Michael Shapiro’s journey from attorney to entrepreneur is deeply rooted in family and a desire to make a difference. In 2008, while practicing law in New York City, Michael received life-changing news: his one-year-old son required open-heart surgery. Reflecting on his life during this challenging period, Michael realized he wanted to be more present for his family and contribute meaningfully to his community. This pivotal moment inspired him to launch TAPinto.net, an online local news site in New Providence, New Jersey.
The Transition: From Law to Local News
When asked about this transition, Michael shared, “The need for my son’s surgery was a wake-up call. I thought about what I could do locally, shifting back from New York.” He observed a glaring gap in timely community news. Local newspapers were often delayed, publishing updates on events like football games or car burglaries weeks after they occurred. Recognizing the need for real-time news, he envisioned a digital platform that would provide daily updates and keep communities informed.
Starting from home in 2008, long before remote work was common, Michael emphasized flexibility and trust as keys to creating a supportive work environment. “If you hire good people with integrity, trust them, and provide flexibility, you can enhance their quality of life,” he explained.
Leveraging Legal Expertise
Michael’s legal background has profoundly influenced his entrepreneurial approach. “I’m always considering repercussions, both positive and negative, and how to address potential legal challenges,” he said. This mindset has proven invaluable, especially in managing TAPinto’s franchising model and helping franchisees navigate legal and operational complexities.
Founding the Franchise Model
Michael initially aimed to grow his original sites in terms of traffic, revenue, and content. However, the demand for local news grew rapidly, with communities across the state requesting their own TAPinto sites. Realizing he couldn’t scale alone, he pioneered a franchise model for local news. Today, TAPinto operates nearly 100 franchised local news sites nationwide.
Overcoming Challenges
Michael’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Early on, TAPinto faced competition from a well-funded national corporation that launched a similar local news business. “People told me to give up and go back to being a lawyer,” he recalled. Instead, Michael stayed focused on his vision, eventually outpacing his competitor in market share.
Michael’s approach to leadership has also been a cornerstone of his success. “To motivate people during tough times, you must lead by example,” he explained. He stressed the importance of treating employees equally, regardless of rank, to maintain trust and cohesion within the organization.
Entrepreneurship Insights
Reflecting on his journey, Michael highlighted key traits for entrepreneurial success:
- Persistence: Stay focused on your mission and goals without being deterred by criticism.
- Integrity: Always strive to do the right thing.
- Adaptability: Embrace flexibility and trust in your team.
When asked about advice for his younger self, Michael said, “Don’t get sidetracked by every new idea. Stay focused on your goals. Give people chances to learn from their mistakes, but if someone doesn’t improve after a few opportunities, it’s time to cut ties and save valuable resources.”
Looking Ahead
Michael envisions TAPinto expanding to fill local news deserts nationwide. “We aim to provide local news in as many communities as possible in a sustainable way,” he shared. The company plans to grow organically, adding at least five new franchises annually, with a goal of reaching 105 sites by 2025.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Michael is focused on building a company that can operate independently. “The challenge for new companies is the lack of continuity plans. A business should thrive with or without its CEO,” he noted.
TAPinto’s Impact and the Future
TAPinto has significantly impacted communities by increasing civic participation, holding local governments accountable, and helping local businesses compete. “Without us, many towns wouldn’t have any local news coverage,” Michael said proudly.
While acknowledging the potential of AI in refining processes, Michael stressed the irreplaceable value of human reporting. “AI can make operations efficient, but there’s still a need for human reporters to capture the essence of community stories,” he explained.
A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Michael’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Work hard and don’t give up on your business idea. Ignore naysayers and keep moving forward. Success comes from persistence and a clear focus on your mission.”
Celebrating Success and Building Community
As TAPinto celebrated its 15th anniversary, nearly 100 franchisees gathered to reflect on their collective impact. “Seeing our franchisees together reaffirmed the difference we’ve made,” Michael said. With ambitious plans for the future, TAPinto continues to empower democracy at the local level, one story at a time.
To read TAPinto, visit TAPinto.net and to learn more, visit StartTAP.net