David Steward Has Become America's Wealthiest Black Man
The St. Louis-based founder of World Wide Technology now holds an estimated net worth of $12.3 billion.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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Forbes has named David Steward the wealthiest Black man in America with a net worth of $12.3 billion. He currently ranks No. 110 on the 2026 Forbes 400 list.
Why it matters
Steward's ascent highlights the growth of his St. Louis-based company, World Wide Technology, which now generates about $20 billion in annual revenue.
Steward's $12.3 billion net worth makes him the wealthiest person in Missouri. He holds a significantly higher net worth than other prominent figures, including Pauline MacMillan Keinath at $8.4 billion and Jim Kavanaugh at $7.7 billion.
The players
David Steward
He is the St. Louis-based founder of World Wide Technology and the wealthiest Black man in America.
World Wide Technology
This is a St. Louis-based technology company that generates approximately $20 billion in annual revenue.
Pauline MacMillan Keinath
She is a wealthy individual with an estimated net worth of $8.4 billion who ranks among the richest people in Missouri.
Jim Kavanaugh
He is a businessman with an estimated net worth of $7.7 billion based in Missouri.
The details
Steward founded his St. Louis-based firm World Wide Technology in 1990, six years after he launched a freight-bill auditing business with a $2,000 loan from his father. Born in 1951, he graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1973 and eventually built one of the largest private companies in the region.
Timeline
David Steward was born in 1951.
Steward graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1973.
Steward started a freight-bill auditing business in 1984.
Steward founded World Wide Technology in 1990.
Forbes calculated wealth estimates for the Forbes 400 on Sept. 4, 2026.
Macro View
The Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans provides the standard benchmark for tracking the growth of individual U.S. fortunes over time. Steward's ranking at No. 110 on the 2026 list reflects his continued accumulation of wealth relative to the nation's top billionaires.
As one of the largest employers in the St. Louis area, the financial status of World Wide Technology impacts the local job market and regional economy. Residents may see continued investment from the company in local infrastructure and community projects.
The takeaway
Steward's career trajectory from a small freight-auditing loan to a multi-billion dollar firm illustrates the potential for long-term growth in the technology sector. His success serves as a notable benchmark for business development within the Missouri economy.
Further reading
For more context on regional financial trends, visit the Economic Indicators section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St. Louis American.
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