// The Mission

A Self-Funded Search
based out of NYC.

Shaw Family Enterprises is a self-funded search company led by Thomas Shaw with a mission to acquire and then operate an enduring American small business that meets a pre-defined set of criteria.

Get in Touch

// Background

Thomas Shaw, CFA

Finance background.
Operator mindset.

My name is Thomas Shaw. I'm a CFA charterholder with over a decade of experience in business operations and managing client relationships at MSCI and Vanguard. I'm now focused on acquiring a single, well-run small business and stepping in as full-time operator. I'm not a passive investor, a portfolio play, or a roll-up artist. I want one business — and I want to run it well. Business ownership runs in my family and that foundation shapes how I approach this search and how I will successfully operate the acquired business.

My background gives me an edge in financial diligence, process improvement, and working with sophisticated counterparties. I'm a serious buyer with the discipline to close and the commitment to stick around.

CFA Charterholder Operational Experience SBA Financing Ready MSCI, Inc. The Vanguard Group

// Acquisition Criteria

If you're a broker or seller evaluating fit, here's exactly what I'm looking for. I've been deliberate about my criteria to ensure all parties are aligned.

EBITDA
$750K – $2M
Consistent EBITDA through market cycles preferred.
Geography
East Coast & Midwest
Also open to Texas. Based in NY/NJ — will relocate for the right deal.
Business Stage
Mature & Enduring
Recession-resistant. Not a turnaround.
Seller Profile
Ready to Exit
60+ retiring or otherwise motivated. Not "seeing what I can get."
Revenue Profile
Stable or Slightly Growing
Fragmented, recurring customer base preferred.
Target Industries
Essential
Durable Consumer, B2B Services, and Select Manufacturing.

// Let's Connect

If you have a deal that fits,
I want to hear from you.

Whether you're a broker with a listing, a seller exploring options, an interested investor, or a fellow searcher — feel free to reach out directly. I respond to every serious inquiry.

LinkedIn thomas-shaw-cfa