About Jeff

Experience. Curiosity. A Lifetime of Learning.

Although the subjects are different, each of my books grew out of real experiences, practical lessons, and a desire to help others build something meaningful in their own lives.

I’ve spent much of my life solving problems, building businesses, teaching, and pursuing interests that eventually became books.

Professionally, my career has included engineering, business ownership, renewable energy, project management, and consulting. In 2003, I founded Gulf South Solar in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, helping homeowners and businesses understand and adopt solar energy during the early growth of the industry. Those experiences taught me the value of practical thinking, continual learning, and helping people make informed decisions.

Outside of work, I’ve always enjoyed creating experiences that bring people together.

That passion eventually led to building my own backyard tiki bar, becoming involved in the larger tiki community, and founding Louisiana TikiFest, an annual gathering that celebrates tiki culture, creativity, music, cocktails, and friendships.

For more than twenty years, I’ve also volunteered as a youth teacher and small-group leader. Preparing weekly lessons and leading discussions with middle- and high-school students inspired my book So What?, a collection of practical lessons designed to help young people apply timeless principles to everyday life.

My newest book, The Direction Gap, grew from years of observing the different paths people take as they begin adulthood. I became fascinated by why some capable young adults steadily build confidence, skills, and direction while others remain stuck despite having just as much potential. That question became the foundation for the book.

Whether I’m writing about tiki culture, teaching, or helping people discover direction, my goal is always the same:

To share practical ideas that encourage people to learn, grow, and build something worthwhile.

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Beyond the Books

When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me exploring a new project, improving my backyard tiki bar, playing guitar, traveling to tiki destinations, producing YouTube videos, or continuing to learn something new.

My goal has always been to keep learning, keep building, and share what I’ve learned in ways that help others.

I believe curiosity never retires.

Who I Am

Thank You

Thank you for visiting Jeff Shaw Books.

I hope one—or perhaps all three—of these books encourages you, teaches you something new, or inspires your own next step.