Stephen Shaw

Stephen (Stef-Fen) Shaw serves as a Business Development Manager under Shane Stromei, Associate Principal Owner. With an extensive background in the financial services industry, Stephen brings valuable insight and expertise gained through his previous experience as a Wealth Management Advisor and his FINRA Series 24, 65, 51, 7, 6, and 63 registrations.

In his current role at Ashford, Stephen supports business growth initiatives while helping ensure a seamless experience for clients. He coordinates the insurance application process, assists with ongoing policy service needs, moves investment applications along efficiently using a concierge approach and works closely with clients and team members to ensure requests are handled efficiently and effectively. His industry knowledge, combined with his commitment to exceptional service, allows him to build strong relationships and help clients stay focused on their financial objectives.

Prior to his current position, Stephen served as a Wealth Management Advisor with Ashford Advisors and held several leadership and advisory roles with New York Life Insurance Company from 2016 to 2025, including Agent, Financial Services Representative, and Agency Standards Manager (Director).

This former Army Veteran is an alum of Southern Illinois University and earned his Law, Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

Stephen was born and raised in Chicago but he has called Madison, Alabama home since 2013. He is the very proud father of two successful young men, Caleb and Jason, both of whom graduated college with honors!

Stephen reports that a figure who has been an inspiration to him is Muhammad Ali “…because of his extraordinary belief in himself to be great in his chosen endeavor and his ability to rebound from a serious setback.” Fitting nicely with this, is Stephen’s favorite quote, “It’s not the falling, but the rising that determines the strength of character.”

When not hard at work, Stephen enjoys cheering on college and professional sports, particularly the Chicago Bears. He also enjoys watching movies and attending theater productions. His current binge watch is Landman.

Education, Training, Memberships

Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science - Southern Illinois University

• Law, Juris Doctorate - Cumberland School of Law at Samford University
• FINRA Series 24, 65, 51, 7, 6, and 63

Community Involvement

Huntsville, Alabama's Chamber of Commerce – Ambassador

• Board Member - Huntsville Learning Center, strategic and operations committees

Ashford Advisors is an agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. Ashford Advisors is not registered in any state or with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor. Not practicing JD for Guardian or its subsidiaries or affiliates. Stephen offers support staff services to the Ashford Advisors Agency.