get started with world wide technoloy
ChatGPT said:
David Steward founded World Wide Technology (WWT) in 1990, transforming it from a modest startup into one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States .US Black Engineer Tech+3WWT+3The Michigan Chronicle+3
Early Career and Entrepreneurial Ventures
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Missouri State University in 1973, Steward embarked on a career in sales and management. He held positions at Wagner Electric, Missouri Pacific Railroad, and Federal Express, where he was recognized as Salesman of the Year and inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame in 1981 .Reference For Business+4The HistoryMakers+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+1NMSDC Conference 2024+1
In 1984, leveraging his experience in the transportation industry, Steward borrowed $2,000 from his father to start Transportation Business Specialists, a firm specializing in auditing freight bills. He later founded a sister company, Transport Administrative Services, focusing on auditing undercharges for railroad companies .Horatio Alger+1Reference For Business+1Wikipedia+2Reference For Business+2Horatio Alger+2
Founding of World Wide Technology
Building on his entrepreneurial success, Steward co-founded World Wide Technology in 1990, initially focusing on distributing computer hardware, software, and services to the federal government. The company’s early growth was supported by the Small Business Administration, which facilitated introductions and support that helped WWT secure its first federal contracts .Horatio AlgerReference For Business
Despite facing significant challenges, including periods without a paycheck and personal financial hardships, Steward’s resilience and strategic vision propelled WWT’s growth. By 2003, the company reported combined revenues exceeding $1 billion, and by 2018, revenues surpassed $11 billion .Wikipedia
Steward’s leadership and commitment to inclusive, values-driven business practices have been central to WWT’s success, establishing it as a global technology solutions provider with a diverse and expansive client base.WWT
Dave Stewart Worldwide Technolog,y, what kind of of charity does he work with
ChatGPT said:
David Steward, the founder and chairman of World Wide Technology (WWT), is deeply committed to philanthropy, focusing on education, community development, and social equity. His charitable endeavors include:
- The Steward Family Foundation: This foundation supports various causes, particularly those related to education, health, and youth development.
- Support for Educational Institutions: Steward has contributed to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other educational initiatives aimed at providing opportunities for underrepresented communities.
- Community Engagement: Through WWT, Steward has initiated programs that promote STEM education, workforce development, and community outreach, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster economic growth in underserved areas.
Steward’s philanthropic efforts reflect his dedication to creating opportunities and fostering inclusive growth, aligning with his broader vision of leveraging technology and business success to make a positive societal impact.
David Steward II is an Academy Award-winning producer and entrepreneur known for his commitment to creating diverse and inclusive content in the entertainment industry.St. Louis American+2apts.org+2thisisils.org+2
🎬 Career and Contributions
In 2011, Steward founded Lion Forge Comics in St. Louis with the mission of producing “comics for everyone,” emphasizing stories that reflect a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. The company gained recognition for its diverse storytelling and was nominated for multiple awards, including the Eisner Award for Best Anthology Comic for “Puerto Rico Strong” in 2019 .IMDb+4Major Spoilers+4St. Louis American+4IMDb+2apts.org+2IMDb+2
Building on this foundation, Steward launched Lion Forge Animation in 2019, which quickly made a significant impact by co-producing the animated short film “Hair Love.” The film, which portrays a Black father’s efforts to style his daughter’s hair, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short in 2020 .IMDb+7The Business Journals+7thisisils.org+7
To manage and expand his media ventures, Steward established Polarity in 2018, a holding company overseeing various content-producing entities, including Lion Forge Entertainment, Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group, and Magnetic Press. Polarity focuses on delivering authentic, multicultural content across multiple platforms, such as comics, animation, television, film, and gaming .The Business Journals+9lionforgeentertainment.com+9apts.org+9The Business Journals+3Major Spoilers+3apts.org+3
🌍 Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Steward’s enterprises are notable for their dedication to diversity, with approximately 70% of Polarity’s staff comprising minorities and women. This commitment extends to the content produced, aiming to authentically represent underrepresented voices in media .apts.org+9St. Louis American+9lionforgeentertainment.com+9polarityltd.com+7lionforgeentertainment.com+7thisisils.org+7
📚 Education and Community Involvement
A graduate of American University with a B.S.B.A. in International Marketing, Steward has also been active in community service. He has served on the boards of organizations such as Nine PBS and America’s Public Television Stations (APTS), contributing to public media and educational initiatives .THE ORG+4IMDb+4IMDb+4apts.org+1The Business Journals+1
Through his leadership in media and commitment to inclusive storytelling, David Steward II continues to influence the entertainment landscape, providing platforms for diverse narratives and creators.
Sources
4o