Hi, my name is… Dan Shufelt.
I’ve lived in Scottsdale for more than 40 years and I love it because… It has all the amenities for daily life, great schools, and easy access to hiking trails, the airport, and downtown activities.
A typical day in my life includes… My life changed last year when I stepped down from my role as CEO of Arizona Helping Hands and shifted my focus to other roles. A typical day now includes managing assets for an Arizona trust and interacting with many of the charity leaders who I’ve developed relationships with over the years. I keep active by hiking, running/walking, intermittently playing golf, and writing a blog about the importance of being involved in charitable activities (givingback-movingforward.com). I clear my mind by sweating it out on my mat at hot yoga classes at Just Be Yoga.
My family is… Cheryl, my wife of 43 years, and our two grown daughters and four grandchildren.
One thing i cannot live without is… Physical activity. Getting outdoors in the Arizona sunshine, regardless of the temperature, keeps my motor running.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… A math teacher. In college I had the worst teacher for two semesters of calculus who turned me off on math as an option. I shifted my major to accounting. It was a great decision as an accounting degree opened doors for me, working my way up through CPA firms and establishing a solid, successful business career.
The song I would sing at Karaoke night is… Sweet Caroline. I’ve always been a Neil Diamond fan.
The people who motivate me the most are… Nonprofit leaders. Having been in that role myself, I understand fully how hard it is to live a mission 24/7 and devote so much energy to a cause you believe in. People like Denise Resnik (SAARC and First Place Phoenix) and Barb Blalock (Treasures 4 Teachers) who have founded game-changing charitable organizations are such inspirational motivators.
The perfect day… As an early riser, I love to start the day with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, then working out, and end it relaxing with a crossword puzzle or a good television show to wind down.Outdoor time, hiking with my wife, playing basketball or tennis with my grandson, and walking around the block with our three grandkids from Munds Park are all moments to be treasured.
My favorite local nonprofit is… This is a question I can’t answer. There are so many great organizations that my blog will have content for years. I’ve written about many of the charities I love, including Harvest Compassion Centers, Jacob’s Hope, NourishPHX, and more. I wish that everyone would take the time to learn about charitable causes and investigate how you can get involved and give back.
The most memorable gift I’ve ever received was… A 12-string Gibson guitar my parents gave me for my high school graduation.
My dream vacation… Would be to return to Alaska. My wife and I took an “Uncruise Adventure” years ago and had an opportunity to kayak in Glacier National Park, get close to whales, and experience navigating the water much more intimately than on a big cruise ship.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was… From my former boss, now my friend, business partner and mentor, Len Miller. Len made the statement that every businessperson has an obligation to get involved and give back to the community. I have learned, and now preach, the importance of utilizing the gifts we’re given of time, talent, and treasure to help others.
