Our Story

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Michael Robert Shaw, or "Rob," was born into a working-class Toledo family during the 1960s. At just 11 years old, Rob began shoveling snow during the great Toledo blizzard of '78. Growing up, Rob witnessed his father, Alfred, face constant layoffs from his job at the Teledyne factory, and unable to provide for the family.

Determined to never find himself in the same situation, Rob took matters into his own hands. In high school, he started a landscaping and snow-removal company with his brother, Scott, called Michael Landscaping. At just 14 years old, Rob began paying his own way to attend Emmanuel Christian School with the profits from their business. Their father even joined in during times he was laid off from the factory. With time, they expanded the business by purchasing trucks and equipment and hiring employees.

Rob's hard work paid off, and he graduated from high school at the age of 16. He continued to work in the landscaping business for a few more years before leaving it in 1987 with his brother.

Rob sought out jobs where he could learn from mentors who taught him in the conjunction of business and Christian values. Always looking for ways to add value, he taught himself numerous useful skills. However, it was his expertise gained in lighting that proved to be his greatest asset. After experiencing exorbitant prices for lighting repairs in the properties he maintained, Rob recognized the opportunity to provide the same services for a more reasonable price.

With the goal of supporting his widowed mother, Rob set out on his own in 1992 with just a station wagon, ladder, trailer, and a strong work ethic. Going from business to business, he found work wherever he could reach with his ladder. As demand grew, he purchased a van lift and hired employees, and the business began to flourish.

Despite offers from other sign companies to join their teams, Rob remained steadfast in his pursuit of independence. The company started operating out of a gravel parking lot in Whiteford and Alexis, where O'Reilly's Autoparts is currently located. Eventually, the business moved to a large shop in Ottawa Lake, where it is still headquartered today. 

 For over three decades, Rob Shaw Outdoor Lighting has provided exceptional service to the greater Toledo region, having completed well over 10,000 service calls. We are dedicated to maintaining our reputation as the premier outdoor lighting company in Northwest Ohio. In addition, we are capable of serving areas as far north as Detroit and as far south as Columbus.

As Rob and Rebekah's six children have grown into adulthood, they have become involved in expanding the business into new areas. Rosalia Shaw (21) has applied her expertise to sales and systems software design. Robbie Shaw (19) is currently learning the intricacies of the lighting trade and assists with day-to-day operations. James (18) has taken the initiative to start a power-washing branch of the company. Their contributions are helping to guide the company towards continued success.