Paradigm Playbook

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook is joined by Matthew Becker, owner and founder of Gym Lawyers, PLLC , to break down the critical legal considerations every gym owner and sports entrepreneur needs to know . From business structures and waivers to property liability and staff policies, this episode is packed with practical legal wisdom tailored for the fitness world. Whether yo...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook welcomes longtime friend and business partner John Deary, founder of DGS Gym Supply. Together, they reflect on decades in the gymnastics industry, explore pivotal career transitions, and dive into the "Hedgehog Concept" from Jim Collins' Good to Great . John shares how he shifted from coaching gymnastics to building one of the m...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with Casey Del Prete, owner and visionary behind Safari Swim School. Together, they explore the challenges and solutions around hiring, onboarding, and retaining top talent in the swim school industry. Casey shares his journey from swim instructor to business owner, offering practical insights into creating a growth-focused workplace...

On this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook talks with Casey Wright, CEO of Wright's Gymnastics and the globally recognized NinjaZone. Casey shares her journey from growing up in her family's gymnastics club to launching a program that blends gymnastics, obstacle training, parkour, and martial arts. They discuss what it takes to build a scalable brand, adapt business strategie...

Join host Steve Cook, alongside Christie Copeland, on Paradigm Playbook as they explore the exciting—and at times intimidating—world of artificial intelligence for small business owners. From writing social media posts and drafting contracts to developing full-scale marketing plans, AI is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs operate. In this episode, the duo dives into tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity,...

In Episode 98 of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook welcomes real estate strategist and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Jason Bush , for a deep dive into the intersection of entrepreneurship and real estate. Drawing from his experience at Linville Team Partners, Jason unpacks the key decisions entrepreneurs face when choosing a location—rent vs. own, capital sourcing, and aligning site selection...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , hosts Steve Cook and Timothy Horan explore creative strategies for generating revenue through events that go beyond the four walls of your business. From youth sports clinics to charity golf tournaments and adult leagues , Timothy—an experienced entrepreneur and event strategist—shares how he’s built successful, scalable event models that promote brand growth...

This week, host Steve Cook sits down with former champion gymnast, coach, and mental performance expert Lisa Mitzel . From her days as a junior Olympian to helping lead the University of Utah to 4 national titles , Lisa shares her journey through elite athletics and into the world of mental training and sports psychology . Lisa discusses the power of mindset, why mental health belongs in every tra...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook breaks down the top strategies from his live workshops tailored to sports and small business entrepreneurs. Aimed at businesses generating $1–5M in revenue, Steve shares practical insights on working on your business (not just in it) 💼, building partnerships, boosting visibility 📈, embracing discomfort, innovating daily, and preparing for a...

🎙️ In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook teams up with marketing expert and former gym owner Christie Copeland to explore what it takes to build a standout sports business. From the power of logo design to finding your brand voice and building a strategic marketing plan, they share decades of industry experience and real-world tips. Whether you're launching a new venture or r...

🎧 On this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook dives into the dynamic world of sports entrepreneurship with Britt Kleine, COO of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy. From her early days at City Fitness to overseeing location growth at DDGNA, Brit shares hard-earned lessons on scaling operations, developing high-performing teams, and preserving mission-driven values.  🤸‍♀️Wheth...

In this special Paradigm Playbook replay, Olympian Dominique Dawes shares how she turned her passion into purpose and transitioned from elite athlete to entrepreneur.  💬 Hear her story of resilience, leadership, and building something better for the next generation.  🎧 Listen now: Dominique Dawes on Life After the Olympics Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

🎙️ 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...

🎙️ 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 cultur...

🚨 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 p...

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...

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...

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 Stev...

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...

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 thrivi...

Join us for an engaging episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where host Steve Cook sits down with Lynn Ledford, a successful entrepreneur and leader in the sports business industry. With co-host Dave Kozak away, Steve and Lynn delve into Lynn's journey from law to the sports world, sharing her insights on building a thriving gymnastics and youth sports empire. In this episode, Steve and...

Join hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook in an inspiring episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where they sit down with three-time Olympic gymnast, Olympic Gold Medalist, and successful entrepreneur Dominique Dawes. As the Owner and CEO of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opens up about her journey from elite athlete to business owner and her passion for creating a healt...

Join us for an insightful episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook explore the multifaceted world of business partnerships. In this episode, they dive deep into the various types of partnerships and their critical role in driving business success, particularly in the sports industry. In this episode, Dave and Steve discuss: 1. Understanding Business Partnersh...

Join us for another enlightening episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook delve into the crucial topic of strategic timing in business. This episode is packed with insights on how timing can make or break your business strategies, especially in the sports industry. In this episode, Dave and Steve explore: 1. Strategic Timing in Business: Learn why timing is e...

Join us for an engaging episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook dive into the critical role of company culture in driving business success, particularly within the sports business sector. This episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies for entrepreneurs who want to build a strong, positive, and growth-oriented culture. In this episode, Dave an...