Paradigm Playbook

Hosted by Steve Cook

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Episodes

140

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 11, 202625 min

Ep 135: Growth, Coaching & the Cost of Travel Sports with Bill Flitter

Is youth basketball becoming more about competition and cost than developing young athletes? And how can sports businesses build profitable programs without losing sight of what matters most? Host Steve Cook sits down with Coach Bill Flitter, entrepreneur, youth basketball coach, and founder of Coaching Youth Hoops, to explore the business of youth basketball and the challenges facing today's young athletes. Drawing from his experience building basketball programs, Bill shares how facilities can create sustainable revenue through club teams, camps, clinics, private lessons, and tournaments. They discuss when kids should start playing competitively, how to manage parent expectations, and why keeping sports fun is essential for long-term participation. Steve and Bill also tackle the rising costs of travel sports, the pressure to specialize too early, and the importance of multi-sport development. Bill introduces Coaching Youth Hoops and Hey Sami, two resources designed to make youth sports easier for coaches and families. Whether you're a gym owner, coach, or youth sports leader, this episode offers practical insights on growing successful programs while keeping the focus where it belongs—on the kids. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

November 9, 202628 min

Ep 134: Adding Dance to Your Gym with Suzanne Blake Gerety

Could adding dance to your gym be your next big growth opportunity? You might be surprised by how simple it can be to get started. Host Steve Cook sits down with Suzanne Blake Gerety, founder of Standing Ovation Advisory, to explore how gymnastics and youth activity businesses can expand their offerings, attract new families, and create additional revenue through dance programs. Drawing from decades of experience in the dance industry, Suzanne shares why launching a dance program doesn't have to mean expensive renovations, elaborate recitals, or a major financial commitment. From recreational classes and short-term sessions to acro dance and partnerships with local studios, she breaks down practical ways to test demand before making a big investment. Steve and Suzanne also discuss space requirements, flooring considerations, hiring the right instructors, and how to build programs that complement your existing business. Whether you're looking to maximize unused space, diversify your offerings, or explore a new revenue stream, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow smarter without taking unnecessary risks. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

November 5, 202630 min

Ep 133: Building Better Coaches Through Positive Discipline with Kim Lindauer

What if the secret to becoming a better coach isn't about teaching more skills, but building stronger connections with the kids you coach? Host Steve Cook sits down with Kim Lindauer, founder of Heart Centered Sports and former owner of Kim's Gym, to explore how positive discipline and heart-centered coaching can transform the youth sports experience. Drawing from 19 years of gym ownership and her experience as a certified Positive Discipline parent educator, Kim shares why encouragement, connection, and understanding each child's individual needs are essential to creating a positive learning environment. They discuss the difference between transactional and transformational coaching, how to develop young coaches, and practical ways to navigate challenging behaviors. From building trust with athletes to improving staff training and creating a culture where kids feel supported, this episode offers valuable insights for coaches, gym owners, and youth activity leaders who want to make a lasting impact beyond the sport. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

October 29, 202623 min

Ep 132: Funding Your Business: SBA Loans with Julie Zarr

Thinking about opening a gym, swim school, or youth activity business but not sure how to fund it? Understanding your financing options could make all the difference. Host Steve Cook sits down with Julie Zarr of MultiFunding to break down business financing and what entrepreneurs need to know before applying for a loan. From SBA loans versus conventional financing to down payments, business plans, and financial projections, Julie shares what lenders are really looking for and how startups can position themselves for success. They also explore the differences between SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, common financing mistakes that can delay approval, and why choosing the right lender matters as much as having a strong business plan. Whether you're launching your first facility or preparing to expand, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the lending process, avoid costly mistakes, and take the next step toward business ownership. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

October 5, 202625 min

Ep 131: Building Stronger Teams & Systems with Scott Roth

Host Steve Cook sits down with longtime colleague Scott Roth of Mancino Manufacturing to talk about the systems, communication, and leadership habits that keep businesses moving when challenges hit. With 40 years in manufacturing and a background as both a gymnast and Division I women’s gymnastics coach, Scott brings a unique perspective on building teams that can perform under pressure. From replacing “tribal knowledge” with documented SOPs and cross-training employees to catching problems early and improving communication across teams, Scott shares practical lessons leaders can put to work immediately. Steve and Scott also connect these principles back to youth sports, exploring how strong fundamentals, consistent language, and better communication between coaches, parents, and athletes can prevent bigger problems down the road. If you lead a team, run a business, or coach others, this episode is a reminder that the best problem-solving starts long before the problem happens. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

September 21, 202630 min

Ep 130: How to Build a Profitable Ninja Gym with Ally Johnson

Host Steve Cook sits down with Ally Johnson, COO of The Lab (Learn.Adapt.Build) and CEO of Ninja Gym Academy, to break down the business behind building a successful ninja program. With experience helping open more than 40 facilities, Ally shares the differences between standalone ninja gyms and bolt-on programs, including startup costs, space, curriculum, pricing, and long-term profitability. They also discuss why open play matters, how parkour fundamentals build safer athletes, and when gyms should introduce competitive teams. Whether you’re considering adding ninja to an existing facility or building a standalone gym, this episode offers practical insights on creating a program that kids love and that makes sense for the business. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

September 1, 202625 min

Ep 129: Your Brand Is More Than a Logo: How to Stand Out with Galen Broido

Host Steve Cook sits down with Galen Broido, founder of Galenda Media Group, to talk about what truly makes a brand stand out in the youth sports and child activity industry. Drawing from her background in marketing, web design, and the swim and gymnastics industries, Galen explains why your brand is much more than a logo or color palette—it’s the feeling customers take away from every interaction with your business. Steve and Galen discuss how messaging, design, staff, social media, reviews, and the customer experience all work together to tell one consistent story. They also explore how businesses can identify what makes them different, use authentic storytelling to build trust, and leverage AI without losing the human element that makes a brand memorable. For youth activity business owners looking to strengthen their identity and stand out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with practical branding insights. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

August 21, 202627 min

Ep 128: Positive Leadership Is a Competitive Advantage with Marcella Miciano

Host Steve Cook welcomes back Marcella Miciano of Vivid Motivation to explore how positive leadership can transform culture, strengthen teams, and create a competitive advantage in youth sports and child activity businesses. Drawing on The Energy Bus and The Power of Positive Leadership , Marcella shares practical ways leaders can turn positivity into a daily practice through gratitude, intentional self-talk, recognition, and consistent habits. She also breaks down how culture shapes beliefs and expectations, which drive behaviors, create habits, and ultimately determine the future of an organization. Steve and Marcella also preview her upcoming Power of Positive Leadership workshop at the Signature Business Workshop in Orlando and discuss why building a great culture starts with what leaders practice every day. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

July 29, 202626 min

Ep. 127: How Cognitive Biases Help Entrepreneurs Close More Deals with John Asher

Host Steve Cook sits down with sales expert, entrepreneur, and author John Asher to explore how understanding how people think can transform how entrepreneurs sell. Drawing on his unique background as a Navy submarine captain, Pentagon buyer and program manager, engineering firm founder, and sales advisor, John explains why selling is a skill every business owner needs. John breaks down the neuroscience behind common cognitive biases that influence purchasing decisions and shares practical ways to apply them in everyday conversations. From using genuine compliments to build rapport, creating reciprocity by giving value first, and leveraging similarity to strengthen connections, to offering the right number of choices to avoid decision fatigue, he provides actionable strategies that help businesses build trust and close more sales. Whether you're a swim school owner, youth program operator, or entrepreneur looking to improve your sales process, this episode delivers simple, science-backed techniques that can help you communicate more effectively, connect with customers, and grow your business. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

July 15, 202626 min

Ep 126: Giving Every Child the Chance to Swim with Kristin Mabrouk

Host Steve Cook sits down with Kristin Mabrouk, Executive Director of the Hope Floats Foundation, to discuss how the organization is making lifesaving swim lessons accessible to more children across the country. By partnering with swim schools nationwide, Hope Floats helps create local scholarship programs that open the door for children from low-income families and those in foster care. Kristin shares how the foundation supports swim schools through scholarship administration, fundraising resources, and initiatives like the Swim for Hope campaign. She also discusses the importance of water safety, the challenges families face in accessing swim lessons, and why collaboration is key to expanding opportunities for children. Whether you're involved in youth programs, own a swim school, or simply believe every child should have the chance to learn to swim, this episode is an inspiring conversation about community, impact, and making a difference. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube