🎙️ In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, Steve Cook is joined by swim industry expert Andy Broido to discuss smart strategies for business expansion, especially in gyms and swim schools.

Andy shares real-world insights on how adding a swim school can boost revenue, increase customer retention, and align perfectly with your existing client base. From facility logistics to cross-promotion and smart staffing, this conversation is packed with actionable tips for any entrepreneur looking to grow.

💡 Whether you're a gym owner eyeing your next big move or just curious about new revenue streams, this episode is packed with practical advice and insider tips.

🏊 Ready to swim? Let’s dive in.

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🎙️ In this inspiring episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook sits down with Jordan Bailey, owner of Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy, to unpack her remarkable journey—from acquiring an underperforming gym to building a booming business serving over 1,000 young athletes.

Jordan shares real-world insights on what it takes to turn around a struggling business, the critical role of team culture, and how she's planning a major facility expansion. Whether you're in the fitness space or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this one’s packed with takeaways you can use.

💡 Tune in to hear how passion, strategy, and perseverance can flip the script on any business.

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🚨 Change is in the air—and in this episode, host Steve Cook dives headfirst into it! With co-host Dave Kozak stepping into a new chapter, Steve tackles the big topic of change in the world of business and sports.

Inspired by the classic Who Moved My Cheese?, Steve explores what it really takes to adapt, evolve, and thrive when the game plan shifts. From dodging common pitfalls to mastering the pivot, he offers real-world advice and personal insights from the sports facility business that’ll help you navigate change like a champ.

Whether you’re facing a major transition or just trying to future-proof your business, this episode is packed with energy, strategy, and a few laughs along the way.

💡 Learn how to:

• Spot change before it hits
• Pivot with confidence
• Build a strategy that actually works
• Lead your team through the chaos

Hit play and get ready to turn change into your competitive edge. 🏆

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Get Lean and Mean with Business Planning!

Join Steve and Bruce Cook in this exciting episode of Paradigm Playbook as they shake up the world of business planning! Say goodbye to those bulky, dust-collecting business plans and hello to a streamlined, action-packed approach that keeps your business nimble and on track.

Steve and Bruce share their own "aha" moments, breaking down the shift from old-school, doorstopper plans to lean, practical roadmaps. They'll guide you through the key elements—vision, mission, strategy, principles, and tactics—and show you how to weave them into a dynamic, easy-to-use format.

Perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners, this episode is packed with real-world advice, game-changing insights, and a fresh perspective on keeping your plan visible, adaptable, and ready for action!

📌 Episode Highlights:
⏩ 00:00 – Kickoff: What’s Lean Business Planning?
⏩ 00:47 – Sayonara, ‘Thud Factor’ Plans!
⏩ 01:52 – Strategy vs. Tactics: The Dynamic Duo
⏩ 05:22 – Principles That Keep You on Track
⏩ 07:31 – Stay Visible, Stay Agile
⏩ 09:59 – Real Talk: Lessons from the Trenches
⏩ 13:57 – Keep It Lean, Keep It Winning
⏩ 21:06 – Mic Drop: Final Thoughts

Get ready to ditch the fluff and build a business plan that actually works! 🚀

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Join us for an engaging episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where host Steve Cook welcomes special guest Bruce Cook, a seasoned sponsorship expert with decades of experience across professional sports, banking, and entrepreneurship. With Dave Kozak away on assignment, Steve and Bruce take a deep dive into the world of sponsorships, exploring how organizations—from small sports facilities to major corporations—can build meaningful partnerships.

In this episode, Bruce and Steve discuss:

• Why Sponsorship Is More Than a Transaction: Discover how true sponsorships go beyond banners and logos, transforming into partnerships that deliver mutual value.
• Sponsorships for Small Businesses: Learn why even the smallest organizations can benefit from sponsorships and how to create compelling opportunities for local businesses.
• Defining Objectives and Measuring Success: Explore the critical steps of understanding "why" a sponsorship exists and how to set clear, measurable goals to evaluate its impact.
• Turning Sponsors Into Partners: Hear practical tips on maintaining ongoing communication and treating sponsors like VIPs to create lasting relationships.
• Overcoming Common Sponsorship Mistakes: Bruce shares insights on the pitfalls of "transactional sponsorships" and the importance of continuous engagement.

Whether you're running a local gym, a youth sports league, or a business exploring sponsorship opportunities, this episode is packed with actionable advice to elevate your approach. Tune in to learn how to leverage sponsorships to grow your organization while delivering real value to your partners.

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Join us for an insightful episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook break down the essential traits of effective strategic thinkers and their role in leadership. This episode dives deep into the characteristics that drive impactful decision-making and innovation, offering valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs and business leaders.

In this episode, Dave and Steve discuss:

1. The Power of Big-Picture Thinking: Learn why strategic thinkers often struggle with details and how this can be an advantage when paired with a team of detail-oriented individuals.
2. Contrarian Mindsets: Explore how challenging conventional norms and thinking differently, like visionaries such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, leads to groundbreaking ideas and innovation.
3. Action-Oriented Leadership: Discover the importance of prioritizing execution over endless planning and how taking decisive action can set businesses apart.
4. Radical Honesty: Understand how transparency and candid communication foster trust, save time, and create clarity in leadership and team collaboration.
5. Taking Responsibility: Dave and Steve emphasize the critical trait of owning both successes and failures as a leader, fostering accountability and encouraging team growth.
6. The Role of Writing in Strategy: Learn how effective writing sharpens strategic thinking, helping leaders articulate clear goals and overcome challenges.
7. Unconventional Professionalism: Hear why a touch of unorthodoxy can spark creativity and drive success, even in high-stakes environments.

Tune in to uncover actionable insights into becoming a better leader by embracing these seven traits of strategic thinkers. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or refining your decision-making skills, this episode is packed with strategies to help you excel.

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Join us for an engaging episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook tackle the complexities of growth strategies for small business owners. In this episode, they delve into the challenges of scaling a business, especially in the sports industry, and the critical decisions entrepreneurs face on their growth journey.

In this episode, Dave and Steve discuss:

1. The Growth Dilemma: Explore the strategic choices between expanding your existing business model or scaling new opportunities and the factors to consider when making this decision.

2. Deep vs. Wide Growth: Discover the benefits of going deep within your current customer base versus widening your reach to bring in new clients, with examples tailored for sports business owners.

3. Intentional Growth Strategies: Learn how to grow your business with purpose, whether through organic growth or by taking strategic risks, like adding new services or expanding infrastructure.

4. Balancing Profit and Expansion: Dave shares his own experience balancing profitability with reinvesting in his business, emphasizing the importance of intentional financial planning.

5. The Power of Focus: Understand why sometimes saying no to new opportunities can be the best path forward, enabling business owners to focus on their core strengths and unique growth objectives.

Tune in for actionable insights on navigating the unique challenges of business expansion, evaluating growth opportunities, and making decisions that align with your long-term vision. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their business effectively without compromising quality or profitability.

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Join host Steve Cook in this engaging episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where he sits down with Jeff Metzger, a pioneer in the gymnastics business and owner of Kids First Sports Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jeff shares his journey from engineering student to creating one of the first custom-built gymnastics facilities in the U.S. and how he transformed his passion for coaching into a thriving multi-sport business.

In this episode, Steve and Jeff discuss:

1. The Path to Entrepreneurship: Jeff reflects on how he transitioned from engineering to coaching and how his desire for better coaching environments led him to create his own gymnastics facility.

2. The Evolution of Kids First Sports Center: From starting in a church basement to expanding to over 183,000 square feet, Jeff talks about the growth of his business and the lessons learned along the way.

3. Building a Great Place to Work: Learn how Jeff focused on creating a business culture where staff can thrive both personally and professionally, leading to long-term success and employee satisfaction.

4. Managing Mistakes and Learning from Failure: Jeff shares insights into his "Kids First Graveyard of Programs," highlighting how failures were key stepping stones to success.

5. Boot Camp and Continuous Learning: Discover how Jeff's boot camps provide total immersion in business strategy, leadership, and marketing for owners of children's instructional services.

Check out Jeff's Bootcamp Here:
https://metzgerbootcamp.com/

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation on personal growth, business development, and how to create a lasting legacy in the sports industry.

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