Can your gym feel like family without turning messy? In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton shares how to build a genuine family atmosphere with standards, consequences, and clarity—so you’re loved and respected. He walks through the early years of blurring lines with friends-turned-staff, the painful lessons (including a real embezzlement case and what it cost), and the systems that now keep his teams connected, accountable, and drama-free. You’ll learn how to set role expectations, hold compassionate but firm conversations, and avoid the entitlement that burns owners out. If you’re a cheer gym owner, director, or coach, this is your blueprint for a healthy, high-trust culture that actually performs.
You’ll learn:
Where “family feel” goes wrong—and how to fix it with clear roles and consequences.
The difference between empowering staff and enabling inconsistency.
A simple framework for tough talks that protect standards without losing heart.
Why “loyalty without accountability is dependency,” and how to reset expectations.
