The Cheer Biz Podcast

Legal Must-Knows for Gym Owners: From Partnerships to Protections

In this insightful episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton sits down in person with attorney Matt Becker to discuss the critical legal considerations every gym owner should understand. Whether you're running a gym solo, working with a partner, or considering a sale or acquisition, this episode offers essential advice for protecting your business and avoiding costly mistakes.

Topics include:

• What makes (and breaks) successful business partnerships

• The key legal documents every gym should have in place

• Best practices for buying or selling a gym

• How to approach operating agreements, liability, and ownership transitions

• Real-world lessons Dan and Matt have learned from the trenches

If you own a gym — or plan to — this episode will give you the legal clarity you need to run your business with confidence.

Don’t Forget Your Why: Refocusing on What Matters Most

In this heartfelt episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton opens up about a challenging day that reminded him of a powerful truth: you can't lose sight of your "why." Whether it's the joy of coaching, the love for your athletes, or the passion that pushed you to start your business in the first place, Dan walks through how reconnecting with your purpose can reenergize your mindset, even in the toughest seasons. He shares real-life examples from Dream Camps, lessons with athletes, and even time with his kids—and challenges gym owners to reflect, recalibrate, and reignite their passion for what truly matters.

5 Reasons Your Systems Aren’t Working (And How to Fix Them)

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton breaks down why even the best systems can fail inside your gym. From overly complex processes to lack of training and buy-in, Dan shares five of the most common reasons your systems aren’t delivering the results you expected. He dives into how to simplify systems, train your team properly, and—most importantly—delegate system creation to the people actually doing the work. Whether you’re building new processes or trying to salvage ones already in place, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you systemize your gym for real, scalable success.

You Don’t Know Anything—And That’s Okay: Why Gym Owners Must Keep Learning

In this thought-provoking episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton gets real about a hard truth—most of us, even successful gym owners, don’t know nearly as much as we think we do. Sharing his own humbling experiences, Dan explores why continuous learning is critical to staying competitive in a rapidly changing business world. From the game-changing potential of AI and lead nurture systems to better use of technology, sales techniques, and business strategy, Dan emphasizes how important it is to keep leveling up your knowledge. He explains why being open to learning (even from 27-year-old tech whizzes) can transform your business—and how to do it through free resources, podcasts, or expert coaching. Whether you're a rookie owner or a seasoned vet, this episode will inspire you to sharpen your skills and embrace the mindset that the more you know, the more you realize how much there is to learn.

Why Culture Matters More Than Compensation

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton dives deep into one of the most important topics in gym ownership: staff culture. Drawing from real-life experiences and long-standing staff relationships, Dan shares why creating a supportive, values-driven, and connected environment keeps employees loyal far beyond what a paycheck ever could. He outlines how to intentionally build that kind of culture, including regular meetings, leadership principles, retreats, and fostering a sense of community. If you’re struggling with staff retention or wondering how to get your team fully bought in, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Mastering the Boring Stuff: The Hidden Keys to Growing Your Gym

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton dives into the often-overlooked truth of gym ownership: success is built on mastering the boring stuff. From obsessing over your financials to building strong systems and holding effective meetings, Dan outlines the three critical (but not flashy) habits that separate thriving gyms from struggling ones. He shares candid personal experiences—like chasing shiny objects and juggling too many projects—and reminds us that sustainable growth isn’t about the next big idea, but about doing the simple things exceptionally well. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making meaningful progress, this episode is a must-listen.

Maximizing Your Gym Space: Lessons from the New Facility

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton broadcasts from his brand-new studio and facility to share critical insights on how to make the most of your gym space. Fresh off the road from summer camps and conferences, Dan reflects on the early challenges of adapting to a larger building that—surprisingly—felt more cramped than expected. From scheduling mishaps to underutilized floor space and equipment overload, Dan breaks down three major takeaways: choreographing your gym schedule, analyzing your layout with a critical eye, and investing in the right equipment. Whether you're in a brand-new building or trying to optimize your current setup, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your gym run more efficiently and profitably.

ProCheer League Breakdown: Hype, Hope, and Hesitations

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton dives into the newly released details about the ProCheer League. Recording from his new studio after a phenomenal conference in Dallas, Dan shares his candid thoughts on the structure, leadership, and execution of this new venture by Varsity. From excitement about the professional step forward for the sport to serious concerns about gym affiliations, athlete eligibility, and long-term vision, Dan delivers a passionate and unfiltered take. If you're curious about what ProCheer could mean for the future of all-star cheerleading, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Smooth Like Butter: Fundraising Made Easy with Team Butter

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton sits down with Amy Bay and Heath Methlie from Team Butter, sponsors of the upcoming conference in Dallas. Team Butter is a virtual fundraising platform built by people who get the cheer world—from coaching to gym ownership to the constant hustle of raising funds. Amy and Heath share their personal journeys in the cheer and dance industries, explain why they’re passionate about making fundraising smooth and stress-free, and break down how Team Butter's innovative, hands-off system helps gyms raise serious money without the traditional headaches. From cookie dough and popcorn to digital coupons and pet treats, Team Butter brings fresh options—and major results. Tune in to learn how your gym can fundraise smarter, not harder.

 It's not just better with butter—it’s easier too.

Failing Forward: What I Do When Things Go Wrong

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton gets real about the setbacks and slip-ups that come with running a business. From unexpected financial losses at DreamCamps to disappointing a client, Dan walks through three recent failures, how he handled them, and what he learned along the way. You'll hear honest insight into the emotional toll of getting it wrong, and the practical strategies Dan uses to pivot, problem-solve, and put better systems in place. Whether you're facing burnout, a tough financial hit, or criticism from a client—this episode is packed with tools to help you bounce back stronger. Plus, don’t miss a reminder about the upcoming Dallas Conference and the new opportunities launching at NextGen.