Shaw is the son of Archie Shaw Dargan, Jr., founder of Dargan Construction. He grew up in Myrtle Beach before leaving in 1968 to join the United States Marine Corps. A Vietnam veteran, Shaw returned home in 1972 to Darlington, SC with his wife, Linda. After graduating from Francis Marion College with a BS in Business and minor in Political Science, Shaw began working for the company, focusing on building in the Pee Dee area. In 1992, he came to Myrtle Beach, where he took on numerous projects as well as becoming President of the company. He has served as a member of the Rotary Club as well as a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award. Long time members of the Darlington Presbyterian Church, Shaw and his wife have been married for 50 years and have three children and one grandchild.