The Cheer Biz Podcast

Train or Terminate: Making the Tough Call as a Leader

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton dives deep into one of the hardest decisions leaders face—should you invest in training an underperforming employee or decide it’s time to part ways? Drawing from years of business ownership and his background in law enforcement training, Dan shares a practical framework for evaluating employee performance, assessing willingness to grow, and navigating termination with clarity and professionalism. Whether you manage a small team or a large staff, this episode will help you make confident, informed decisions for the health of your business.

5 Brutal Truths Holding Your Gym Back from Growth

In this no-nonsense episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton breaks down the five biggest reasons your gym isn’t growing — and why fixing them could change everything. From underutilizing social media to crafting weak offers, clunky enrollment processes, and the harsh reality that most people don’t even know you exist, Dan delivers tough love and practical solutions. If you’re serious about scaling your gym, this episode is your wake-up call.

Choreography Success: How to Get Routines You Love

Choreography season is here, and in this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton shares his top tips to help gym owners and coaches get the most out of their choreography sessions. From prepping your athletes and communicating with your choreographer to avoiding last-minute changes and catching legality issues early, this episode is packed with practical advice to ensure you walk away with a routine you love. Whether you're new to choreography season or a seasoned pro, these tips will help set you—and your athletes—up for success.

10 Hard Lessons I’d Tell My Younger Self About Owning a Cheer Gym

In this powerful episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton shares 10 of the most important — and sometimes painful — lessons he’s learned from 15 years of owning a cheer gym. From the hidden cost of scholarships to promoting the wrong people, Dan delivers honest, actionable advice that today’s gym owners (and future ones) can learn from. Whether you're just starting out or years into your journey, this episode is packed with insight that will save you time, money, and heartache.

Sweep the Sheds: Lessons in Leadership from Legacy

In this unique solo episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton dives deep into the powerful leadership lessons found in Legacy by James Kerr. Kicking off a new multi-part series, Dan explores Chapter 1—“Character”—and unpacks the All Blacks’ core principle: "Sweep the Sheds." He shares how this idea of humility, ownership, and pride in the small things has impacted his gym, his coaching, and his team's championship mindset. From redefining leadership to balancing pride with humility, this episode is a must-listen for gym owners, coaches, and athletes striving for excellence on and off the mat.

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.