Lewis W. Shaw, II, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Jackson- Shaw Company, graduated from Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, in 1966 with a BA in Liberal Arts. After serving 7 years in the U. S. Air Force, Mr. Shaw joined IBM in Dallas, Texas. In 1974, he began with J. C. Jackson Company as a construction manager and leasing agent. Following the death of Mr. Jackson, he purchased the company growing the operations from a small local contractor and brokerage operation to build-to-suit and speculative developments on a national basis. Jackson-Shaw has been responsible, for the construction or development of over 50 million square feet of commercial space representing a value in excess of 2.5 billion dollars. The core business activity remains centered on light office, light industrial and hospitality development.
Mr. Shaw also co-founded American General Hospitality, Inc. in 1980 along with operating partner Steve Jorns. The company formed as a REIT (AGH) in 1996 later merging with Meristar REIT (MHX) and Interstate Hotels and Resorts (IHR). Mr. Shaw has continued hospitality activities with recent hotel developments and investments in Las Vegas, Dallas and Jacksonville.
In 2003, Mr. Shaw was inducted into the North Texas Commercial Area Realtors (NCTAR) hall of fame. He serves on the Wittenberg University Board of Directors and is active in numerous local civic and national organizations.