History
Tom Shaw Realtors is the oldest residential real estate company in St. Louis. Originally established in 1922, by the late Charles A. Shaw and Joe Francis, it was known as “Shaw and Francis”. Some of the most well known neighborhoods in Clayton and Ladue were developed under their auspices, including Clayton Gardens, Davis Place, Lake Forest, The Moorlands and Claverach Park. Charles Shaw, father of Tom, served as Mayor of Clayton from 1933 to 1940 and is credited with bringing Clayton out of the Great Depression. Today, the city’s centrally located park bears his name.
Tom Shaw got his start working for his father in the late 1940’s. By the late 60’s, his love for horses and the desire for a slower pace led to moving west. The business of listing horse ranches and farms became a major company focus. In the ensuing years, thousands of acres were sold and developed including Beacon Hill, Forest Green Estates, Cheri Acres, Westbury Manor, Village of Green Trails, Christmas Valley, Shepard Ridge, Deepwoods and numerous others.
By the early 1970’s Tom Shaw Realtors was firmly entrenched in West St. Louis County. It was then that Charles (Chuck) DeWitt joined as Vice-President. Together, Tom and Chuck continued the trend of buying, selling and developing many large lot developments which include, Shiloh, Thunder Mountain, Thunder Valley, Whitsetts Fork and Babler Forest, along with continuing to list and sell many fine homes and farms, as well.
The third generation arrived in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Tom’s children, Tom Jr., John, Cathy and Chuck’s son, Chip joined during the height of the 80’s recession. It was hard fought, but an outstanding learning experience for them all. With hard work and perseverance, they became knowledgeable in marketing and well informed concerning financing in the real estate industry. Thirty years later all are experienced, successful brokers.
In the 1990’s Tom Shaw Realtors saw another recession and the “Great Flood” of Chesterfield Valley. The business made it through and saw tremendous growth and unprecedented increases in property values. While maintaining our Chesterfield roots, Tom Sr. and Tom, Jr. moved to Western St. Charles County, and they have listed and sold numerous properties in New Melle, Defiance and Augusta, as well as Warren and Lincoln Counties.
Under Cathy’s guidance, we’ve re-established our residential home division, from the Arch to the Missouri River and beyond. Whether new or existing, we’re selling homes throughout the region. Now, John’s sons, Matthew and Patrick are the forth generation to sell at Tom Shaw Realtors. Their strong grasp of the technological demands of the 21st Century ensures maximum exposure for listed properties.
Members of Tom Shaw Realtors have served in many public positions ranging from President of The St. Louis County Real Estate Board, President of the Mortgage Bankers Association, President of Chambers of Commerce and numerous other civic chairmanships. We truly value and support the communities we live in, through a variety of endeavors.
We sincerely believe we can be of favorable assistance to anyone in need of relocation, whether buying or selling a house, ranch, acreage, warehouse or factory. Thank you for visiting our website.