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.
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Steve Cook And Dave Kozak Podcasts

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Unreasonable Hospitality: How to Give the Best Service | Playmakers Replay
32:36
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32:36What 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, a…
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Ep 109: Unlocking the Power of Sponsorships & Partnerships
33:12
33:12
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33:12🎙️ 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, …
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Ep 108: Mastering Staff Training with Steve Cook & Christie Copeland
25:16
25:16
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25:16🎙️ 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. 👥 Lear…
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Strategic Real Estate and Business Advisory with Jason Bush | Ep 107
29:45
29:45
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29:45🎧 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…
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Intentional Growth: Strategies for Purposeful Business Expansion | Playmakers Replay
32:18
32:18
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32:18In 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 cla…
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Navigating IT Solutions for Small Businesses with Ben Minardi | Ep 106
21:58
21:58
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21:58In 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 conve…
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Strategic Social Media Marketing with StargazeX | Ep 105
23:24
23:24
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23:24In 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…
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Mastering Business and Personal Growth with Dr. Lance Knaub | Ep 104
31:33
31:33
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31:33In 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 t…
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Protecting Your Gym: Legal Lessons with Matthew Becker | Ep 103
26:15
26:15
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26:15In 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 w…
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Evolving with Purpose: Business Lessons from John Deary of DGS Gym Supply | Ep 102
24:10
24:10
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24:10In 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 gy…
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Mastering Employee Retention with Casey Del Prete of Safari Swim School | Ep 101
25:53
25:53
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25:53In 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 …
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Revolutionizing Youth Athletics with Casey Wright of NinjaZone | Ep 100
25:10
25:10
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25:10On 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 s…
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Unlocking the Power of AI for Small Business with Steve Cook & Christie Copeland | Ep 99
26:09
26:09
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26:09Join 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, …
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Beyond the Lease: Navigating Real Estate Strategy with Jason Bush | Ep 98
27:49
27:49
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27:49In 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. ow…
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Beyond the Walls: Expanding Revenue Through Events with Timothy Horan | Ep 97
26:14
26:14
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26:14In 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,…
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Beyond the Gym: Mental Strength & Athlete Resilience with Lisa Mitzel | Ep 96
27:28
27:28
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27:28This 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 …
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Top 10 Strategies for Growing Your Business | Ep 95
20:11
20:11
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20:11In 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 dis…
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Branding for the Win: Inside the Business of Sports Marketing with Christie Copeland | Ep 94
24:21
24:21
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24:21🎙️ 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.…
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Building Balance: Inside the Business of Gymnastics with Britt Kleine | Ep 93
26:44
26:44
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26:44🎧 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, a…
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Dominique Dawes: From Olympian to Entrepreneur | Playmakers Replay
30:40
30:40
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30:40In 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 Playboo…
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The Business of Expansion: Gym to Swim and Beyond with Andy Broido | Ep 92
23:16
23:16
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23:16🎙️ 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. Fro…
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From Acquisition to Expansion – Jordan Bailey’s Journey | Ep 91
21:24
21:24
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21:24🎙️ 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 stru…
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Embracing Change: Pivot Like a Pro | Ep 90
18:01
18:01
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18:01🚨 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.…
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Lean Business Planning with Steve and Bruce Cook | Ep 89
23:38
23:38
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23:38Get 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…
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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 …
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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 an…
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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 journe…
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Building a Sports Empire: Jeff Metzger’s Journey from Coaching to Industry Leader | Ep 85
35:13
35:13
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35:13Join 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 …
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Building Success in Sports Business: An Entrepreneur's Journey with Lynn Ledford | Ep 84
36:56
36:56
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36:56Join 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 you…
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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 busin…
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The Value of Partnerships in Business | Ep 82
31:02
31:02
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31:02Join 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 …
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Mastering Strategic Timing: Key to Business Success | Ep 81
33:45
33:45
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33:45Join 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. S…
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Cultivating a Growth-Driven Company Culture | Ep 80
31:23
31:23
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31:23Join 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…
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Intentional Growth: Strategies for Purposeful Business Expansion | Ep 79
32:03
32:03
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32:03Join us for an insightful episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook explore the concept of intentional growth and its significance in the sports business domain. This episode is filled with practical advice and key strategies for entrepreneurs aiming to achieve purposeful and sustainable business growth. In thi…
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Recognizing and Addressing Ineffective Business Practices: The Dead Horse Theory | Ep 78
27:16
27:16
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27:16Join us for an enlightening episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook delve into the critical role of decision-making and adaptability in entrepreneurship within the sports business domain. This episode is packed with practical advice and key strategies that entrepreneurs can use to identify and address ineffec…
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The Power of Mentorship in Entrepreneurship | Ep 77
31:55
31:55
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31:55Join us for an enlightening episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook delve into the critical role of mentorship in entrepreneurship within the sports business domain. This episode is packed with practical advice and key strategies that entrepreneurs can use to find and benefit from mentors. In this episode, Da…
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From Pre-Med to Gym Mogul: Bill Borges' Entrepreneurial Leap | Ep 76
34:24
34:24
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34:24Tune into an inspiring episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, titled "From Pre-Med to Gym Mogul: Bill Borges' Entrepreneurial Leap", where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook engage with successful entrepreneur Bill Borges. This episode offers a wealth of insights for sports business entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures and navigate the cha…
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Mastering the Game: Essential Skills for Sports Entrepreneurs | Ep 75
33:42
33:42
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33:42Join us for an enlightening episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook dissect essential skills for entrepreneurship within the sports business domain. This episode is rich with practical advice and key strategies that entrepreneurs can use to build and maintain successful sports businesses. In this episode, Dav…
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Mastering the Mirror: The Power of Self-Awareness in Sports Entrepreneurship | Ep 74
43:07
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43:07Tune into an enlightening episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, titled "Mastering the Mirror: The Power of Self-Awareness in Sports Entrepreneurship", where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook delve into the significance of self-awareness for entrepreneurs in the sports business. This episode offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs eager to enhan…
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Leading Without Limits: Overcoming Superman Syndrome | Ep 73
41:56
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41:56Tune into an insightful episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, titled "Leading Without Limits: Overcoming Superman Syndrome", where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook delve into the challenges and strategies for effective leadership in sports business. This episode provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs seeking to optimize their business manag…
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Strategic Tools for Sports Business Mastery | Ep 72
34:10
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34:10Tune into an engaging episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook share their wisdom on Strategic Tools for Sports Business Mastery. This episode is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs in the sports business looking to elevate their ventures. Dave and Steve, with their rich entrepreneurial backgrounds and passion …
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Join us for an insightful episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook delve deep into the concept of "Answering to the Business." In this episode, they explore the crucial shift from technician to business owner, the significance of listening to your business, and the essential steps for sustainable growth in the…
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Unreasonable Hospitality: How to Give the Best Service | Ep 70
32:36
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32:36Join us for a captivating episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts David Kozak and Steve Cook delve into the art of exceptional customer service in the sports business arena. This episode is densely packed with actionable insights and strategic approaches to revolutionize your customer experience, drawing from the episode themed around…
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Hustle Harder: A Sports Entrepreneur's Guide to Success | Ep. 69
32:28
32:28
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32:28Join us for an engaging episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, where hosts David Kozak and Steve Cook share their profound insights tailored for entrepreneurs navigating the sports business landscape. This episode offers a concise, 15-minute exploration packed with actionable wisdom and essential strategies for fostering business resilience and …
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Maximizing Growth & Opportunities | Ep 68
31:23
31:23
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31:23Join us for an enlightening episode of the Paradigm Playbook podcast hosted by the insightful duo, David Kozak and Steve Cook. This episode is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs in the sports business realm, offering a compact, 15-minute guide filled with actionable advice and strategic wisdom to help you navigate the complexities of business growt…
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Empowering Teams with Positivity: A Chat with Marcella Miciano | Ep 67
16:01
16:01
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16:01In this inspiring episode of "Paradigm Playbook," host Steve Cook broadcasts live from the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida, during the US Swim School Association National Conference. He is joined by Marcelo Marciano, a dynamic professional specializing in positivity, training, and team development. Marcella shares her extensive background in chil…
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Marketing, KPIs, and Customer Experience | Ep 66
27:55
27:55
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27:55Welcome to the Paradigm Playbook Podcast, where your hosts, Dave Kozak and Steve Cook, dive deep into the world of sports entrepreneurship. Bringing years of successful business experience and a passion for sports, Dave and Steve share their insights and strategies for building a thriving sports business. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: - Marketing by the N…
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From Gymnast to Gymnastics Guru: Stephanie Savas' Entrepreneurial Leap | Ep 65
37:00
37:00
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37:00In this compelling episode of "Paradigm Playbook Playmakers" hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook engage with Stephanie Savas, a former competitive gymnast who turned her passion into a thriving business. Stephanie recounts her journey from her early days in gymnastics to coaching, which she used to support herself through college. A pivotal moment came…
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Strategic Use of Metrics and KPIs | Ep 64
34:14
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34:14Welcome to the latest episode of Paradigm Playbook, where hosts Dave Kozak and Steve Cook delve into the intricacies of using metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to fuel growth and efficiency in the sports business sector. This episode is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in the sports industry's f…
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From Gymnast to Global Guru: Jeff Lulla's Journey in Shaping the Gymnastics Business Landscape | Ep 63
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20:40In this captivating episode of Paradigm Playbook, Steve Cook introduces us to the inspiring world of Jeff Lulla, a renowned figure in the gymnastics community. As the founder of Fun & Fit Gymnastics, Jeff has spent over three decades shaping the world of recreational gymnastics, both as a passionate coach and a visionary business leader. Jeff's jou…
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