Robert Steward didn’t recycle an old idea to create his successful tech company.
Robert earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from MidAmerica Nazarene University and an MBE certification at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Steward then became a consultant for a California firm that recycled copper. He returned to his native Missouri, and founded End2End Solutions in Creve Coeur.
He has learned that companies struggle with recycling and selling old equipment, and he had the inspiration for success.
Steward and his team developed a mechanism that helped solve the problem with a reverse tracking system.
His effort has drawn national attention, including The Morehouse College & Innovation Entrepreneurship Center 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year award in December 2024.
Steward’s company provides updated equipment for data centers at telecommunications companies, including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
The most difficult part of the process, Steward said, was his lack of knowledge about the industry.
“It’s not something that you get taught in school, all the details and the components of finance, operations and sales when it comes to opening and running your own company,” Steward said.
Steward grew up as the youngest of eight children in Clinton, Missouri, and
is a brother of World Wide
Technology Founder and
Chair David Steward.
He hauled hay which inspired his technique for standardizing processes. He said he is humbled to be honored by Morehouse.
“I was surprised,” he said.
“I think it’s my own desire to make sure that we help those that are starting new businesses and really want to understand how not to step on the bottle. Show them where the rocks are so they can cross over this very raging river that is filled with pitfalls and sweep you away in a split second.”
But it’s not easy to gain entry into the industry as a person of color. Steward said networking in the industry is the most important way to get a job and learn from others in the industry. However, he said some people at the top of the game only recruit people they are familiar with, primarily other white people.
“If you look at our team now, you’ll find a diverse group of people, and you’ll find that those that we’re adding on, they’re also diverse, but not singularly diverse, but because the network was heavily ladened with people that we know, like and trust, so that we can deliver a predictable outcome,” Steward said.
“And I think the more we promote and engage small businesses and we understand that there is an entry point that maybe is not as accessible to allow people to gain tribal knowledge and an understanding of industry standards that is not necessarily taught in school.”
In addition to diversifying people’s networks in the technology sector, Steward’s company also helped AT&T with their ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide.
“You’ll find that there are dollars that follow the optical network. It’s kind of a crazy phenomenon, which came first, the chicken or the egg, I can’t tell you, but I can tell you that that’s an issue,” Steward said.
Steward said his work with AT&T helped them secure a high-fiber optic network and access systems in libraries and central locations, including the St. Louis Urban League.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean that every household can plug in,” Steward said. “That means you’re going to more of a centralized location, but that’s a start.”
Inspired by his brother’s success in the tech sector, Steward decided to put his management and business skills to use to help revolutionize the industry for generations to come.
“It’s important that we keep our eyes open, because things are changing so fast right now that I believe the rural and urban American digital deserts will soon catch up,” Steward said.
“I also believe that that means that there’s tons of opportunity for companies like mine and others and those that are starting to find ways to bring value when we see change, change equals opportunity, and we just have to recognize it.”
Namratha Prasad is the St. Louis American Comcast NBC-Universal Fellow/Reporter