Michael Shapiro’s journey from attorney to entrepreneur is rooted in family and a desire to make a difference. In 2008, while practicing law in New York City, Michael learned that his one-year-old son needed open-heart surgery. The news was a turning point. “During his whole first year, I barely saw him,” Michael recalls. Determined to create a life that allowed him to be present for his family and contribute to his community, Michael founded an online local news site in New Providence, New Jersey. As neighboring communities reached out, he expanded to three sites, eventually leaving his legal career to pursue his passion full-time.
The Expansion and Birth of TAPinto’s Franchise Model
Michael’s initial goal was to grow his original sites in terms of traffic, revenue, and content. Within a few years, the sites became profitable, but demand kept increasing. Communities across the state were asking Michael to launch news sites for their towns, and he realized he didn’t have the bandwidth to do it alone. This sparked an idea: he could apply a franchise model to local news. Today, TAPinto has grown into a collaborative network with over 95 franchised local news sites across the United States, each dedicated to community-focused reporting.
Challenges and Perseverance in the Face of Competition
Like any entrepreneur, Michael faced highs and lows. “We’ve had a bumpy road,” he admits, including facing competition from a well-funded national corporation that launched a similar local news business just months after TAPinto began. “A number of people told me I should give up and go back to being a lawyer, but I believed in our mission,” he shares. By staying focused on his vision, Michael built TAPinto into one of the most successful local news business models in the country, even surpassing that competitor in market share.
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Stay True to Your Vision
Michael’s advice to entrepreneurs is to listen to criticism but to stay true to their vision. “Don’t give up or radically change your business just because some people express concerns about it,” he advises. Instead, he recommends research and testing the validity of feedback before making any significant changes. His resilience and commitment to his mission have helped TAPinto thrive despite industry challenges.
A Proud Milestone: Celebrating 15 Years of TAPinto
One of Michael’s proudest moments came when TAPinto celebrated its 15th anniversary. Nearly 100 franchisees gathered to commemorate the milestone, a powerful reminder of the impact the network has had on communities across the country. Few all-online local news publishers reach such a milestone, and even fewer have been as successful. “Seeing our franchisees gather to celebrate showed the impact we’ve had to date,” Michael reflects.
Vision for the Future: Filling Local News Deserts
Looking ahead, Michael’s goal is to expand TAPinto to fill local news deserts throughout the country. He envisions TAPinto becoming the largest collaborative network of local news publishers in the United States, connecting communities and supporting civic engagement nationwide.
Making a Difference Every Day
For Michael, TAPinto is more than a business—it’s a passion. “Every day, we’re making a difference by providing original local news reporting, holding local governments accountable, and helping local businesses thrive,” he explains. TAPinto’s work not only increases civic participation and reduces voter apathy, but it also enables local businesses to compete against internet giants and big box retailers. By keeping communities informed and connected, Michael Shapiro and TAPinto are empowering democracy at the local level, one story at a time.
To learn more, visit tapinto.net.