Bio

Research

Dan Shapera, PhD

  • 15+ years conducting research for businesses

  • 10 years leading research teams in Ed Tech, IT SaaS, Healthcare, and Fintech

  • high-growth startups to $1b companies

I’ve been lucky to work alongside people across several industries, learning how to integrate research into design, product development, sales, and marketing. I’ve seen firsthand how small but mighty research efforts can inform decisions, reduce risk, and uncover opportunities that give businesses a competitive edge.

I love when things just work—when they consistently and reliably do what they’re supposed to do. To an unhealthy degree, I love it.

But what I love even more is the process of getting there: identifying problems, uncovering root causes, testing solutions, and making a real impact on people’s lives.

And nowhere is that more important than in the outdoors—where reliability, usability, and experience can make all the difference.

Outdoors

Camping is my family’s gateway to hiking, rockhounding, biking, SUP, off-road exploration, and plenty of RC shenanigans. I’m drawn to any gear or services that make those adventures easier, safer, or more enjoyable—especially when it brings people together. I’m also a sucker for historical sites and roadside markers.

Personally, I lean toward simplicity. I still cook on a $40 Coleman stove that I transport in a $10 Home Depot bin because they both still work. But sometimes that “simplicity” approach can lead to more expensive results (tent → roof top → truck camper). I’m still trying to work out ways of reducing weight on trips but I still dream of replacing my cooler with a 12v fridge and of having an e-bike out on the trails.

Living in the American Southwest means endless possibilities—18 national monuments, six national forests, all four major U.S. deserts, and sky islands teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The region is steeped in history, from pioneer trails and famous gunfights to astronaut training sites and legendary film locations. 

Year-round, we chase elevation: heading north to lakes and forests in the summer, south to desert sunsets in the winter. The more we get outdoors the more places we want to go and the more fun we have.

Research + Outdoors

I intentionally work with small businesses in the outdoor space because that’s where my passion, expertise, and impact are strongest. I know firsthand what makes outdoor experiences great—and what makes them less so.

The outdoor industry is as vast as the outdoors itself—gear manufacturers, guiding services, rental operations, outdoor technology, conservation organizations, adventure tourism, vehicle-based exploration, and more. And in every corner of this industry are adventurers and innovators pushing boundaries, solving problems, and shaping the future of outdoor experiences.

It’s also a fast-moving, competitive space. Businesses that thrive aren’t just creating great products and services—they’re anticipating needs, adapting quickly, and standing out in a crowded market. Research provides that competitive edge. It helps businesses remove barriers, refine products, and design intuitive, rewarding outdoor experiences—making life outside better for everyone.

For me, it’s about partnering with great businesses to make life outdoors even better.

Company of One

The cornerstone of my model of work is ongoing relationships that are built on trust and collaboration. I answer only to my clients, and I’m fully invested in their success. 

This commitment is clearest in my focus on implementation. I don’t just deliver research and move on—I ensure it translates into real progress for your business and the experiences you create.

My research practice is designed for both depth and efficiency. Working with me, you get deep expertise, direct collaboration, and research tailored specifically to your business—without the overhead, bureaucracy, or inflated costs of a big agency.

While I may tap into a network of industry specialists when needed, I primarily operate as a Company of One. To some, that might only mean “freelancer” or "contractor.” To me, it means having the freedom to be more selective in partnering with businesses that share my passion for making life outdoors even better.

This isn’t my side gig. It’s my craft, my expertise, and my full-time commitment.