In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton sits down with Chris Rack, owner of Cheer Athletics Chicago, a former corporate executive who left a high-level leadership career to build a cheer gym—and challenge the status quo. Chris shares what happens when you bring sales and marketing systems, speed-to-lead, and world-class customer service into an industry that often struggles with communication. You’ll hear how Chris built processes to respond to leads quickly, why “trust the process” frustrates parents when the process isn’t explained, and how his gym earned a wave of five-star Google reviews in its first months by obsessing over the customer experience. He also breaks down how to create buy-in with athletes and staff, why fear-based coaching is fading, and what modern athletes need from gym owners now. If you’re a cheer gym owner, director, or coach looking to improve communication, retention, culture, and growth, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can implement immediately.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton breaks down a tough question every cheer gym owner eventually faces: when should you fire a customer and end the relationship? Dan shares why he’s not a fan of the “Bye Felicia” mentality, but also explains the two situations where letting someone go is not only justified—it’s necessary to protect your business, staff, and gym culture. You’ll learn how to handle:Nonpayment and why allowing multiple missed months creates a hole most families can’t climb out ofCulture and values misalignment, including gossip, public negativity, and rumor-spreading that poisons trustWhen to have a sit-down conversation vs. when it’s time to part waysHow to set clear expectations so you don’t enable entitlement or inconsistencyWhy educating new families (and re-educating long-time ones) prevents problems before they escalate If you’re a cheer gym owner, director, or program manager, this episode gives you a clear framework to protect your culture, enforce standards with professionalism, and make the hard decision the right way.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton shares the exact strategies cheer gym owners need to excel at social media in 2026—without obsessing over vanity metrics like likes and followers. If you’re a local, service-based business, the goal isn’t going viral nationwide. The goal is building trust, staying visible in your community, and turning attention into leads, registrations, and revenue. Dan breaks down how to use AI the right way (and what to avoid), why you need a presence across multiple platforms, and how to post more content than feels comfortable so your ideal families actually see you. He also explains how to leverage your best content creators—your athletes and staff—and why consistent engagement on other people’s posts builds goodwill, reach, and algorithm momentum. If you want your gym to grow faster in 2026, this episode gives you a clear plan to build a stronger online presence, create better content, and show up confidently without worrying about what other gym owners think.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton pulls back the curtain on the real-life behaviors that drive gym owners and managers absolutely crazy—and what great employees do instead. As the owner of three companies with over 75 employees and a consultant to more than 150 gyms, Dan has seen the same patterns over and over again.He breaks down the most common staff habits that quietly erode trust and culture: showing up late or unprepared, calling out right before a shift, leaving mats and equipment out, walking past overflowing trash, gossiping on the floor, starting and ending classes off-schedule, ignoring curriculum, and asking for more hours only to turn them down when offered.You’ll learn:How late arrivals and last-minute call-outs wreck operations and trustWhy “that’s not my job” thinking hurts the entire gymHow gossip and venting in the gym poison your cultureWhy time, cleanliness, and curriculum matter more than you thinkHow to become the coach owners want to promote and pour intoIf you’re a cheer gym owner, director, or coach, this episode is part vent session, part leadership training—and a must-listen before your next staff meeting or hiring push.

AI is powerful—but it can also make you look unprofessional, confuse your customers, and cost you real money if you use it wrong. In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton breaks down the five biggest AI blunders he sees cheer gym owners making right now—and how to avoid them.Dan shares real examples from his own businesses and from gym owners who have relied on bad automations, untrained chatbots, and generic AI business advice. From cringe-worthy auto-responders and risky AI chat on your website to using tools like ChatGPT for pricing, finances, and copy-paste emails you never even proofread, Dan shows you where AI goes wrong and how to use it safely and strategically instead.You’ll learn:Why lazy auto-responders are quietly turning off leadsThe danger of plugging in untrained AI chatbots for parents and prospectsWhy generic AI advice on pricing, profit, and opening a gym can lead you into bad debtHow copy-paste AI content makes you sound fake—and how to fix itWhat “AI hallucinations” are and why you must verify anything it tells youIf you’re a cheer gym owner, director, or coach who wants to use AI to save time and grow smarter—without embarrassing mistakes—this episode is your practical guide to using AI as a tool, not a trap.

Can your gym feel like family without turning messy? In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton shares how to build a genuine family atmosphere with standards, consequences, and clarity—so you’re loved and respected. He walks through the early years of blurring lines with friends-turned-staff, the painful lessons (including a real embezzlement case and what it cost), and the systems that now keep his teams connected, accountable, and drama-free. You’ll learn how to set role expectations, hold compassionate but firm conversations, and avoid the entitlement that burns owners out. If you’re a cheer gym owner, director, or coach, this is your blueprint for a healthy, high-trust culture that actually performs.You’ll learn:Where “family feel” goes wrong—and how to fix it with clear roles and consequences.The difference between empowering staff and enabling inconsistency.A simple framework for tough talks that protect standards without losing heart.Why “loyalty without accountability is dependency,” and how to reset expectations.

We’re closing out 2025 with a hard look at the habits that quietly stall growth—and how to fix them before 2026. In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton lays out the five biggest blockers holding cheer gym owners back (plus a bonus): weak websites and marketing, inconsistent social media, lack of patience and consistency, focusing on the wrong things, not protecting your time and health, and misusing AI. Expect clear examples, tough love, and a step-by-step plan you can put to work today.You’ll learn how to:Turn your site into a lead-gen machine and stop guessing at what works in Facebook/Instagram ads.Build a daily content cadence that actually drives inquiries (and why three posts a day isn’t crazy).Trade “quick wins” for repeatable systems and patience that compounds.Refocus on goals, staff development, enrollment, and routine quality—what truly moves the needle.Guard your energy: sleep, fuel, move, and batch work to reclaim hours each week.Use AI as a scalpel (not a hammer) to edit, iterate, and speed execution—without losing your voice.If you run a cheer gym, tumbling program, or youth sports facility, this is your blueprint to grow enrollment, strengthen culture, and hit your 2026 goals with clarity.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton sits down with Ashley Newberry, gym director at Dream Extreme All-Stars in Vacaville, CA—Miss California, children’s book author, and culture-builder behind one of NorCal’s fastest-growing programs. Ashley shares how a single private lesson snowballed into camps, classes, and a full program; how her team moved from a shared gymnastics space into a cheer-focused facility; and why putting safety, belonging, and communication first created explosive, sustainable growth.You’ll learn:The Novice-3 “bridge year” strategy that helped a Junior 2 group confidently step into Level 3—without burning them out.Practical ways to educate parents on attendance, stunting math, and score sheet realities to protect team opportunity.How a cheer sister program and all-gym “pink practice” build cross-team community and retention.Systems for monthly newsletters, read-tracking, and message consistency across platforms.Why “confidence and character over trophies” is a winning business strategy.If you’re a cheer gym owner, program director, or coach, this conversation gives you a playbook to level up divisions, communicate like a pro, and grow a gym families trust.

In this candid episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton tackles a hard truth: the gym down the street isn’t your enemy. Most programs are serving 1–2.5% of local youth, which means the real opportunity isn’t poaching athletes—it’s growing awareness of all-star cheer, tumbling, and youth programs so more families enter the sport in the first place. You’ll hear why your true competition is often soccer, volleyball, and other full-time sports, not fellow cheer owners, and how collaborative marketing can lift every program in your area.What you’ll learn:Why the market is far from saturated—and how to reach first-time familiesHow two gyms marketing simultaneously can increase total demandPractical ways to coordinate offers, timing, and messaging with nearby gymsHow to reduce “poaching panic” and refocus on long-term athlete pipelines (hello, ages 7–8)A mindset shift that creates calmer seasons, better culture, and more revenue for everyoneIf you’re a cheer gym owner, coach, or program director, this episode is your blueprint for going from rivalry to real growth—together.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton breaks down everything gym owners and coaches need to know about the Limited Division at USASF Worlds—where it came from, who it’s meant for, and why it’s become one of the sport’s most misunderstood divisions.Dan dives into the history of Extra Small and Limited, the original protections that worked, and the loopholes that have caused frustration for smaller programs. He also shares his personal experience moving teams in and out of the division, and what changes could make it fair for everyone.You’ll learn:The true purpose of the Limited Division and how it startedWhy the “D2 + one Worlds team” rule still mattersWhere the system broke—and how to fix itWhy removing the division entirely would hurt small gymsIf you’re a cheer gym owner, coach, or Worlds-level athlete, this episode gives you a real, unfiltered look at what’s working, what’s broken, and what Limited needs to survive.

Competition season is here—don’t just survive it, thrive. In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton shares 10 battle-tested tips to make comp days smoother, calmer, and more successful for cheer gym owners and coaches. You’ll learn how to delegate non-coaching tasks, systemize your pre-comp and day-of communications, book cleanup/choreo help early, fuel yourself with a real comp-day meal plan, script routines to read the score sheet like a pro, and assign social media coverage so every team gets seen.What you’ll take away:A step-by-step delegation plan so you can focus on athletes when it matters most.Plug-and-play systems for itineraries, parent messages, and day-of updates.When to schedule choreo cleanups and guest coaches so you’re not scrambling later.A realistic comp-day nutrition plan that keeps your energy steady all weekend.How to script skills to protect difficulty and make smarter AccuScore conversations.Content assignments for staff that fill your feed with quality photos and video.Perfect for cheer gym owners, head coaches, and program directors who want fewer fires, better performances, and a calmer staff experience—week after week.

Scammers love busy business owners—and cheer gyms are prime targets. In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton shares real stories and practical steps to protect your money, accounts, and reputation from the most common attacks hitting gym owners right now. You’ll hear how a convincing “change of bank details” email stole a rent payment, what red flags to look for in phishing messages and spoofed websites, and why too-good-to-be-true equipment “deals” are almost always traps.Dan also breaks down predatory financing—from “gross receipts” loans to buried terms like forced draws and sky-high interest—and explains how to pursue legit lines of credit with a real bank instead. Finally, he covers government/tech support impersonation scams, “Facebook account will be deleted” scare tactics, and the universal gift-card red flag.What you’ll learn:How to spot phishing (domain look-alikes, spoofed bank pages) before you clickThe loan terms that scream “predatory” and what a legitimate LOC looks likeSafe-buying rules for used gear and marketplace postsWhen to verify by phone/in-person before sending moneyThe fastest way to shut down “urgent” calls, texts, and DMsIf you’re a cheer gym owner, coach, or youth sports operator, this playbook will help you avoid losses, shut down scams, and stay focused on your athletes and business.

In this powerful episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton tackles one of the most important conversations happening in the cheer industry right now—mental health, athlete well-being, and how we can do better as coaches and gym owners.After reading a viral article claiming that the all-star cheer industry is “failing its athletes,” Dan dives deep into what that really means—and what we can actually do to create change. He explores the pressures of performance, body image, mental blocks, and the lack of mental health resources available to gym owners and coaches.You’ll learn:How to create a psychologically safe environment for athletesWhy communication and mentorship matter more than everThe difference between accountability and emotional safetyWhat every gym should have in place before tragedy strikesReal, actionable steps to better support your athletes’ mental healthThis is a must-listen for cheer gym owners, coaches, and leaders who want to build a culture of growth, trust, and true athlete well-being—not just winning routines.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton sits down with Tiffany Hayes Wood, the founder and owner of Chico Cheer, to talk about her 20-year journey building one of Northern California’s most respected cheer programs.Tiffany shares how she started her gym while still in college, the lessons she’s learned through growth and adversity, and how she’s kept her passion for cheer alive two decades later. From balancing small-town dynamics to managing overhead in California’s tough economy, she opens up about what it really takes to run a thriving gym while staying true to your values.You’ll hear how Chico Cheer built its legacy through community, athlete development, and smart business decisions—plus why Tiffany believes success isn’t about square footage or world titles, but about consistency, connection, and culture.If you’re a cheer gym owner, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insight on longevity, leadership, and staying inspired in the ever-changing cheer industry.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton breaks down one of the most overlooked marketing skills in the cheer industry—how to build a proper hook.Whether you’re promoting tumbling classes, birthday parties, or your cheer program, your hook determines whether someone stops scrolling or keeps scrolling. Dan explains exactly how to grab attention, connect emotionally with your audience, and get them to click, engage, and convert.You’ll learn:How to craft scroll-stopping hooks that actually convertThe difference between video, visual, and copy hooksWhy your first three seconds matter more than anything elseThe “hook–story–prescribe” method for better adsReal examples from Next Gen, Cheer Biz Accelerator, and cheer gyms that are winning with marketingIf you want to get better results from your social media ads, stop wasting ad spend, and turn curiosity into conversions, this episode will show you how to do it—fast.Perfect for cheer gym owners, coaches, and entrepreneurs ready to master marketing that works.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton dives into one of the most powerful leadership lessons from Legacy by James Kerr—the story of how the New Zealand All Blacks reinvented their team culture and built one of the most successful dynasties in sports history.Dan shares how these same principles apply to cheer gyms, coaches, and business owners who want to build strong, winning cultures that last. You’ll learn how to identify when your program has gone stagnant, when it’s time to adapt, and how to create a plan that re-energizes your team and your business.Discover the four stages of organizational change, why comfort leads to decline, and how continuous adaptation can transform your cheer gym from “surviving” to truly thriving.If you’re a gym owner, coach, or leader looking to strengthen your culture, improve accountability, and keep your program growing year after year—this episode will show you exactly how to “go for the gap” and build lasting success.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton tackles one of the toughest parts of owning a business—getting a bad Google review.Even the best cheer gyms and small businesses get them, and when it happens, it stings. Dan shares how he personally handles negative feedback, what to do (and what not to do) when it happens, and how to turn criticism into a chance to improve your systems, culture, and customer experience.You’ll learn:How to professionally respond to bad Google and Facebook reviewsWhen to engage—and when to let it goThe legal do’s and don’ts of replying to reviewsHow to protect your reputation onlineThe simple mindset shift that turns negative feedback into growthIf you’ve ever felt your stomach drop after a 1-star notification, this episode will help you reframe it, respond like a pro, and come out stronger than before.Perfect for cheer gym owners, small business owners, and coaches looking to lead with integrity, improve their reputation, and build trust in their communities.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton gives his unfiltered response to a viral post on Crazy Moms of Cheer that’s been shaking up the industry.From pricing and mid-season cuts to loyalty, favoritism, and communication, Dan breaks down each part of the post—and shares what most parents don’t realize about what it actually takes to run a successful cheer gym.With 13+ years of experience as a gym owner, coach, and mentor to hundreds of cheer programs, Dan pulls back the curtain on the business realities, coaching challenges, and emotional weight behind every tough decision gym owners have to make.You’ll hear:The truth about pricing and why most gyms actually underchargeWhy mid-season cuts and alternates exist (and how to handle them right)The difference between tough coaching and toxic coachingHow favoritism can happen—and how good coaches avoid itWhat parents and gym owners can do to rebuild trust in the industryIf you’re a cheer gym owner, coach, or parent, this episode is a must-listen. It’s honest, educational, and eye-opening—a conversation that could change the way you see the sport forever.

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton breaks down a 10-minute tactic that every cheer gym owner needs to master—how to raise your prices without losing clients.If you’ve been putting off adjusting your tuition or class fees, this episode will show you why now is the perfect time to do it—and exactly how to do it strategically.Dan shares step-by-step insights from his book, Charge What You’re Worth: A Cheer Pricing Handbook, and explains how to evaluate your current rates, set prices using proven psychology, and communicate increases with confidence and integrity.You’ll learn:How to calculate the right price for your classesWhen and how often to raise your pricesHow to add perceived value to offset price increasesThe right way to notify current clientsWhy pricing impacts your gym’s long-term healthWhether you run a cheer gym, tumbling program, or youth sports facility, this episode gives you the exact pricing strategy to grow your revenue and stay profitable year after year.

In this powerful episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton opens up about one of the hardest seasons of his entrepreneurial journey—burnout.Just five weeks ago, Dan hit a breaking point and seriously considered walking away from everything. But instead of quitting, he rebuilt his mindset, energy, and focus—and he’s now more excited about the future than ever before.In this episode, Dan shares the exact steps he took to beat burnout, reignite his passion, and find balance again. You’ll learn how to:Recognize when burnout is creeping inReconnect with your purpose and perspectiveRebuild healthy habits that fuel your energyPrioritize family, fitness, and efficiencyFall back in love with your business againIf you’ve ever felt tired, overwhelmed, or ready to quit your cheer gym or business, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts to push through, reset, and come back stronger than ever.Perfect for cheer gym owners, coaches, and entrepreneurs who need a reminder that burnout isn’t the end—it’s just a signal to rise again.