What Other Leaders in the Industry Are Saying About Stephen Oliver

Stephen Oliver April 20, 2023

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The people quoted on this page are school owners, franchisees, promoters, champions and staff who worked with me directly. They talk about specific numbers, not general praise: a school that went from about 40 students to just under 200 in under two years, 180 enrollments in 90 days, four schools grossing over a million dollars in 18 months. I have collected them in one place so you can judge the record for yourself.

Key Takeaways

Joe Corley, Dave Kovar, Jeff Smith, John Graden, Tom Callos, Keith Hafner, Rob Colasanti, Mike McCoy and Chuck Norris are among those quoted here.
Larry Shealy grew Jacksonville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from about 40 students to just under 200 in less than two years, with about 150 schools licensed under his Kid-Jitsu/Team Wolfpack program.
Terry Bryan enrolled 180 students in 90 days, opened four schools and grossed over a million dollars in 18 months.
Mile High Karate franchisees and staff, including Jeremy Roadruck, Mark McGee, Frank Brown, David Dow and Sascha Williams, describe the franchise systems and support.
Chuck Norris credits the Sidekicks promotion, which drew CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX affiliate coverage in Denver plus Entertainment Tonight.
Readers of the book Everything I Wish I Knew When I Was 22 wrote in from the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Industry Peers, Consultants and Coaching Clients

“Stephen Oliver is one of those highly competent, hard working, visionary people who can literally make things happen by bringing all the resources he has to a project and by inspiring those around him to work synergistically in the effort. He consistently sees what is possible and works tirelessly for powerful results.”

Joe Corley, Pres, Joe Corley Karate | worked directly with Stephen at Martial Arts Professional Magazine

“The Maritial Arts Industry is my second career, and I came into it full time about 4 years ago, with a good business background…..but was 'clueless' when it came to doing business in the martial arts community. Shortly after taking my part-time hobby and making it a full-time endeavor after retiring from the Medical Device Industry, I partnered with NAPMA and Martial Arts Professional Magazine (advertising my trademark registered BJJ program for Kids and Adults) and my Kid-Jitsu/Team Wolfpack BJJ program has skyrocketed!! We now have about 150 schools licensed with Kid-Jitsu/Team Wolfpack, with over 300 traditional Martial Arts Instructors Certified to teach a Fundamentals of BJJ program for children and adults in their own schools.. My own personal school, Jacksonville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Inc. grew from about 40 students to just under 200 students in less than two years, and we are still continuing to grow. Stephen Oliver, in my opinion, is a business and marketing genius, and I am pleased with the results I have achieved by using his services, implementing a lot his ideas, and putting into play the ideas I have gleaned from his meetings and publication. Thank you Mr. Oliver!!”

Larry Shealy, hired Stephen as a Publisher in 2007

“Master Oliver is one of the most knowledgeable martial artist business owners I know, but he also is very down-to-earth in how he approaches business. While he is very educated he is also very practical and focuses on results, not theory – usually in our field it's one or the other!”

Greg Moody, Owner, KarateBuilt L.L.C | worked with Stephen at Martial Arts Professional Magazine

“Stephen Oliver knows the martial arts profession as well as anyone. He brings with him an amazing intellect and a unique perspective honed from years in the trenches.”

Dave Kovar, CTO, Kovars Satori Academy | worked directly with Stephen at National Association of Professional Martial Artists

“Master Oliver is one of the most forward thinking, innovative, and systematic men in the martial arts industry. He, and his organization, will definitely get your school going in the direction you need it too.”

Ron Achenbach, hired Stephen as a Business Consultant in 2004

“For fighters, their claim to greatness is determined by who and how many people they have defeated or knocked out in the ring. For martial arts business educators like Stephen Oliver, it is how many martial arts millionaires they have created. Based on this criterion alone, Stephen Oliver would be considered the greatest champion of all time. His martial arts school operations have been running at a high level for decades, and have yielded time tested answers to the questions of how run a successful business. His leadership and determination have helped his clients, be they Mile High Karate students, schools owners, franchisees, coaching clients or NAPMA members, place a laser focus on the best Operational, Marketing and Sales practices that lead to quantifiable results.”

Mark Graden, Dir. of Martial Arts Curriculum/ Video producer, The National Association of Professional Martial Artists | reported to Stephen at National Association of Professional Martial Artists

“Stephen Oliver is a walking business success system. Anyone who taps into his knowledge will be positively affected. He is able to see the weak spots in any business and give instant feedback on how to quickly correct key problems and enhance business operations.”

James Theros, hired Stephen as a Business Consultant in 2003

“Master Oliver is the best in the martial arts field.”

Art Mason, Owner, Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute worked directly with Stephen at National Association of Professional Martial Artists | hired Stephen as a Martial Arts in 2004

“I was in Master Oliver's Coaching for about 9 months in 2004. He is an amazing marketer and martial art professional.”

Stephen Oliver – Master-Mind – Elite Coaching Program

“Master Oliver is a great resource and help in the martial arts business!”

Greg Moody, Owner, Karate Built L.L.C worked directly with Stephen at Stephen Oliver – Master-Mind – Elite Coaching Program

Founder and CEO
Mile High Karate – Franchising

Mile High Karate Franchisees, Staff and Clients

“I have many chances to work with Steven and I can recommend him highly. If you need marketing or sales traing for your staff do not miss the chance to worrk with Steven. He has been a major reason my skills and staff have been greatly improved.”

Shannon Staats, Sales, General Steelwas with another company when working with Stephen at Mile High Karate – Franchising

“My experience of Master Oliver has been – and continues to be – of a man who is focused on the overarching theme of ‘the rising tide raises all ships.’ His dedication to developing, communicating, teaching, and inspiring professionalism in the martial arts is obvious to all who meet him. Master Oliver has both breadth and depth – within the marital arts community as well as in the realms of leadership development, sales, accountability, systems design, marketing, and communication (just to name a few!). One of the greats, and able to both talk the talk and walk the walk, he also has the confidence to explain the situation and let you come to your own conclusion and follow your own path as you see it, always the hallmark of a great teacher. Finally, I’ve also seem him give credit for who, how, when, and where the various systems, processes, and ideas have been developed that he uses today. A true innovator, I look forward to our continued relationship.”

Jeremy Roadruck, Franchiese Owner, Centerville OH, Mile High Karatereported to Stephen at Mile High Karate – Franchising

“Stephen was my mentor in the late 80's and helped me take a brand new martial art school and helped me enroll 180 students in 90 days and open 4 schools and gross over 1 million dollars in 18 months, and that was back when a million dollars was real money.:) Terry Bryan, President www.warriorwiz.com”

Terry Bryan, Owner, Any Offerworked with Stephen at Mile High Karate

“Stephen has become the leader in the Martial Arts Industry for Marketing and Developing Franchises! He is the modern day Guru of how to run a successful Martial Arts School!”

Jeff Smith, National Director of Training, Mile High Karateworked directly with Stephen at Mile High Karate

“G.M. Stephen Oliver has been a master at marketing for over 25 years. He has helped promote many martial arts films over his many years as the owner of the top martial arts schools in the Denver area. Recently he has helped with promoting Kung Fu Panda and the Hidden Kingdom nationwide, while assisting martial arts school owners build their business through his company NAPMA. He has devoted a great deal of his time in preparing a grass roots marketing strategy for our film the Red Canvas, which is scheduled to release 9/11/09.”

Les Connard, Owner, Red Canvas LLC | was with another company when working with Stephen at Mile High Karate

“I give direct credit to Master Oliver for my success as a multi-school owner and operator. Given his systems for every aspect of the martial arts business – IF you will implement them – you will have MASSIVE success with your own business. One big recommendation: Master Oliver has "been there and done that" so please implement the systems A to Z… don't pick what you think are the "sexy" systems or the ones that are the easiest. Do them ALL!”

Rob Tucker, hired Stephen as a Business Consultant in 1992, and hired Stephen more than once

“Stephen has an incredible vision in developing business owners to achieve their dreams. Being a MHK franchisee has enable me to stablize my income and to set a course for the future. I would recommend Stephen and MHK to anyone interested in having a long and financially prosperous life.”

Mark McGee, Franchise Owner, Mile High Karateworked directly with Stephen at Mile High Karate

“Stephen Oliver is a person who can see the big picture and help lead others to reach the goal(s) of the company. He also has a way to not only motivate employees, but to inspire them to lead others.”

Frank Brown, National Training Director, Mile High Karatereported to Stephen at Mile High Karate

“Stephen Oliver is an amazing businessman. I am a new Franchisee and I am SO glad that I joined his organization. With his help and guidance I am on my way to realizing my financial and business goals.”

David Dow, Owner, L.A. Budo Mile High Karate | was with another company when working with Stephen at Mile High Karate

“To whom it may concern I have known Stephen Oliver personally for close to a decade. He is an exceptional individual and business leader who I have learned to emulate over the years. His expertise is in the field of child development, and he is clearly one of the best in the industry, offering an unparalled character and leadership development curriculum for children and families. Currently, aside from being the founder of the very fast growing Mile High Karate franchise (by most considered to be at the forefront of martial arts program development for children), he is also the owner of NAPMA, the industry's leading support association (since 1994), and the publisher of MA Professional Magazine, the industry's leading magazine. Sascha Williams, Fresno, CA.”

Sascha Williams, Owner, Mile High Karateworked indirectly for Stephen at Mile High Karate

“I've worked with Stephen for more than eight years on a variety of marketing and publishing projects for Mile High Karate and his other business interests, and found him to be a savvy businessman and effective manager. Through those projects and contact with Stephen, I've also learned many things about direct response marketing and management techniques that have helped me with other clients.”

Gary Smith, Owner, Wells-Smith Partnerswas a consultant or contractor to Stephen at Mile High Karate

Promoters and Tournament Leaders

Promoter, National Sanction Director, Board Member
NASKA – National Sport Karate Association

“Steve and I worked together as members of the NASKA Board and fellow World Tour promoters. He is an exceptional businessman whose true love of running martial arts schools let him toward franchising and away from the competition promotion business. I believe Steve to be the premier martila arts school business adviser in the world today. He is someone I trust explicitly and always come to when I want advice for anything. I still regard him as a great promoter and it was a huge loss when NASKA lost his considerable skills. He still offers many great ideas to help promoters and events across North America. As promoter of the US Open, I value his advice and ideas to grow our sport.”

Mike McCoy, CEO, Pro Kick Productionsworked directly with Stephen at NASKA – National Sport Karate Association

Champions, Authors and Industry Figures

"During the last decade at NAPMA, I've worked with many of the top martial arts professionals in the world. Few have impressed me as much as our NAPMA Squared developer, Mr. Stephen Oliver. Though I've worked with Stephen for many years now, my brow is still constantly being raised by his extraordinary level of intelligence, his rapid fire creativity, his over-the-top marketing genius, his total understanding of our industry, and his proven ability to help owners – of every style – take their schools to the next level and way beyond. Folks – believe me when I tell you that Stephen Oliver is brilliant and he will do wonders for your school as long as you apply his teachings. This guy can show you the way and I strongly encourage you to learn all that you possibly can from him!" Yours in Success,

Rob Colasanti

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your efforts to develop a long-lasting relationship between EFC and KDOOA……. I can see why Nick has you on the Board.”

Chuck Norris

"Steve was the most help of anyone in the country in promoting our movie – Side Kicks – I want to recognize and thank him”

Chuck Norris

Note: His visit was covered by CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX Affiliates here in Denver and Interviews filmed at our martial arts school – with the school mentioned by name were aired city-wide. We also ended up on Entertainment Tonight and a host of radio shows. Additionally, we had so many people there that we had 14 Arvada, CO police men there directing the traffic!. Quite a PR accomplishment!

"Steve is going to take many school owners with him to the next level of running a school.

Don’t get left behind – his program will show you how to save thousands of dollars – And increase your gross – big time!

SEE YA AT THE TOP!

JEFF SMITH…AN OLD DOG AND STILL LEARN NEW TRICKS!!!"

Jeff Smith Retired PKA World Champion
Internationally Recognized School Operator

“Steve Oliver knows what he's talking about. There are few people in our industry today that have the educational background and the practical experience that Steve does. He's also way, way ahead of his time. Buy this program – read it —and profit from its ideas.”

Tom Callos

“When it comes to combining Martial Art marketing genius with the latest technologies. Stephen Oliver is the proven authority. Whether you are ‘technology-handicapped,’ like me, or have a strong technology background…..you need this program! Thanks, Stephen for presenting a Masterpiece to the Martial Arts community. I plan to recommend your program everywhere I go.”

Keith Hafner

www.karateisgoodforyou.com
#1 Martial Arts School operator in the United States
EFC Hall of Fame – and, Board of Directors

“Stephen Oliver has taken aim at a tough target–internet marketing–and has once again hit the bull's eye! He's made it a no-brainer for you. I strongly suggest that you learn from his rich experiences and follow his leadership into this next level of effective marketing. You'll be glad you did!”

Joe Corley

Joe Corley American Karate SchoolsOwner –Founder PKAPromoter of the Battle of Atlanta

“Long recognized as one of the sharpest marketers in the industry, it comes as no surprise that Stephen Oliver is the first to publish an excellent how to manual on marketing your school on the internet. It's Stephen's typical fashion, while the rest of the industry is just discovering the web, he has already written a book on it”

John Graden