March 18, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Zachaeus Shaw, a mortgage adviser with Nexa Mortgage and an entrepreneur.

Name: Zachaeus Shaw

Age: 30

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was born and raised in Sioux Falls. In 2003, my family moved to Las Vegas, but when the housing market crashed in the late 2000s, we had to make some tough choices. Ultimately, we decided to return home to Sioux Falls in 2010, and I’ve been here ever since!

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

This is a great question. I feel there is truly no place else like Sioux Falls. We have an amazing community supporting each other in many ways. We get to learn about and experience many different cultures and people from all walks of life. I have love and a sense of pride in being born in Sioux Falls and having deep roots here. As we bring in more and more people from all over the world, I see a city that has a great opportunity to truly be the honey hole of America.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about being a mortgage adviser is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life who have unique goals they’re working toward. Every client is different, and I love helping them navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. I know firsthand how important homeownership is — for stability, building equity and creating long-term financial security — so being able to guide others toward that goal is incredibly fulfilling for me.

As a visionary entrepreneur, one of my greatest passions is taking an idea, seeing it clearly in my mind and bringing it to life. I truly believe this is a gift that God has given me — the ability to recognize opportunities where others might not see them. Many times, people say they would love to do something, but my mindset is simple: If I want to do it and I have the ability, I create it. I’ve applied this approach to podcasting, launching social media platforms and helping others turn their vision into a business or a means to support themselves and their families. I take a lot of pride in this and love sharing this gift with the world.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I got into the mortgage industry while working as a life insurance agent. At the time, I was starting to think about my next move and what I really wanted to do. That’s when a member of the mortgage company I later joined approached me and asked if I had any interest in the mortgage world. The timing was perfect. I had the opportunity to learn under an incredibly experienced mortgage lender here in town, and that experience was invaluable. It played a huge role in shaping my skills and growth over the past few years. Looking back, I wouldn’t be where I am today without that opportunity, and I’m extremely grateful for it.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Creative. Innovative. Collaborative.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to know that I love nature. I enjoy finding cool rocks, spotting birds with unique colors and just being out in the world, appreciating the little details most people overlook. Honestly, I’m kind of a nerd about it! It’s something that brings me peace and reminds me to slow down and appreciate the beauty around me.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

For me, giving back isn’t just about big gestures — it’s about how I show up for people every day. Having three young kids under 4 has shifted how I give back, but my heart for the community hasn’t changed. In the past, I spent five seasons coaching football at Patrick Henry Middle School and Bishop O’Gorman Junior High, mentoring young athletes and helping them grow. Now, I focus on uplifting others by giving them a platform to showcase themselves in the light they want the world to see. Whether it’s through my media platforms, business ventures or simply supporting people in their journeys, I take pride in helping others be seen, valued and heard.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

I would like to see an indoor/outdoor version of PopStroke.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

I’d scale everything I’m already building!