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CPR to CEO

CPR to CEO

By: David Jacobs Kotz
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About this listen

CPR to CEO is the go-to podcast for CPR and Lifeguard instructors ready to build thriving, life-saving education businesses. Hosted by Dave Kotz — founder of the National Safety Training Center and veteran American Red Cross and AHA instructor — this show is designed for current and aspiring entrepreneurs who teach American Red Cross and American Heart Association programs.

Whether you're running your own classes or dreaming of launching your training agency, you'll get real-world advice, smart business strategies, and insider tips to grow your impact and income. From scheduling your first class to scaling a multi-state operation, we cover the tools, stories, and lessons that matter — all from folks who’ve been in your rescue-ready shoes.

Turn your teaching into a business. Turn your mission into a movement. Welcome to CPR to CEO.

© 2025 CPR to CEO
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Episodes
  • How to Get Corporate Clients
    May 6 2025

    In this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz shares the roadmap to landing your first corporate client—and why it could be a game-changer for your training business. From dental offices to gyms to regional restaurant chains, there are countless industries that need CPR training. The trick is knowing how to approach them, how to speak their language, and how to make yourself indispensable.

    Whether you’re just starting out or want to diversify your client base, this episode breaks it all down into clear, practical steps you can start taking today.

    You’ll Learn:

    • Who Counts as a Corporate Client
    • How to Pick an Industry That Fits You
    • What Sets Corporate Training Apart
    • Communication and Follow-Up Best Practices
    • Pricing and Scheduling Considerations
    • How to Build Long-Term Corporate Partnerships

    Quick Story:
    Dave highlights real-world examples of how understanding a company’s “pain points”—like dentist offices with limited scheduling flexibility—can help you design offerings they can’t say no to. He also shares how consistent follow-up has kept some clients loyal for over 20 years.

    Action Challenge:
    Reach out to three local businesses this week that you know and have insight into. Whether it’s a gym, a physical therapy clinic, or a school office—pitch your services, focus on how you can solve their problems, and see where the conversation goes.

    📱 Follow @CPRtoCEO on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
    🌐 Learn more at: www.CPRtoCEO.com
    💬 Share your corporate outreach success using #CPRtoCEO

    Thanks for tuning in to CPR to CEO—where boots-on-the-ground experience meets boardroom strategy. Whether you're saving lives or building empires, we’re here to help you breathe life into your leadership journey. If today’s episode sparked something in you, share it, review it, and keep the momentum going.

    Catch more behind-the-scenes, bonus tips, and full episodes on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—just search @CPRtoCEO.

    For resources, training, or to connect with our team, visit: www.CPRtoCEO.com

    🛑 Disclaimer: The insights, strategies, and stories shared on CPR to CEO are for educational and informational purposes only. We don’t guarantee wealth, business success, or life transformation by applying anything from this podcast. Your results depend on your work ethic, decisions, and unique circumstances.

    Stay safe. Stay sharp. See you next time.

    —Dave Jacobs Kotz

    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Building Your Lifesaving Brand
    May 6 2025

    In this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz dives into what makes a CPR business memorable—and profitable—in a saturated market. Spoiler: it's not just your logo. Your brand identity is everything from your visual style and service reputation to your community presence and the way you answer a phone call. If you're ready to stand out and become the go-to name in lifesaving education, this is where you start.

    You’ll Learn:

    • Why Branding Matters in CPR Training
    • The Elements of a Strong Brand Identity
    • How to Build Trust Through Community Engagement
    • Why You Are the Brand
    • Tips to Make Your Business Memorable

    Quick Story:
    Dave walks through the power of brand identity with a real-world example: a single community day event where a professional booth and a solid first impression led to long-term corporate business. You never know who’s watching—and your brand speaks even when you’re not.

    Action Challenge:
    Write down your brand’s mission and your unique value proposition. What makes you different? What do you want your community to remember when they hear your business name? If you're feeling brave, share it in the comments so we can all learn and grow together.

    📱 Follow @CPRtoCEO on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
    🌐 Learn more at: www.CPRtoCEO.com
    💬 Drop your brand mission with #CPRtoCEO and inspire the community

    Thanks for tuning in to CPR to CEO—where boots-on-the-ground experience meets boardroom strategy. Whether you're saving lives or building empires, we’re here to help you breathe life into your leadership journey. If today’s episode sparked something in you, share it, review it, and keep the momentum going.

    Catch more behind-the-scenes, bonus tips, and full episodes on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—just search @CPRtoCEO.

    For resources, training, or to connect with our team, visit: www.CPRtoCEO.com

    🛑 Disclaimer: The insights, strategies, and stories shared on CPR to CEO are for educational and informational purposes only. We don’t guarantee wealth, business success, or life transformation by applying anything from this podcast. Your results depend on your work ethic, decisions, and unique circumstances.

    Stay safe. Stay sharp. See you next time.

    —Dave Jacobs Kotz

    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • How to Become a Lifeguard Instructor
    May 6 2025

    Welcome to the kickoff of the CPR to CEO's Lifeguard Trainer Series! In this episode, Dave Kotz breaks down everything you need to know about becoming a certified lifeguard instructor—whether you're a seasoned guard ready to step up, or someone looking to add a rewarding (and flexible) role to your career portfolio.

    Drawing from decades of experience training lifeguards, instructors, and instructor trainers across the U.S., Dave walks you through the good, the challenging, and the truly life-changing parts of becoming a lifeguard instructor.

    You’ll Learn:

    • What a Lifeguard Instructor Actually Does
    • Who Should Become One (and Why)
    • Training Requirements and Time Commitment
    • Costs, Materials, and What’s Included
    • Teaching Skills vs. Lifeguarding Skills
    • Career Opportunities (Full-Time, Part-Time, and Side Hustles)
    • How to Succeed in the Instructor Course
    • Common Mistakes New Instructors Make
    • The Power of Co-Teaching
    • How to Grow from Good to Great

    Quick Story:
    Dave shares the inspiring moment he helped a nervous new instructor find her voice—she’s now a top-tier trainer more than a decade later. Proof that belief, preparation, and mentorship can change your career trajectory.

    Action Challenge:
    If you're considering becoming a lifeguard instructor, take the next step today. Visit www.CPRtoCEO.com to download our Lifeguard Instructor Starter Kit and get a feel for what it takes to dive in.

    📱 Follow @CPRtoCEO on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
    🌐 Explore resources: www.CPRtoCEO.com
    💬 Got a lifeguarding story or question? Drop it in the comments or use #CPRtoCEO

    Thanks for tuning in to CPR to CEO—where boots-on-the-ground experience meets boardroom strategy. Whether you're saving lives or building empires, we’re here to help you breathe life into your leadership journey. If today’s episode sparked something in you, share it, review it, and keep the momentum going.

    Catch more behind-the-scenes, bonus tips, and full episodes on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—just search @CPRtoCEO.

    For resources, training, or to connect with our team, visit: www.CPRtoCEO.com

    🛑 Disclaimer: The insights, strategies, and stories shared on CPR to CEO are for educational and informational purposes only. We don’t guarantee wealth, business success, or life transformation by applying anything from this podcast. Your results depend on your work ethic, decisions, and unique circumstances.

    Stay safe. Stay sharp. See you next time.

    —Dave Jacobs Kotz

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins

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