Pulse Protect: Built to Save Lives

What if one ordinary decision could save a life? Most people think this is a book about CPR. It isn't. It's a book about purpose. It's about faith, family, resilience, and discovering that the greatest missions often begin with the smallest steps. When a global pandemic transformed Sid and Rizza Cortez's dream wedding into an intimate ceremony, they made an unexpected decision. Instead of spending the remaining money on a honeymoon or new furniture, they purchased CPR mannequins and turned the garage of their Bay Point, California home into their very first classroom. What began with one student soon became something much bigger. From teaching family and friends to earning referrals from local dental offices, from building a trusted team of instructors to developing systems that allowed the organization to grow, Pulse Protect became more than a CPR training company—it became a mission dedicated to preparing ordinary people for extraordinary moments. But the journey began even earlier. As an eleven-year-old immigrant from the Philippines, Sid learned firsthand the importance of faith, perseverance, and adapting to a new life. Years later, after the heartbreaking loss of his Uncle Manny to sudden cardiac arrest, he and Rizza found a calling: helping ensure that more people would know what to do when every second counts. In Pulse Protect: Built to Save Lives, Sid shares the lessons learned from building both SKZ Vending, which grew from a single vending machine into a successful business serving hundreds of locations, and Pulse Protect CPR & Safety Training, where business principles, leadership, and a heart for service came together to create lasting impact. Inside you'll discover: • How small beginnings can lead to extraordinary opportunities • Why purpose matters more than profit—and how both can work together • The leadership principles behind building a strong, values-driven team • Why character always outweighs credentials • How systems create freedom and sustainable growth • The importance of faith, resilience, and trusting God through uncertainty • Real stories of lives touched because someone was prepared to step forward Whether you're an entrepreneur, healthcare professional, CPR instructor, educator, leader, or someone searching for purpose, this book will inspire you to build something that truly matters. You don't have to change the world overnight. You simply have to be willing to invest in one person. One student. One class. One life. One legacy. Join the mission—and discover how one ordinary beginning can create an extraordinary legacy.