Management Team

Owner/CEO Robert B. "Barry" Shaw, Jr. born in Blytheville, Arkansas, has been a resident of Memphis

since 1951. He served in the U.S. Navy before receiving an honorable discharge (medical reasons) for

blindness. Post-high school educational background included course work at the University of Memphis

as well as correspondence courses in economics, business law, business management and psychology.

Barry, an energetic, self-reliant individual, has been self-employed for 30+ years. From 1964 to 1974

he owned and operated a small grocery store in Memphis. In 1974, he assumed the operation of the

Shelby County Jail Commissary. The inmate population has grown over the years from 625 inmates

with sales of $175,000 to over 2,600 inmates with sales now at a level of $1.2 million. The commissary

staff has grown accordingly.

Mission Statement

The Mission of our companies is to be the undisputed leader in the commissary and vending segments of

the Food Service Industry.

This Mission will be accomplished by providing every customer with superior personalized services, value,

and products, all backed by impeccable integrity.

Through the continuing impact of our companies "Hire the Best-Train them Well-and Reward them

Generously" Philosophy, this mission will result in growing our customer base, a superior workforce and a

fair return on owner's equity.

Tri-Star History

Tri-Star Food Services, a sole proprietorship, began operation in the spring of 1989 with only one account

and two machines on location. Since then, we have been recognized as one of the fastest growing minority

owned business in the Mid-South. Success of this kind is only achieved through controlled growth and

meticulous planning. Robert B. Shaw, Jr., owner and founder of Tri-Star, has been recognized locally,

regionally, and nationally as an outstanding businessman. Through his detailed planning and organizational

skills, he has become a legend in the vending industry. Although totally blind, Mr. Shaw has managed to

become enormously successful and is an inspiration to physically challenged people everywhere. Our

business plans call for movement into regional and state-wide markets.

The Facts

More than 5,000 veterans become blind or visually impaired every year. The main causes are accidents, diseases

and health problems related to the aging process. Common eye diseases include macular degeneration, RP (retinitis

pigmentosa), glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

There are more than 93,000 visually impaired veterans in the United States. Less than half do not know they're eligible

for special services and benefits.

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) was chartered by an "Act of Congress." Today, BVA remains the only

veterans service organization dedicated exclusively to serving America's blinded veterans.

Membership in the Blinded Veterans Association is open to all legally blind veterans whether their blindness is service

or non-service connected.

There is never a charge for any BVA service.

BVA membership is not a prerequisite for services.