From Firefighter to Founder—How The CPR Guy Built His Business with YouCanBookMe

YouCanBookMe has been a game changer. I think it’s a good program. I like the way it works. I like the way that I’ve got it set up.”

- Jon Blank

In Roanoke, Virginia, firefighter-turned-instructor Jon Blank has been teaching CPR for more than 10 years. What began as a small side hustle has grown into a thriving business—The CPR Guy—offering lifesaving training across Virginia.

After a 26-year career as a fire captain, Jon now focuses on running classes, teaching everyone from daycare workers to first responders. His mission? To make CPR training approachable, practical, and even a little fun.

I try to have a good time when I teach. You’ll learn more when you’re having fun than when you’re bored. That’s kind of the key.”

But as demand grew, so did the challenge of managing bookings. Between back-and-forth emails, missed appointments, and last-minute changes, Jon needed a simpler way to keep his classes running smoothly (especially while working), and that’s when he turned to YouCanBookMe, a small business scheduling software.

Why YouCanBookMe: Jon's story

The challenge

Before discovering YouCanBookMe, Jon managed his bookings through email and memory—a setup that wasn’t sustainable as word of mouth grew and more clients started reaching out.

I kept missing clients because I didn’t have the right setup.”

With inquiries coming in from different directions, Jon found it tough to stay organized. For someone balancing multiple commitments, it was easy for bookings to slip through the cracks.

If you and I email back and forth a few times to set something up for next Tuesday, there’s a good chance it won’t actually make it onto my calendar. That’s why I tell everyone to just use YouCanBookMe, it puts the booking exactly where it needs to go, and I can’t mess it up.”

The solution

After finding YouCanBookMe, Jon finally had a system that worked as hard as he did.

Every booking, reminder, and follow-up now runs automatically—so he can spend his time teaching, not chasing messages.

I can just say, ‘Okay, you can go on my website and see my availability.’ They can do it on their time, and you don’t have to sit there on a phone and figure it out.”

Instead of juggling texts, emails, and calendars, clients simply pick a time that fits. YouCanBookMe handles the rest—from sending reminders to blocking out time in Jon’s calendar.

He’s even added buffers between classes to give himself enough travel time between sessions:

I use a 90-minute buffer because anything in Roanoke is generally about 30 minutes apart.”

And with automatic reminders in place, no-shows are nearly nonexistent.

“I don’t have many no-shows because I’ve got it set up to where it really bugs them with reminders.”

The outcome

Today, The CPR Guy runs like clockwork. What used to take multiple back-and-forth messages now happens seamlessly online. Clients book directly, get automated confirmations, and show up prepared—every time.

YouCanBookMe has been a game changer. I think it’s a good program. I like the way it works. I like the way that I’ve got it set up.”

By automating his admin, Jon’s freed up time not only for the work he actually enjoys—teaching, creating, and growing his business—but also for time with family.

And the results speak for themselves: no missed bookings and no manual scheduling.

I started off with the free version before moving to a paid plan. The paid version wasn’t expensive, so I would definitely recommend it.”

Save time like Jon with YouCanBookMe

Whether you’re managing client sessions, lessons, or consultations, YouCanBookMe keeps your bookings organized and your calendar under control—just like it does for Jon.

Deep dive into Jon's booking page

Jon's booking page

Jon’s booking page does all the heavy lifting. With his logo, colors, and custom form fields, every detail reflects his brand and keeps scheduling simple.

He offers multiple appointment types—all on one page—so students can easily choose the class that fits their needs.

His booking form collects essential details like travel address and uses clear dropdown questions for course type and number of students, making the process simple for every booker. It’s a setup that saves Jon time while giving clients a seamless experience from start to finish.

✨ Bonus ✨ Learn from the pros—Jon’s top business advice

Looking back, Jon’s biggest lesson is simple: don’t wait—just get started.

I'd probably have branched out and taken risks quicker. It’s been a good business. I’ve had close to seven or eight hundred people this year alone, so it’s a decent little side hustle.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Jon started small—juggling clients, emails, and a growing list of to-dos. His takeaway? Take action, stay consistent, and keep improving—because that’s how good ideas turn into great businesses.

Simplifying scheduling, one life-saving class at a time

Jon Blank isn’t just teaching CPR—he’s helping people feel prepared when it matters most. With YouCanBookMe automating the logistics, he’s freed up time to focus on what really counts: empowering others with life-saving skills.

From missed emails to seamless scheduling, Jon’s journey proves that when the right tools handle the details, you get to spend more time doing what you love—and less time worrying about what’s next.

Ready to see how YouCanBookMe can help you do the same? Start your free trial today.