Schoolownertalk.com With Allie Alberigo And Duane Brumitt

Episode Overview Most martial arts school owners focus on bringing in new students, but what if retention is actually more important than recruitment? In this episode, Duane and Allie break down the real cost of losing students, how to calculate the true value of retention, and strategies to build a community that keeps students engaged for years—not just months. If you’ve ever wondered why your school isn’t growing despite consistent new enrollments, this episode is a must-listen! Key Takeaways from This Episode 1. The Real Cost of Acquiring vs. Retaining a Student Recruiting new students requires significant marketing expenses, including Google ads, social media campaigns, and events. Retaining a student is significantly more cost-effective and leads to a stronger school culture. Duane and Allie discuss how to calculate both costs and why understanding this metric is crucial for school owners. 2. Why Retention is the Real Growth Strategy Many school owners believe they only nee

In this episode of School Owner Talk, hosts Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo sit down with Ed Pizzo, the founder of Dually, an innovative competition platform that blends martial arts, technology, and community engagement. Ed shares how Dually allows martial arts schools to create virtual challenges, engage students, boost retention, and attract sponsorships—all while making competitions more accessible and exciting. Discover how martial arts school owners can leverage this gamified challenge system to motivate students, strengthen school culture, and even monetize through sponsorships. Whether you’re looking to run virtual tournaments, skill challenges, or interactive retention strategies, this conversation will spark fresh ideas for your school’s success. Key Takeaways: 1. Dually is More Than a Tournament Platform – It provides a voting-based competition system for martial arts, fitness, and other industries. Schools can host challenges, skill competitions, and gamified engagement activities for st

In this episode, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo discuss how to create a martial arts program that goes beyond physical techniques to focus on character development, leadership, and confidence. They emphasize the importance of teaching life skills that help students succeed not only in martial arts but in all aspects of life. Key Topics Discussed: • The purpose behind martial arts programs and how defining this purpose can shape a school’s culture and longevity. • The role of character development and how it impacts a student’s confidence, discipline, and perseverance. • Strategies to communicate the depth of martial arts benefits to parents to increase retention and long-term student commitment. • The importance of setting clear expectations for both students and parents from the beginning. • How leadership programs, public speaking training, and structured progress milestones contribute to student development. • The need for school owners to engage parents and create a community that s

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges martial arts school owners face—keeping students engaged and motivated from white belt to black belt and beyond. We explore common reasons students quit, the role of parents in retention, and how school culture and instructor enthusiasm play a critical role in student success. We discuss strategies for overcoming loss of interest, lack of progress, and competing activities, along with ways to strengthen the connection between students, instructors, and parents. From setting clear milestones to engaging parents in the journey, this episode is packed with practical insights on building a strong retention system. Key Topics Covered: Why students lose motivation and how to prevent dropouts The importance of instructor enthusiasm and engagement Strategies for keeping parents involved in their child’s progress The impact of setting clear goals and milestones How leadership programs and long-term vision increase retention Creating a st

In this episode, we dive deep into student retention strategies and how to transform trial members into lifelong students. We explore best practices in onboarding, parent engagement, and communication methods that keep students committed for the long haul. Key topics include: • The importance of first impressions and pre-framing expectations. • Engaging both students and parents for stronger retention. • The role of clear communication and human connection in martial arts schools. • The impact of structured onboarding and milestone celebrations. • Addressing common dropout reasons and preventing student disengagement. • The value of positioning martial arts as a lifelong journey, not just an activity. Join us as we break down the mindset and tactical approaches that lead to a thriving, long-term student base.

Want to grow your martial arts school, avoid burnout, and build a thriving leadership team? You’re in the right place! In this episode, Professor Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo break down the essential strategies for developing a strong leadership team that will help your school expand, retain students, and create future leaders. Key Topics Covered: Why trying to do everything yourself holds your school back How to identify and develop future leaders from your students The difference between a good instructor and a great leader How to delegate effectively and avoid burnout The importance of public speaking, decision-making, and leadership training How to create a school culture that fosters leadership and keeps students engaged Building a structured leadership pipeline can transform your school and impact students for life. Tune in to learn how to implement these strategies and take your martial arts school to the next level!

In this episode of Martial Arts School Owner Talk, Allie and Duane break down The Five Pillars of a Thriving Martial Arts School—the essential elements every school owner needs to ensure long-term success. They dive deep into: ✅ Defining Your Vision – Why having a clear mission is crucial for growth. ✅ Building Strong Leadership Teams – The power of mentorship and team development. ✅ Engaging Parents & Students – Creating a strong community inside and outside the dojo. ✅ Financial Mastery – Avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring profitability. ✅ Personal & Professional Growth – The key to staying motivated and avoiding burnout. This episode is packed with practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways to help you run a martial arts school that thrives.

In this episode, Professor Duane Brumitt reflects on his 26-year journey as the owner of TriStar Martial Arts. From starting with a passion for training to building a full-time business, Duane shares the ups and downs of running a martial arts school. Tune in to hear about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, his transition to focusing on life skills development, and his advice for fellow school owners on leadership, financial stability, and creating lasting impact. https://youtu.be/XXVAxf0Hqlo

In this motivational podcast episode, Professor Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo discuss practical and inspiring strategies to end the year on a high note. They cover goal-setting, effective holiday sales, reconnecting with students, running impactful events, and even balancing family and personal development. Plus, hear insights on maximizing martial arts business potential and fostering gratitude. Perfect for school owners and martial arts instructors looking to finish strong and set up for a successful new year!   Reference in the podcast: My Plan For Living To 156: By Dan Sullivan I Trained Like A Black Belt For 90 Days https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA7i0xdQVCs

In this insightful session, we explore the transformative potential of ChatGPT and AI in martial arts school management. Join Duane Brumitt, Shihan Allie Alberigo, and special guest James Bret Dunlap as they dive into practical AI applications—from automating marketing tasks to streamlining school operations. Discover how AI can save time, enhance productivity, and elevate the student experience. Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Resources mentioned: Make.com Lead Hunter Media High Income Skills Exceptional Classes

In this episode, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo dive deep into the innovative ways martial arts school owners can use ChatGPT to streamline their business operations. They discuss practical applications for marketing, student engagement, retention, content creation, and even time management. Discover how ChatGPT can save time, generate creative content, and improve communication with parents and students alike. Whether you're a martial arts school owner or just curious about using AI tools in business, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo welcome back digital marketing expert Gus Lopez from Lead Hunter Media. They dive deep into the latest trends in digital marketing for martial arts schools and how to navigate the evolving landscape. Gus shares invaluable insights on leveraging social media, AI, and content creation to drive student engagement and retention. Discover how a blend of paid advertising, personal branding, and innovative tools can help you grow your school and improve retention rates. Plus, learn about Gus's game-changing licensing system and how it can simplify marketing for school owners.

In this episode, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo discuss the critical importance of defining and communicating your brand message as a martial arts school owner (or any business). They explore how your message is more than just your style or art—it’s about the values, vision, and purpose that your school stands for. The conversation highlights: Understanding Your “Why”: Your passion for teaching martial arts (or any service) must align with your brand message. What do you want to achieve? This will help define your purpose and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Crafting Your Brand Message: Simplify and clarify your message. Whether you focus on leadership, family, or self-defense, your message should be consistent across all touchpoints—from your website to your in-class announcements. Tying Your Brand to Your Audience’s Needs: Knowing your target audience is key. What are their pain points, and how can you help solve them? If you're a family-focused school, for example, speak

In this follow-up episode, Shihan Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt continue their discussion on the critical topic of time management for martial arts school owners. They dive deeper into the emotional and practical challenges of running a successful dojo, covering strategies to deal with student attrition, maintaining motivation over years in the business, and adapting to an ever-evolving industry. Duane shares his time management framework—dividing time into on the mat, off the mat, free from the mat, and clean the mat—and emphasizes the importance of scheduling personal downtime to prevent burnout. The duo also discusses avoiding “time vampires” (those pesky distractions) and the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to focus on high-impact tasks that drive success. Listen in for practical tips on balancing personal life with the demands of running a martial arts school, including strategies for fostering community, empowering staff, and creating lasting relationships with students. Plus, hear about the tool

In this episode, Duane Brumitt shares his practical approach to time management, breaking down his schedule into four key categories: on the mat, off the mat, free from the mat, and clean the mat. He and Shihan Allie Alberigo dive into the importance of intentionally scheduling free time to avoid burnout, while offering actionable advice on setting boundaries and avoiding "time vampires"—those distractions that drain productivity. Duane introduces the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) and explains how focusing on the 20% of high-impact tasks, such as lead follow-up and student retention, can drive 80% of the results. They discuss strategies like time blocking and prioritizing high-value activities to ensure school owners stay productive without sacrificing their personal time. With more insights to share, they agree to continue this important conversation in a future episode. Tune in to learn how to take control of your time and boost your martial arts school’s success! 

In this candid episode, Shihan Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt dive deep into the day-to-day challenges of running a martial arts school. From student attrition to managing finances, they discuss the emotional toll of navigating the ups and downs of business ownership. Shihan and Duane share their experiences of losing long-term students, the pain that comes with it, and how they’ve learned to develop thicker skin while maintaining their passion for teaching. They reflect on how the newer generation of students and parents often allow children to quit when they lose interest, posing a challenge for school owners trying to instill discipline and retain students. As seasoned martial arts instructors, they discuss how their energy levels and teaching styles have evolved with age, and share strategies for transitioning from head instructor to business owner. Shihan emphasizes the importance of fostering camaraderie among instructors through team-building events, while both hosts highlight the value of havi

In this episode, Shihan Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt dive into one of the most significant challenges martial arts school owners face: student retention. While it's rare for students to stay with the same school throughout their entire martial arts journey, Allie and Duane share insights on how to foster deeper, more meaningful connections to keep students engaged long-term. Drawing from their decades of experience, they discuss the importance of creating a sense of belonging and value, getting to know students and their families personally, and creating a community through events and activities like movie nights, picnics, and progress review meetings. Shihan Allie also reflects on how the sense of reverence and respect for the martial arts has evolved and how instructors can cultivate this mindset in students today. As they navigate the changing landscape of martial arts instruction—including the increasing role of video demonstrations—Allie and Duane provide actionable advice for school owners to

From a thrilling virtual forms tournament to a cozy movie night featuring classic martial arts films, discover how these events aim to foster community spirit and engage students. Plus, get a sneak peek into other schools' celebratory initiatives and learn effective promotion strategies.

Dive deep into the essentials of retirement planning (Securing the Future) specifically tailored for martial arts school owners in our enlightening interview with Mike Bogdanski.  In this episode, Mike shares invaluable insights from his personal journey of starting early with retirement savings, maximizing IRA contributions, and the importance of working with trusted financial advisors.  Discover practical strategies to prepare for a financially secure future, including developing an exit strategy for your school and embracing different management styles for continued success.  Whether you're just starting your career or looking ahead to retirement, this episode offers crucial advice to help you build a robust financial foundation and transition smoothly into retirement. Tune in to learn how to make your golden years truly golden! Podcast Purpose Interview with Mike Bogdanski on retirement planning for martial arts school owners Key Takeaways Start saving for retirement as early as

Join us as we dive into the exciting plans and strategies for National Martial Arts Appreciation Month. This episode unpacks a month-long campaign designed to educate, engage, and expand our martial arts community.  Discover how we’re leveraging buddy days, video testimonials, and interactive seminars to deepen appreciation for the martial arts. We'll also discuss our innovative approach to using corporate sponsorships and referral programs to enhance participation and support.  Tune in to learn how we’re making martial arts more accessible and celebrated than ever before! Podcast Purpose Discuss plans and strategies for National Martial Arts Appreciation Month Key Takeaways Month-long campaign to promote martial arts appreciation and education Includes buddy week/days to bring in potential new students Leverages videos, blog posts, seminars, events to showcase martial arts Opportunity to raise funds via corporate sponsorships for t-shirts, etc. Ties into referral programs t