David Steward leaned against the family cow as he milked her, his hands automatically squeezing left, right, left, right. This was his final chore of the day; he’d already cleaned out the barn and fed the pigs and cow.
The twelve-year-old tried not to think about morning chores awaiting him in just twelve hours: emptying the chamber pots, milking the cow again, then collecting the ashes from the potbelly stove and spreading them on the driveway to create traction.
His only consolation was, his seven siblings had their chores too.
David trudged back to the house. He could smell collard greens frying in bacon grease, the pork and beans simmering in the Dutch oven, and cornbread browning in the skillet.
It wasn’t a fancy supper-spread, but all ten of them got enough to eat, thanks to Daddy’s hard work and the whole family pitching in on the farm.
Daddy should have made enough money to support them. He’d been trained as a master mechanic while living in Chicago in the 1930s and ‘40s. But now it was 1963 and the family resided in Mama’s hometown of Clinton, Missouri—a segregated town—and the Stewards were Black. Many businesses didn’t hire people of color.
So Daddy took whatever work he could find as a personal mechanic, nightwatchman, and part-time policeman. He managed a janitorial service, transported coal or trash, even tended bar at parties.
Daddy and Mama could have been bitter; but David and his siblings saw them demonstrate Christian love and kindness, grace and forgiveness, strength and resolve.
Times were changing however; segregation was finally outlawed in 1964. David was among the first Blacks allowed to swim in the community pool.
The next year David started high school and made the basketball team. Four years later he was playing for Central Missouri State University, and after proving himself, earned a sport scholarship. In 1973 he graduated with a degree in business administration.
Over the next eight years, David worked for several companies, including the Missouri Pacific Railroad and Federal Express. In each position David learned skills related to manufacturing, marketing, accounting, sales, and more.
While senior account executive at Federal Express he earned the Salesman of the Year Award and received a trophy—a silver ice bucket engraved with his initials. David looked inside and was struck by its emptiness. Is this all I want out of life? he thought.
The answer was no. He’d long dreamed of owning his own company and managing it with biblical principles. He and his wife Thelma had faith that now was the time—even with their family of four to support.
In 1984, David launched Transportation Business Specialists, putting to use the lessons he’d learned at Missouri Pacific Railroad. His new company audited bills and overcharges for the rail industry.
Another company was launched in 1987, Transport Administrative Service, and finally, in 1990, World Wide Technology, Inc., to help companies use technology for solving business-related problems.
Success did not come quickly. And though David always made sure his employees received their paychecks, sometimes his family went without.
But he didn’t give up. David wrote: “What we were doing for our employees and customers was meaningful. I had faith that our company was capable of providing exceptional value” [1].
A unique opportunity presented itself in 1995. U.S. troops in Bosnia needed specialized computer software, so David’s company developed a program customized to their needs. They provided the hardware also.
That success led to the development of more applications for additional functions, useful to other government entities. A company that began with a $2000 investment and a handful of employees is now a Fortune 500 company (#71), bringing in twenty billion dollars in annual revenue and employing 10,000 people [2].
In the early 2000s, the Stewards’ pastor asked them to lead a Bible study about doing business God’s way. That led to a book, Doing Business by the Good Book: Timeless Principles for Making an Eternal Impact (2004).
The overall theme: strong leadership is love, expressed by serving others—employees and their families, customers and associates, as well as your own family.
David considers his company his ministry as he applies biblical principles in the workplace.
Eighty-six percent of his employees say World Wide Technology is a great place to work [3].
David also sees himself as an ambassador for Christ in the business world. He keeps one scripture-based goal in mind.
Every day David asks the question:
“Am I living my life worthy of the sacrifice that was made on my behalf”[4]?
That’s a profitable question for each of us. May we all—no matter our place in life—answer with a joy-filled YES!
David L. Steward (1951 – )
[1] Doing Business by the Good Book, 2004, quoted by https://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/ S-Z/Steward-David-L-1951.html
[2] https://www.wwt.com/corporate/why-wwt/overview
[3] https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/1100933
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCtItBwZEEU (Steward, 3:36-3:46)
Other sources:
1. https://www2.cbn.com/article/not-selected/david-steward-building-business
2. https://horatioalger.org/members/detail/david-l-steward/
3. https://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/S-Z/Steward-David-L-1951.html#google_vignette
4. https://coinnounce.com/the-success-story-of-david-steward-second-richest-black-man-in-the-us/
Photo credits: http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.daiyverses.net; http://www.en.wikipedia.org; http://www.amazon.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.flickr.com.
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What an inspiring story, Nancy, of a remarkable man. We should all have David’s Godly attitude no matter what our profession might be. Doing things God’s way is the only way to truly live.
Blessings!
Doing things God’s way doesn’t guarantee material wealth; instead we’re promised contentment of spirit–of much greater value (1 Timothy 6:6). So glad you found inspiration here, Martha!
What an interesting life and I especially identified with David, as he and I are the same age.
I’m in his age bracket too, Pastor Pete. We can remember the struggles of Blacks in the 50s and 60s, fighting a righteous battle for their rights. It was NOT one of our noble chapters of history.
Nancy,
Love it. The Lord uses men and their talents to do something to last longer that a lifetime. In Christ,
Gary D Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Isn’t that wonderful encouragement, to know we can be used by God as a positive influence in the lives of the next generation and beyond (Proverbs 13:22)!
Yes.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Such an encouraging story! And you always do a wonderful job of pulling stories like these together. Thank you for sharing. 🤗♥️
Thank you, Bridget, for your encouragement. I love researching these stories and learning more about heroes of the Christian faith!
David Steward never had idle hands, he had faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is a blessing to mankind. Thank you for sharing David’s amazing story, Nancy! 🙂
You’re welcome, Nancy. I agree–Steward’s story is amazing and well worth knowing!
What an example of living according to Biblical principles!
Agreed!
A truly inspiring story. Thank you for bringing such stories to our notice.
💙💐
You’re most welcome, Manu. I do love researching these heroes of faith and sharing their stories!
What a wonderful example of His (and his) faithfulness.
Agreed, Elizabeth! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
What a neat story, Nancy and love that cow photo!!
Isn’t that a cute cow?! Little did David Steward know as he milked the family cow what God had in store for him!
What a remarkable story of following faithfully the love and faithfulness of the Lord and allowing Him to create success His way. David’s perseverance as a man of God is truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing this, Nancy. It really has made me consider many things
Thank you, Dayle. I’m so glad you found a number of things to consider from David Steward’s story!
you do know how to lend us an inspiring story, Nancy. i love this gift as we head into a quiet Sabbath. i hope yours is uplifting, refueling, and blessed, friend.
Praise God you found inspiration here, Linda. Yes, we DID enjoy an uplifting, refueling, and blessed Sabbath. It began Saturday evening with dinner at our son’s and DIL’s house, followed by wonderful worship Sunday morning–thank you!
Nancy, I love when you share these amazing and inspirational stories of believers who follow God faithfully and how in God’s providence uses them in powerful ways! Blessings, my friend!
I’m so glad you love these stories, Pam. I love researching for them and become inspired myself as I do!
What an incredible story! He sets an excellent example of workplace ministry.
Doesn’t he though? I have to wonder how many other businesses are blessed, because of David Steward’s example and his book? And just how many employees enjoy the blessings of “leadership by the Good Book?” I’m sure the number would boggle our minds!
This sounds like an amazing book. My husband and I listened to Leadership Not By the Book by the guy who started Hobby Lobby, and it was also inspiring in the same way.
TT
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How about that–two books with nearly opposite titles that inspire in the same way!
What an inspiring life this man has lived. Sometimes God’s plan takes what to us seems like a round-about way, but His way is ALWAYS the best. Praise the Lord that David had the faith and patience to preserve!
Seems that nearly all if not 100% of those we consider heroes had to persevere through difficulty. It would seem it’s a prerequisite!
I tried posting a comment here earlier, but I don’t see it!!! Thank you for sharing this post and this inspiring story!
Thank you for taking time to re-post your comment, Linda. I’m so glad you found David Steward’s story to be inspiring!
I enjoyed this so much I ordered his book for Luke ( who LOVES reading books on leadership!) I’m sure it will be inspirational!!❤️
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Lisa. You’ll have to let us know if Luke found it helpful!
Nancy, I feel blessed to read this inspiring testament. God’s grace flows through every situation, from one generation to another. Through faith in His love, this multi-generational family has persevered and held high Christ’s light for others to see and follow.
Agreed, Richard: It IS inspiring to see a multi-generational family like the Stewards who, one after the other, genuinely embrace the faith of those who came before. So glad you found blessing in reading the Stewards story!