Dive into the world of CPR, First Aid, EMT, American Red Cross Instructor, and Lifeguard training with our podcast tailored for current and aspiring business owners in this lifesaving education field. Gain insights into running a successful lifesaving training business, including navigating American Red Cross and American Heart Association modules. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, our expert advice and industry tips will help you elevate your training services to ...
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David Kotz Podcasts
CPR to CEO is the go-to podcast for CPR and Lifeguard instructors ready to build thriving, life-saving education businesses. Hosted by Dave Kotz — founder of the National Safety Training Center and veteran American Red Cross and AHA instructor — this show is designed for current and aspiring entrepreneurs who teach American Red Cross and American Heart Association programs. Whether you're running your own classes or dreaming of launching your training agency, you'll get real-world advice, sm ...
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In this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz shares the roadmap to landing your first corporate client—and why it could be a game-changer for your training business. From dental offices to gyms to regional restaurant chains, there are countless industries that need CPR training. The trick is knowing how to approach them, how to speak their language, an…
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In this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz dives into what makes a CPR business memorable—and profitable—in a saturated market. Spoiler: it's not just your logo. Your brand identity is everything from your visual style and service reputation to your community presence and the way you answer a phone call. If you're ready to stand out and become the go…
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In this must-listen episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz lays out the foundational marketing strategies that will get people into your classes—and keep them coming. Whether you're just launching your CPR business or looking to boost attendance, this is your go-to guide for building a steady flow of students through smart, simple, and cost-effective out…
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How to Get Repeat Customers for Your CPR Classes
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8:46
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8:46In this follow-up to our marketing episode, Dave Kotz dives into what really turns a one-time CPR student into a loyal, repeat customer. Spoiler: it’s not just about the curriculum—it’s about how you deliver it. From professional polish to timely follow-ups and discount strategies, this episode walks you through building a base of customers who com…
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Welcome to the kickoff of the CPR to CEO's Lifeguard Trainer Series! In this episode, Dave Kotz breaks down everything you need to know about becoming a certified lifeguard instructor—whether you're a seasoned guard ready to step up, or someone looking to add a rewarding (and flexible) role to your career portfolio. Drawing from decades of experien…
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Pricing your CPR classes can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. But in this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz lays out a clear, practical approach to help you find that pricing sweet spot—so you’re not just filling seats, but actually turning a profit. From calculating your true costs to reading your local market, Dave shares what…
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4 Common Pitfalls New Lifesaving Business Owners Face
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6:08In this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz shares the four most common missteps that new CPR instructors and training business owners make—and how to avoid them from the jump. Whether you're just starting your side hustle or scaling your training company, these lessons are crucial if you want to save yourself time, money, and a few grey hairs. Drawin…
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What to Expect When Starting Your Own CPR Training Business
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32:16Welcome to the very first episode of CPR to CEO! Today, we’re diving into what it really takes to launch your own CPR training business—from side hustle to full-on success story. Dave Kotz shares real-world experience and candid advice for those thinking about stepping into the world of public safety education. Whether you're a firefighter, nurse, …
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How to Choose the Right Curriculum to Teach: American Red Cross vs. American Heart Association
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22:39
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22:39In this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz breaks down one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a CPR instructor: Which training agency should you align with—American Red Cross or American Heart Association? Drawing on over 20 years of experience with both, Dave offers a no-nonsense, side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed choice. Whe…
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The Must-Have Tools for Running Your CPR Business
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14:00In this equipment-packed episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz breaks down everything you need to launch or upgrade your CPR training setup—whether you're teaching one class a month or running a full-blown operation. From high-quality CPR manikins to reliable AED trainers, this episode is your go-to checklist for the essential gear and tools of the trad…
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Surf Safety and Rescue in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
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14:06Send us a text Join Dave Kotz from the National Safety Training Center as he visits Jaco Beach with Mar Chen, the lifeguard supervisor, discussing the beauty of the beach, surfing conditions, and the safety measures in place, including rescue equipment and the importance of education on water safety. This episode also highlights the international s…
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The Power of Realism and Expertise in Trauma Care Education
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26:52Send us a text Description: Welcome to another exciting episode of The LIFESAVING CHRONICLES, brought to you by the National Safety Training Center! In this episode, host Dave Kotz enters the fascinating world of trauma education with special guests David Parry from Techline Technologies Incorporated and Steve Wisner, an experienced instructor at t…
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Send us a text Welcome to another episode of the LIFESAVING CHRONICLES podcast, brought to you by the National Safety Training Center! In this episode, host Dave Kotz speaks with Jay, the lifeguard manager at Seabright Beach Club, to discuss the unique challenges and experiences of lifeguarding at an oceanfront facility compared to pools and lake c…
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How to Prepare for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer or Water Safety Instructor Academy (Part 2)
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19:51Send us a text In this episode, we go into the essentials of preparing for and succeeding at an Instructor Trainer (IT) Academy. Whether you're aiming to become a Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) or a Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT), this episode is packed with valuable advice and practical tips to help you excel. Key Topics Covered: *Pre…
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How to Prepare for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer or Water Safety Instructor Academy (Part 1)
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23:39Send us a text Welcome to Episode 8 of The LIFESAVING CHRONICLES podcast! Join Dave Kotz and Anna Unruh from the National Safety Training Center as they go deep into the essentials of preparing for a Lifeguard Instructor Trainer Academy (LGIT) or a Water Safety Instructor Trainer Academy (WSIT) offered by the American Red Cross. In this episode, yo…
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Challenges and Triumphs of the American Red Cross r.24 Lifeguard Instructor Recertification Curriculum
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12:14Send us a text Join host, Dave Kotz in this episode of the LIFESAVING CHRONICLES as he sits down with special guest, Steven Murphy, to discuss the R24 lifeguarding program with a focus on lifeguard instructor recertification. In this engaging conversation, Steve shares his extensive experience in aquatics, including his background as a lifeguard, s…
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Waterfront Lifeguarding and Lake Facility Management with Bridget Tierney
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17:21
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17:21Send us a text In this episode, host David Kotz interviews Bridget Tierney, the aquatics director at the beautiful Deer Lake Club in Boonton, New Jersey. Join us as we dive into the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of lifeguarding in a lake environment. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Deer Lake Club: Learn about the stunning aquatic …
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Exploring the Unique Challenges of Water Park Lifeguarding with Steven Murphy
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15:15Send us a text Welcome back to the LIFESAVING CHRONICLES podcast! I'm your host, Dave Kotz, and in today's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Steven Murphy, a seasoned lifeguard instructor and the owner of Missouri Aquatics Training and Education Solution (MATES). With a rich background that includes military service and a career in hist…
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Classroom Management When Things Goes Wrong
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30:56Send us a text Join Dave Kotz from the National Safety Training Center and special guest Alex Palumbo, an American Red Cross instructor trainer, as they delve into the intricacies of managing a classroom when things don't go as planned. In this episode, they share their wealth of experience and discuss various scenarios, from handling participants …
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The Equipment You Need to Start a CPR Business with Dan Castagna
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29:23Send us a text In Episode 2 of the LIFESAVING CHRONICLES Podcast, I had the pleasure of discussing CPR equipment for CPR businesses with Dan Costagna from Emergency Care Health and Safety. We delved into various types of mannequins, including Preston mannequins, Big Red mannequins, and Laerdal QCPR Annie mannequins. Dan shared his experiences and p…
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Review of the American Red Cross r 24 Lifeguarding Curriculum
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23:52
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23:52Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the new American Red Cross lifeguarding curriculum, R24, with a panel of experienced lifeguard instructor trainers. They discuss the updates, new additions, and changes in the program, providing valuable insights and perspectives. From the prereqs to the new surveillance portion and the use of virtual re…
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The Birth of National Safety Training Center
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11:15Send us a text Synopsis: In this episode, founder and host, David Kotz, will walk you through the origins of his training center, from the humble beginnings of Mine Brook Search and Rescue to the expansive reach of their training programs today. Discover how they've grown, the challenges they've faced, and the exciting future that lies ahead. Discl…
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