BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Doing Business by the Good Book is based on the Biblical principles David Steward used to build a privately-held, billion-dollar technology company. World Wide Technology, has been identified by Black Enterprise magazine as the largest African-American-owned company in the United States. David Steward continues to grow his company and receive numerous awards for both his business success in a highly competitive industry and his good work throughout the community.

Before becoming a published book, the idea of Doing Business by the Good Book was seeded and grew out of the time, effort, and dedication that David and his wife, Thelma, put into teaching a Sunday school class for business people. To this day, they continue to help members of this group focus on succeeding in today's highly competitive marketplace without compromising Christian principles. The group has grown and been a resounding success for those seeking support, fulfillment, and guidance in their work life.

After seeing the rewards and experiencing the joy of building his own business and helping others build their businesses, David Steward pondered taking his message to a larger audience. He joined forces with New York Times best-selling author Robert Shook to develop a how-to, business book that takes selective Scriptures, applies them to business situations, and illustrates how to ethically succeed. Each short chapter begins with a biblical passage and is designed to help readers increase both their bottom line and the capacity of their souls.

Just as the Enron collapse and Martha Stewart trial put business ethics on the front pages of the national news, David Steward and Robert Shook knew they were on to something when a November 2003 survey of 1,002 revealed:

• More than 54 percent (54.7%) said they would be more likely to invest in a company where the CEO uses the Bible to guide business decisions;
• More than 70 percent (70.7%) believe business scandals could be avoided if executives followed principles found in the Bible;
• More than eight out of 10 (82.5%) think CEOs focus more on their own finances than ethics; and
• A full 94.4% believe companies whose executives follow Biblical principles would grow as fast or faster than executives who don't.