Letter to the Editor/Book Review:
I like to share my thoughts when I read a “good book,” especially when there are ties to Madison County. Here are two books authored by David Steward, the founder and chairman of World Wide Technology (WWT), the county’s largest private employer, that I feel deserve attention.
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In 2004, Steward published his first book, “Doing Business by the Good Book, 52 lessons on Success Straight from the Bible,” when WWT was a "billion dollar" company. He published his second book, “Leadership by the Good Book, Timeless Principles for Making an Eternal Impact,” 16 years later, with the company’s annual revenues now exceeding $12 billion.
Since founding the company in 1990, it’s grown into one of the largest privately held firms in the world, with a “worldwide” presence to match its name.
Madison County benefits from the technology service provider company headquartered in St. Louis.
The company occupies 3.7 million square feet of space in Madison County, and employs more than 1,700 employees and 500 contract workers, making it the largest private employer in the county. Operations include the production and assembly of technology equipment, along with product storage and distribution.
In addition, WWT put its name on the area’s leading motorsports venue — World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) racing events.
The idea for Steward's first book came after he taught a Sunday school class. Each of its 52 chapters applies a text from the Bible to the business world.
The introduction of the book begins, “When I founded World Wide Technology, Inc. in 1990, I wanted to run a company based on the teachings of the Bible.” Service is one concept emphasized by Steward, both to customers and employees, and he cites many examples from the life and teachings of Christ.
In the second book, Steward recounts difficulties from his early years in business and shares insights and examples of how God’s word influenced his leadership and bolstered his faith.
Not only is Madison County blessed by the economic impact of the company, but also by the good example of its founder.
I’ve been told by people who know Steward that his life reflects his teachings. Both books will inform, inspire and enrich those who read them.
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