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Richard Shaw: From Wall Street to Senior Housing Developer

by Debra Saxon

eet Richard Shaw. Richard is an independent Richard has two wonderful sons, whom he raised as a single
retirement community housing developer who at dad. Brad, who also went to Oklahoma University and built
M75 years young, knows a thing or two about what and sold a successful internet business and Scott, who went
seniors want in their new homes. to the University of Miami and graduated with a degree
Born and raised in New York City to a middle-income in Biology and then went on to Tufts University where he
family, Richard Shaw loved sports as a kid, especially studied to become a Veterinarian. Six months ago, Richard
playing football. got married after reconnecting with a business acquaintance
who is a financial advisor, when she contacted him about a
As a young teenager getting ready to go to college, Richard business opportunity.
knew that he wanted to play football for a coach that would
teach him not just about the game of football but also about Richard has always had a love for seniors, and now that he is
the game of life. Enter, Bud Wilkinson - Head Coach at one himself, he understands how important it is to take care
Oklahoma University whom of the community.
he admired both on and off From Desoto, Fort Worth,
the field. Sherman, Little Elm, and
Richard was not granted a Lubbock, Richard has built
scholarship to play football senior housing properties
at OU. Instead, he was a that fit the lifestyle and
"walk-on" during tryouts pocketbook for all seniors.
earning a place on the team His concept was to provide
and was able to spend the housing for seniors who
next two years playing for were moving out of their
the Sooners. Unfortunately, homes, that they could
an injury cut his time on the feel comfortable living in.
field short. All his communities were
single-story properties so
Richard says that everything that his residents could walk
about going to Oklahoma out their front door, plant a
University from football, garden, and enjoy their new
his education to the Alumni homes.
Association paved his way
to success. He says that Richard loves working
when he graduated from with seniors and making
OU, there was a job waiting sure that they have housing
for him on Wall Street, that fits their income level.
where he worked for five He reserves 20% of all his
years, two in New York properties for seniors who
City, then transferring to Dallas, Texas, with Bacha (bought have lower-income to make sure that they also have a great
out by Prudential). place to live.
Although Richard enjoyed his career working in the financial In 2014, Richard purchased land in East Plano, where he
world, he soon started acquiring real estate and properties as is building his newest independent senior property, The
investments. One of the rules of working on Wall Street was Bridgemoor at Plano. This unique property is nestled on a
that you are not allowed to own any outside businesses, and 13-acre park along Rowlett Creek. The Bridgemoor at Plano
since his real estate acquisitions had grown, he needed to will have a large clubhouse, some covered parking, a fitness
decide his future. In January 1971, Richard decided to quit studio, high-speed internet access, on-site activities, and
working for other people and go to work for himself. This scheduled transportation as well as a pet park, spa, picnic
move proved to be a wise decision. area with barbeque grill, and an enclosed heated resort-style
pool and of course, your furry friends are welcome.
Richard believes that "People are what is important in this
world." So, he began using his Real Estate investments and If you are looking for a new home in the Plano area, stop
bought a few smaller properties and then, in the 1970s, by and meet Richard. He loves to personally meet all his
started building his own properties. Eventually, he found residents and get to know them as family.
the TAX CREDIT program through a gentleman that he Don't forget to tell him that Celebration Magazine sent you!•
knew in Washington DC who wrote the tax bill at the time For more information, next ad next page.
for the House of Representatives.

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