CPR to CEO
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.
Episodes
10 episodes
How to Get Corporate Clients
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 coun...
Building Your Lifesaving Brand
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 reputa...
How to Become a Lifeguard Instructor
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, o...
How to Get Repeat Customers for Your CPR Classes
In this follow-up to our marketing episode, Dave Kotz dives into what really turns a one-time CPR student into a loyal, repeat customer. Spoiler: it’s not just about the curriculum—it’s about how you deliver it. From professional polish to time...
How to Fill Your Classes
In this must-listen episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz lays out the foundational marketing strategies that will get people into your classes—and keep them coming. Whether you're just launching your CPR business or looking to boost attend...
How to Price Your Classes and Why
Pricing your CPR classes can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. But in this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz lays out a clear, practical approach to help you find that pricing sweet spot—so you’re not just filling se...
4 Common Pitfalls New Lifesaving Business Owners Face
In this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz shares the four most common missteps that new CPR instructors and training business owners make—and how to avoid them from the jump. Whether you're just starting your side hustle or scaling your...
The Must-Have Tools for Running Your CPR Business
In this equipment-packed episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz breaks down everything you need to launch or upgrade your CPR training setup—whether you're teaching one class a month or running a full-blown operation.From high-quality...
How to Choose the Right Curriculum to Teach: American Red Cross vs. American Heart Association
In this episode of CPR to CEO, Dave Kotz breaks down one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a CPR instructor: Which training agency should you align with—American Red Cross or American Heart Association? Drawing on over 20 ...
What to Expect When Starting Your Own CPR Training Business
Welcome to the very first episode of CPR to CEO! Today, we’re diving into what it really takes to launch your own CPR training business—from side hustle to full-on success story.Dave Kotz shares real-world experience and candid ...