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.