Small Business Boot Camp Podcast: Recent Episodes
Megan Smith & Jen O'Hara
With almost 50 years in business, Jeff Metzger and his team at Kids First Sports Center have remained leaders in the children's instructional services industry. Twice a year, Jeff and the team host Boot Camp, a total immersion small business seminar. This podcast is hosted by the Boot Camp and Kids First Executive Team and will cover topics of business and entrepreneurship, children's instructional service unique challenges and opportunities, staffing, training and so much more! Join your hosts Megan Smith and Jen O'Hara as they deep dive into small business owners' topics of interest and join industry leaders in insightful conversation!
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In this Small Business Boot Camp Podcast episode, Corey Tucker and Megan discuss three marketing tools to help small businesses optimize their marketing efforts. They start with the free "One Page Marketing Plan" tool, which helps businesses define their target market, messaging, and customer experience, setting the stage for a more effective marketing strategy. Next, they cover strategies for optimizing social media, including creating consistent content, leveraging video, and using paid advertising effectively, offering a promising path to increased brand visibility. Finally, they dive into the benefits of using a marketing automation platform like HubSpot, which can streamline workflows, personalize the customer experience, and provide valuable analytics, bringing a new level of efficiency and insight to your marketing efforts. Throughout the discussion, Corey and Megan share their own experiences implementing these tools at Kids First Sports Center, offering practical advice and insights for other small business owners.
Podcast Audio is also available on:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
Send us a Text Message.
In this Small Business Boot Camp Podcast episode, Anna O'Neill is the hospitality department leader at Kids First, a role she took on in 2022 after being a high school history and social studies teacher. When Anna started, the hospitality department struggled with processes and team culture, so she focused on improving systems, building a positive team environment, and shifting the team's mindset to provide excellent customer service. Anna has worked to integrate the hospitality and marketing departments, providing valuable frontline insights to improve the customer experience across digital and in-person touchpoints. Despite the challenges, Anna has found great fulfillment in her new role, enjoying the ability to solve problems, mentor others, and connect with families meaningfully.
Podcast Audio is also available on:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
Send us a Text Message.
In this episode of the Small Business Bootcamp Podcast, hosts Megan and Jen interview Heather, the cheer department leader at Kids First. Heather shares insights about her personal journey from childhood to becoming a successful cheer coach and department leader. Reflecting on a childhood filled with resilience and perseverance, Heather narrates how her passion for cheerleading grew despite early setbacks. She discusses overcoming personal and professional challenges, the importance of family support, and how embracing change has shaped her leadership style. Heather emphasizes the unique community and supportive environment at Kids First and the intricate balance she maintains between her professional responsibilities and her role as a mother. The discussion reveals Heather's transformative journey in creating a nurturing and empowering cheer program while staying true to her personal values and love for working with children.
Podcast Audio is also available on:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
Send us a Text Message.
Send us a Text Message.
Join us on the podcast as we delve into the intricacies of engaging and appreciating today's millennial and Gen Z workforce. From understanding their motivations to fostering a supportive culture, we explore actionable strategies for creating a dynamic workplace where these generations thrive. Tune in for insights on providing meaningful feedback, offering professional development opportunities, and leveraging technology for effective communication. Whether you're a seasoned manager or a budding entrepreneur, this podcast offers invaluable advice for optimizing employee engagement and driving success in the modern workplace.
Podcast Audio is also available on:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
Send us a Text Message.
Meet Dan Berzansky, the friendly face behind Premier Aquatic Services! Dan's love for swimming started when he joined a summer swim league, and he eventually became an aquatics director. Today, his company offers a wide range of aquatic services, from pool maintenance to swim lessons, aquatic therapy and staffing agencies.
Dan is all about trust, delegation, and a hands-on approach to management. He believes in promoting water safety and actively advocates for drowning prevention in schools.
To help him manage his business, Dan relies on digital tools like note-taking apps and his own app, OneTeam360! He's a tech-savvy guy and knows the importance of integrating technology to deliver high-quality services to his clients.
If you're thinking of developing an app, Dan suggests working with an experienced consultant to get the best results. He's happy to share his experience, but warns that it can be a long and costly process.
Listen Up for great tips!
For more information on Dan's company, you can visit oneteam360.com!
Podcast Audio is also available on:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
Send us a Text Message.
Are you struggling to market your small business? This podcast is your secret weapon! We'll ditch the confusing jargon and chat about real-life marketing tips that work. From social media tricks to website magic, we'll show you how to reach your ideal customers and grow your business. But that's not all, we'll also share inspiring success stories, like the transformation of the Kids First marketing team. Tune in for actionable advice, relatable stories, and a sneak peek at our exclusive Boot Camp for the Children's Instructional Services industry!
Listen up and keep your small business thriving!
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
Send us a Text Message.
Feeling the Squeeze? Price Adjustments for Your Small Business
This episode tackles the tricky world of price adjustments for small businesses. We'll clear up the difference between adjustments (keeping up with inflation) and price increases. Learn how often to adjust prices, what factors to consider, and how to communicate these changes clearly to your customers. We'll even discuss how to help employees affected by rising costs.
Listen up and keep your small business thriving!
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
We're Back!We know it's been a while since our last episode, and we apologize for the hiatus. Life and business just got a little crazy for us!
But we're thrilled to announce that we're officially back!
In this episode, we'll be chatting about:
- Introducing the newest member of the crew. Welcome, Corey!
- What we've all been up to during our break from the podcast
- Why we decided to take a step back from regular episodes
- What exciting things we have planned for the future
We're so grateful for your patience and support, and we can't wait to jump back in and create some awesome content with all of you. Get ready for a new era of Small Business goodness!
Jen Books
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Megan Books
Employee Experience by Will Whitter
Corey Books
All Marketers Lie by Seth Godin
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
In this episode, Megan talks with two of her former camp employees who are both still current Kids First employees about the lessons learned from their employment at Kids First, their training process, the Kids First value system and more! A fun, light-hearted conversation that also displays the Kids First culture throughout the chat.
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
Through Covid and as business owners, we have all been faced with countless difficult decisions. Sometimes, those decisions may not align with our personal beliefs but as business owners, we are faced with making the best decision for the company, our clients and our employees. How do we navigate the decisions we must make work in opposition to what we stand for and believe in? That's what today's podcast will unpack.
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
This is Episode #7 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast!
Jen and Megan talk with Kim Tudor, Kids First's Controller about our Top 5 Strengths! The Clifton Strengths Gallup Assessment is a personality and strengths assessment used by many organizations today. We break down Kim, Jen and Megan's top 5 strengths and how they relate to our roles at Kids First!
To learn more about the Clifton StrengthsFinder, click here.
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
This is Episode #6 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast!
Jen and Megan talk with Casey Campbell, Kids First's most veteran Department Leader and the leader of our largest Kids First program. Casey runs our Tumble Bees preschool gymnastics program whose peak enrollment is 1600-1700 students weekly. We talk with Casey about our decentralized organizational structure, her personal mentors and how growth and innovation have impacted her time at Kids First on this episode of the Small Business Boot Camp podcast!
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
This is Episode #5 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast!
Jen and Megan talk with Reece O'Hara, Kids First's newest Department Leader. Reece runs our Fly Kids Ninja & Parkour Academy which has quickly grown to 300 students in 8 months and began a competitive ninja team in January 2021. We talk about our culture, hiring practices, and more on this episode of the Small Business Boot Camp podcast!
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
This is Episode #4 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast!
Jen and Megan talk with Jeff Metzger, Founder of Metzger Gym Club Owners Boot Camp and Kids First Sports Center. This is the final part of a three part series with Jeff focused on the history of Kids First and Boot Camp, succession planning and carrying out an exit strategy as well as retirement and what life at Kids First is like without our 47 year President/Owner at the helm.
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
This is Episode #3 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast!
Jen and Megan talk with Jeff Metzger, Founder of Metzger Gym Club Owners Boot Camp and Kids First Sports Center. In this part 2 of a 3 part series, we cover succession planning and building your exit strategy from your business.
Episode #4 will be Jeff talking about retirement for Jeff and what that looks like as well as how Kids First is faring without their 47 leader at the helm.
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
This is Episode #2 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast!
Jen and Megan talk with Jeff Metzger, Founder of Metzger Gym Club Owners Boot Camp and Kids First Sports Center. In this podcast, we cover more historical information about the humble beginnings of Kids First Sports Center and how Boot Camp came to be! This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Jeff!
Episode #3 will be Jeff talking about succession planning and your business exit strategy as well as what 'retirement' looks like for Jeff!
Podcast Audio is also available on:
+ Spotify
+ Apple Podcasts
+ Google Podcasts
For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp, go to www.MetzgerBootCamp.com
This is Episode #1 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Woohoo!
Jen and Megan talk about Metzger Boot Camp, their roles at Kids First Sports Center and the future of this podcast!