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 major corporations—can build meaningful partnerships.

In this episode, Bruce and Steve discuss:

• Why Sponsorship Is More Than a Transaction: Discover how true sponsorships go beyond banners and logos, transforming into partnerships that deliver mutual value.
• Sponsorships for Small Businesses: Learn why even the smallest organizations can benefit from sponsorships and how to create compelling opportunities for local businesses.
• Defining Objectives and Measuring Success: Explore the critical steps of understanding "why" a sponsorship exists and how to set clear, measurable goals to evaluate its impact.
• Turning Sponsors Into Partners: Hear practical tips on maintaining ongoing communication and treating sponsors like VIPs to create lasting relationships.
• Overcoming Common Sponsorship Mistakes: Bruce shares insights on the pitfalls of "transactional sponsorships" and the importance of continuous engagement.

Whether you're running a local gym, a youth sports league, or a business exploring sponsorship opportunities, this episode is packed with actionable advice to elevate your approach. Tune in to learn how to leverage sponsorships to grow your organization while delivering real value to your partners.

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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 and business leaders.

In this episode, Dave and Steve discuss:

1. The Power of Big-Picture Thinking: Learn why strategic thinkers often struggle with details and how this can be an advantage when paired with a team of detail-oriented individuals.
2. Contrarian Mindsets: Explore how challenging conventional norms and thinking differently, like visionaries such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, leads to groundbreaking ideas and innovation.
3. Action-Oriented Leadership: Discover the importance of prioritizing execution over endless planning and how taking decisive action can set businesses apart.
4. Radical Honesty: Understand how transparency and candid communication foster trust, save time, and create clarity in leadership and team collaboration.
5. Taking Responsibility: Dave and Steve emphasize the critical trait of owning both successes and failures as a leader, fostering accountability and encouraging team growth.
6. The Role of Writing in Strategy: Learn how effective writing sharpens strategic thinking, helping leaders articulate clear goals and overcome challenges.
7. Unconventional Professionalism: Hear why a touch of unorthodoxy can spark creativity and drive success, even in high-stakes environments.

Tune in to uncover actionable insights into becoming a better leader by embracing these seven traits of strategic thinkers. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or refining your decision-making skills, this episode is packed with strategies to help you excel.

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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 journey.

In this episode, Dave and Steve discuss:

1. The Growth Dilemma: Explore the strategic choices between expanding your existing business model or scaling new opportunities and the factors to consider when making this decision.

2. Deep vs. Wide Growth: Discover the benefits of going deep within your current customer base versus widening your reach to bring in new clients, with examples tailored for sports business owners.

3. Intentional Growth Strategies: Learn how to grow your business with purpose, whether through organic growth or by taking strategic risks, like adding new services or expanding infrastructure.

4. Balancing Profit and Expansion: Dave shares his own experience balancing profitability with reinvesting in his business, emphasizing the importance of intentional financial planning.

5. The Power of Focus: Understand why sometimes saying no to new opportunities can be the best path forward, enabling business owners to focus on their core strengths and unique growth objectives.

Tune in for actionable insights on navigating the unique challenges of business expansion, evaluating growth opportunities, and making decisions that align with your long-term vision. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their business effectively without compromising quality or profitability.

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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 thriving multi-sport business.

In this episode, Steve and Jeff discuss:

1. The Path to Entrepreneurship: Jeff reflects on how he transitioned from engineering to coaching and how his desire for better coaching environments led him to create his own gymnastics facility.

2. The Evolution of Kids First Sports Center: From starting in a church basement to expanding to over 183,000 square feet, Jeff talks about the growth of his business and the lessons learned along the way.

3. Building a Great Place to Work: Learn how Jeff focused on creating a business culture where staff can thrive both personally and professionally, leading to long-term success and employee satisfaction.

4. Managing Mistakes and Learning from Failure: Jeff shares insights into his "Kids First Graveyard of Programs," highlighting how failures were key stepping stones to success.

5. Boot Camp and Continuous Learning: Discover how Jeff's boot camps provide total immersion in business strategy, leadership, and marketing for owners of children's instructional services.

Check out Jeff's Bootcamp Here:
https://metzgerbootcamp.com/

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation on personal growth, business development, and how to create a lasting legacy in the sports industry.

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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 Lynn discuss:

1. Transition to Entrepreneurship: Lynn shares her story of leaving a legal career to pursue her passion in the sports business, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of her early days.

2. Building a Business from the Ground Up: Discover how Lynn transformed a small gymnastics studio into a multi-location, high-level sports center, and the lessons she learned along the way.

3. The Power of Partnerships: Learn about Lynn's successful partnership with her business partner, Georgette, and how they balanced their strengths to grow their company.

4. Brand Development and Expansion: Explore Lynn's approach to rebranding her business and expanding into new ventures like Sweet Peas Gymnastics, a preschool gymnastics licensing program.

5. Retention and Growth Strategies: Gain insights into Lynn's focus on customer retention, program development, and how she continually innovates to meet the needs of her community.

Tune into this episode for an inspiring conversation on entrepreneurship, business growth, and the dedication required to build a successful sports business. Lynn's journey offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to make a mark in the industry.

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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 business owner and her passion for creating a healthy, compassionate environment in gymnastics.

In this episode, Dave, Steve, and Dominique discuss:

1. Building a Legacy in Gymnastics: Dominique reflects on her transition from Olympic champion to opening her first gymnastics academy in July 2020, during the pandemic, and her second in April 2023. She shares how creating a positive gym culture is more fulfilling than standing on any Olympic podium.

2. Championing Health and Empowerment: Dominique’s dedication to empowering families, women, and young girls extends beyond the gym. She discusses her work as a national ambassador for nonprofits and corporations, including her role as the first national spokesperson for the Girl Scouts' “Uniquely Me!” self-esteem program.

3. Leadership and Advocacy: Learn about Dominique’s advocacy for physical and mental health, her work with the Boys & Girls Club of America, and her time serving on the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under President Obama.

4. Expanding Her Influence: Dominique shares insights into her role as an Executive Producer of the Sports Emmy-nominated docuseries "Golden," alongside LeBron James, which follows the journey of elite gymnasts leading up to the Tokyo Olympics.

5. Honoring a Legacy: Discover how Dominique’s impact continues to inspire future generations. In 2024, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland will unveil a life-sized statue in her honor, a symbol of her enduring legacy and her commitment to inspiring young athletes.

Tune in to this episode for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and Dominique’s mission to transform the culture of gymnastics while continuing to make a lasting impact in the sports world.

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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 Partnerships: Discover the different forms of partnerships, from legal co-ownership to business-to-business collaborations, and learn how each can contribute to your business growth.

2. Defining Roles and Responsibilities: Learn how to establish clear roles and responsibilities in partnerships to ensure smooth operations and avoid potential conflicts.

3. The Importance of Alignment: Understand why it’s crucial for all partners to work towards the same objectives, and how misaligned goals can lead to issues within the partnership.

4. Conflict Resolution and Transparency: Gain insights into the importance of transparency and open communication in partnerships, along with strategies for effectively resolving conflicts when they arise.

5. Maximizing the Benefits of Partnerships: Explore how strategic partnerships can accelerate your business success by providing access to additional resources, expertise, and networks.

Tune into this episode for practical advice on building and maintaining successful business partnerships. Whether you're considering a new partnership or looking to strengthen an existing one, Dave and Steve offer valuable strategies and insights to help you navigate the complex world of business partnerships.

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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 essential in various business strategies, from product launches to hiring decisions, and how to align your business actions with the right timing to maximize success.

2. Examples of Timing Missteps and Successes: Hear real-life stories about the impact of timing on business outcomes, including how misjudged timing can lead to setbacks, and how well-planned timing can boost your success.

3. Daily and Weekly Timing Cycles: Understand the importance of daily and weekly cycles in maximizing productivity and how to synchronize your team's energy levels for more effective meetings and decision-making.

4. The Role of Timing in Exit Strategies: Discover why planning your exit strategy early is critical and how timing plays a crucial role in ensuring you achieve the highest value and smoothest transition when the time comes.

5. Tools and Techniques for Effective Timing: Gain practical advice on using calendars, blocking time, and setting up "Jam Sessions" to optimize your schedule and improve your strategic timing.

Tune into this episode for valuable tips on mastering the art of timing in your business. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Dave and Steve provide the tools and wisdom you need to make strategic timing work in your favor.

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