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Welcome to Paradigm Playbook—the one company dedicated to teaching you the practices and habits of successful sports businesses. We aim to help motivated entrepreneurs merge their passion for sports with the mission of optimizing their business.
122 Episodes
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In Episode 118 of Paradigm Playbook, Steve Cook sits down with Coach Tim Neiman—former collegiate baseball coach, leadership speaker, and host of the Straight Lines podcast—to break down how lessons from the game translate directly into business and life. Coach Neiman shares his journey from DeSales University to launching a fast-growing podcast focused on leadership, discipline, and personal growth. He also opens up about recent personal challenges, including the loss of his mother and his b...
In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, Steve Cook sits down with Reece O’Hara, Ninja department leader at Kids First, to break down what it takes to build and scale a successful ninja program. Reese shares how Kids First developed a 10,000-square-foot ninja gym and grew from just 40 students at launch to a thriving program. The conversation dives into coaching strategies, the balance of strength and skill development by age, and why ninja training keeps kids engaged by making fitness feel lik...
In this solo episode of the Paradigm Playbook Podcast, host Steve Cook explores what makes a child activity center truly valuable—especially for owners thinking about selling or scaling their business in the future. Drawing inspiration from the work of John Warrillow and the Value Builder System, Steve explains why private equity firms and investors are increasingly targeting small businesses and why owners should begin preparing their companies for a potential exit three to five years in adv...
In Episode 115 of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook sits down with marketing and website specialist Galen Broido of Glinda Media Group to discuss how child activity centers can elevate their brand through stronger websites, smarter SEO, and strategic social media. If you operate a swim school, gym, or child-focused facility—or you’re building a brand in a competitive local market—this episode offers practical, actionable insight on how to stand out and scale strategically. Follow us: Parad...
In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook sits down with Dean Altes to explore his journey from gymnastics club owner to trusted consultant in the sports business industry. Dean shares the realities of owning and operating multiple gymnastics clubs, investing in real estate, and navigating the financial highs and lows of entrepreneurship. He opens up about how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped his career path and ultimately led him to focus on helping other business owners build stro...
In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook sits down with Alivia Orvieto, a volleyball and fitness specialist who’s redefining what sports training can look like. Alivia shares her journey from competing in indoor volleyball at a young age to launching a first-of-its-kind beach volleyball hybrid program in Pennsylvania. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of building a business without a brick-and-mortar facility, and how she blends personal training, nutrition coaching, ...
In this uplifting episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook sits down with Marcella Miciano, CEO and founder of Vivid Motivation and a certified John Gordon trainer. Marcella shares her journey from running swim schools and youth camps to launching Vivid Motivation — a company dedicated to helping teams thrive through positivity, energy, and purposeful culture-building. Together, Steve and Marcella explore the principles behind John Gordon’s bestselling book “The Energy Bus,” breaking dow...
🎙️ In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook sits down with Frank Sahlein, CEO of 3rd Level Consulting, to dive into the details of the upcoming Signature Business Workshop. Together, they break down the true value behind the investment — highlighting how the event delivers actionable strategies, expert insights, and measurable returns for business owners in the child development industry. Covering everything from marketing and HR to financial management and risk reduction, t...
🎙️In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook sits down with John Mitchell, an Australian entrepreneur driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for learning. John shares valuable lessons on scaling businesses, leveraging AI and technology, and building strong teams through effective leadership and delegation. 💡 Tune in for insights on scaling businesses, the role of curiosity, and creating impactful organizational structures. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook Yo...
What does it take to deliver truly unforgettable service? In this Playmakers Replay episode of the Paradigm Playbook Podcast, hosts David Kozak and Steve Cook unpack the powerful concept of Unreasonable Hospitality—inspired by the legendary Eleven Madison Park. Discover how going the extra mile can transform customer relationships, build loyalty, and set your sports business apart. From small, thoughtful gestures to strategic culture shifts, learn practical ways to elevate every customer inte...
🎙️ Join host Steve Cook alongside Bruce Cook as they dive into the dynamic world of sponsorships and partnerships in business. 🤝 From small entrepreneurial ventures to high-level sponsorships, they share real-world insights and proven strategies to help you elevate your brand and unlock new revenue opportunities. Discover how to: Build meaningful, lasting partnershipsLeverage storytelling to attract and retain sponsorsCommunicate effectively to maximize ROITap into unrecognized revenue stream...
🎙️ In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook and co-host Christie Copeland break down what it really takes to build and train a high-performing team. From developing consistent communication strategies to leveraging tech and creating dynamic handbooks, they share real-world insights that apply across sports, business, and beyond. 👥 Learn how to: Train employees effectively in any settingCommunicate with clarity and consistencyBuild a scalable training frameworkUse your handbook as...
🎧 In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook sits down with Jason Bush, founder of a commercial real estate advisory firm serving the Carolinas. Together, they unpack how strategic real estate decisions can significantly impact a business's long-term growth and enterprise value. 📈 Jason explains the value of aligning real estate strategy with business goals—covering key topics like owning vs. leasing 🏠, sale-leaseback models 🔁, and how separating business and real estate entities c...
In this replay of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, host Steve Cook and Dave Kozak break down the concept of intentional growth—and why it’s essential for building a sustainable business in the sports and entrepreneurship world. You’ll hear: What Intentional Growth Really Means: How to avoid accidental progress and instead drive your business with clarity and purpose.Mindset & Vision: Why a growth mindset and long-term vision are non-negotiable for lasting success.Real-World Examples: From u...
In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook sits down with Ben Minardi, co-founder of Connectivity Systems, to break down the essentials of IT for small businesses. From selecting the right internet service provider to leveraging the cloud for efficiency and scalability, Ben shares expert guidance every entrepreneur should know. The conversation also explores the future of connectivity—covering innovations like Starlink, VoIP, and other emerging technologies that are reshaping how b...
In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, we’re joined by the founders of StargazeX, a powerhouse social media agency transforming how sports businesses grow. From humble beginnings as high school friends to running an agency that’s helping gyms, training academies, and youth sports organizations scale, Alex and Kevin break down what it takes to win in digital marketing today. 🎯 Inside the Episode: Why understanding parents' pain points is crucial for converting leadsThe secret to high-converting...
In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, host Steve Cook talks with Dr. Lance Knaub—physical therapist, entrepreneur, and business coach—about scaling your business without sacrificing your health. Discover the importance of vision, personal assessment, and balancing work with life. Learn from Lance’s experience with private equity, plus insights on technology, outsourcing, and marketing to fuel business growth. Tune in for strategies to achieve both professional success and personal well-being....
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 you're opening your first gym or scaling an existing business, Matthew shares must-know legal tips to...
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 most recognized equipment distribution companies—and how venturing into the Ninja Warrior space pushed him to grow ...
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 culture. Discover strategies to improve employee lifetime value, streamline the hiring process, a...
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