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.