The Boosted Volunteer
The Boosted Volunteer shares the stories of volunteers for booster clubs, PTA and school support organizations. From best practices on fundraising to how volunteer work has impacted their lives, our guests provide useful insight on running a booster club.
Marching Over to BoosterHub
November 5, 2024 • 14 MIN
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, host Evan Eissler and Robin Eissler discuss the major transition from Charms to Booster Hub for over 200 bands. They delve into the key differences between the two platforms, comparing the switch to moving from Windows to Mac. Charms, initially designed for band directors as an office management tool, contrasts sharply with Booster Hub, which is tailored for nonprofit booster club management and adheres to IRS rules on fundraising accounts. Robin highlights the advantages of Booster Hub’s live double-entry accounting system, which offers real-time updates and greater transparency, compared to Charms' basic ledger system. The episode also covers Booster Hub’s enhanced fundraising tools, such as “Booster Bucks” and QR-coded ticket sales, and provides practical advice on the transition process, including exporting data, importing student information, and setting up invoices. Learn how to streamline your booster club’s operations and save time - Tune in now!
Website Best Practices
August 22, 2024 • 19 MIN
Curious about how to make your booster club or nonprofit website stand out? In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, host Evan and Robin Eissler delve into best practices for building effective websites tailored to your organization's needs. Drawing from their extensive experience, they highlight the importance of simplicity, ease of use, and clear functionality. They discuss the benefits of using platforms like Wix and Squarespace for easy website creation, emphasizing the need for tools that are user-friendly and easily transitioned between different administrators. Robin points out how modern apps have lessened the need for websites to handle all communication, allowing them to focus more on public missions, donations, and sales. They also explore critical design elements, such as maintaining consistency in branding, using responsive design for various devices, and the strategic placement of calls to action. Evan and Robin stress the importance of keeping the website simple and avoiding unnecessary features like weather forecasts and social media feeds, which can distract from the site's primary goals. Security and ease of transaction processing are also covered, with recommendations to use PCI-compliant e-commerce tools that integrate well with the website and automate accounting tasks. The discussion moves to the value of custom domains, maintaining a balance between clarity and brevity in domain names, and the importance of SEO through the use of organic content and local identifiers. Tune in now!
Booster Season Kick Off
August 15, 2024 • 15 MIN
Want to know the best way to jumpstart your booster club’s season? Join host Evan Eissler and Robin Eissler in this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast as they discuss essential tips and best practices for running a successful booster club. As booster season kicks off, they delve into strategies for new officers to understand their roles, establish a clear mission, and build effective infrastructure using communication and fundraising tools. Robin shares insights from her own experience as a volleyball booster club president, highlighting the importance of setting realistic fundraising goals, leveraging local sponsorships, and adopting digital payment methods. She also addresses the significance of creating a budget, balancing time and effort in fundraising activities, and avoiding common pitfalls like fraud and unreliable volunteers. Robin emphasizes the need for flexibility and innovation, reminding individuals that just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. Ready to take your booster club to the next level? Tune in now!
New Braunfels Marching Unicorns Fundraiser
February 28, 2024 • 43 MIN
A year-round celebration of community and music with sizzling sausages fills the air. We welcome you to this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast. Get ready to embark on a vibrant journey into the heart of the community spirit and musical magic with your host, Robin Eissler, and special guest, Jennifer Martin, the dynamic duo behind the scenes of Wurstfest, unravel the enchanting tale of this unique celebration. Gain insights into leadership strategies, the importance of visual presence, and heartwarming stories that make booster clubs a vital force in shaping vibrant school communities. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Wurstfest community magic!
Simplifying Booster Club Payment Solutions
February 21, 2024 • 29 MIN
Wondering how to secure your funds? Join host Robin Eissler in this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, with the USIO team, featuring Julie Villariel, Tracy Rickman, and Clayton Clark, shed light on their role in payment facilitation services for software companies and businesses. As they navigate the landscape of choosing a payment processor, they caution merchants against hidden fees and complex contracts. Insights into Booster hub for club activities, clean billing statements, credit card fees, fraud prevention strategies, and personal anecdotes from large transactions to popcorn sale events enrich this insightful episode. Drawing parallels with Square and Stripe, they emphasize USIO's unique touch, offering personalized APIs and dedicated support throughout the development process. They also delve into the nuances between credit card and ACH payments, underscoring the importance of Nacha certification for ACH transactions. Tune in now! Highlights: (02:50) - Exploring USIO's role in credit card processing and its distinction from Square and Stripe. (06:10) - The differences between credit card and ACH payments. (09:57) - Tracy elaborates on USIO being Nacha certified. (10:56) - Clayton and Julie discuss best practices and potential pitfalls in credit card processing. (14:23) - The details of credit card fees and how USIO's fixed rate model works. (16:21) - Clayton explains card present vs. card not present transactions, emphasizing fraud and expenses. (17:54) Julie advises on fraud prevention, secure terminals, and customer communication. (19:54) - Best practices for online sales, including utilizing address and CVV fields and implementing rate-limiting. (22:08) - Secure point-of-sale terminals with encryption. (23:25) - Tracy’s story about a high-value credit card transaction. (24:53) - Team shares amusing anecdotes about unique credit card transactions. (25:29) - The impact of sports and extracurricular activities on personal development. Julie Links: LinkedIn: Jullie Villarreal LinkedIn: Tracy Rickman LinkedIn: Clayton Clark
Preventing Fraud in Booster Clubs
February 7, 2024 • 16 MIN
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, hosts Robin Eissler and Evan Eisler explore the pervasive issue of fraud within booster clubs. Sharing recent examples, they delve into embezzlement and financial misuse, emphasizing the detrimental impact on both funds and the overall momentum of these volunteer-driven organizations. They provide practical tips, including minimizing cash transactions, implementing robust approval processes, and leveraging tools like Booster Hub's check request features. Robin and Evan stress the importance of aligning processes with modern technology to prevent theft effectively. With Booster Hub's unique tools like check request features and reconciliation systems, they offer tangible solutions for booster clubs to fortify their financial integrity. Don't miss this golden opportunity to strengthen your booster club's financial defenses – listen now! Highlights: (01:55) - Example of a complex case in North Carolina where $200,000 was embezzled by booster club officers during COVID relief fund applications. (03:06) - Example of misuse of thousands of dollars from a booster club in Texas due to lack of checks and balances. (03:57) - Robin Eisler's personal experience with the risk of cash transactions and the importance of avoiding cash in booster clubs. (04:41) - The development of Booster Hub's tools based on personal experiences and the need for checks and balances. (06:19) - Example of a treasurer in Illinois keeping two sets of books and stealing $45,000 from an athletic booster club. (09:38) - Ways to limit fraud: minimize cash usage, verify logins with multiple people, review bank statements, and conduct regular audits. (11:53) - The importance of creating processes that align with current technology, having a budget, and conducting audits to prevent fraud. (13:23) - Booster Hub's tools, including check request features, cash tally sheets, reconciliation system, and admin settings for read-only access.
The Art of Sports Photography
January 24, 2024 • 28 MIN
Capture the moment that lasts a lifetime! In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, we delve into the world of sports photography with Haim Ariav, the visionary founder and CEO of Glossy Finish. It is a vibrant youth sports photography powerhouse, is all about creating unforgettable memories by capturing the raw emotions of sports moments. Their commitment to service shines through as they turn snapshots into lasting treasures for websites and marketing. Beyond the lens, they spice up fundraising with dynamic photo collections and build lively connections through social media groups. Dive into the adrenaline-charged atmosphere of a large-scale volleyball tournament, AAU, as Haim recounts the challenges faced amidst the chaos. Learn how Glossy Finish overcame hurdles, received rave reviews, and secured future invitations. From selling championship team photos to seizing diverse photography opportunities at AAU events, this episode explores the dynamic intersection of sports and photography. Don't settle for the ordinary – immerse yourself in the extraordinary. Don't miss the chance to relive your excitement – click, connect, and let Glossy Finish redefine your sports experience! Highlights: (02:21 ) The founding story of Glossy Finish and its mission to elevate youth sports photography. (06:45 ) The pivotal shift to a prepaid model and the success it brought to Glossy Finish. (10:24 ) Empowering local photographers to collaborate with booster clubs for mutual benefit. (16:39 ) Leveraging photography for booster club fundraisers: Banners, photo books, and more. (21:42 ) Navigating copyright and photo usage agreements for booster clubs and photographers. (24:45 ) Haim's craziest moments capturing youth sporting events (26:09) Logistics of photographing AAU volleyball with thousands of teams (27:47 ) Managing a team of 30 people during a massive event (31:11 ) Unique experiences at AAU events and selling championship photos Links: Website: GLOSSY FINISH LinkedIn: Haim Ariav Instagram: glossyfinish Facebook: Glossy Finish YouTube: GlossyFinish TV Twitter: Glossy Finish
Tailgating and Concession Cooking Best Practices
January 10, 2024 • 24 MIN
Passion meets the flames, and flavors unfold in unexpected ways. All of that is in this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast. Dive into the world of outdoor cooking and concession magic with Jon Bonnell, owner of Bonnell's Restaurant Group. As a chef and athlete, Jon highlights the importance of staying active and ensuring food safety. Discover the essential safety measures for tailgating, insights into managing grease build-up, and best practices for maintaining proper food temperature during outdoor events. He also shares experiences running a soup kitchen post-Hurricane Harvey and offers valuable tips for booster clubs on maximizing profits. Ready to spice up your business? Listen now and grill your way to success! Highlights: (01:45)Jon's involvement in charity work and community service (02:32)Outdoor cooking challenges and differences from restaurant cooking (07:18)Jon's experience running a soup kitchen after Hurricane Harvey (10:47)Tips for maintaining proper food temperature in outdoor settings (13:03)Maximizing profits for booster clubs through efficient food choices (15:19) Jon shares thoughts on flat tops and essential cooking equipment (16:57 ) - Handling payments at events and convenience of electronic transactions (18:50)- Menu suggestions for a high school football concession stand (20:45) - Jon’s journey into Ironman events and the importance of staying active. Links: Website: bonnellsrestaurantgroup.com Instagram: chefjonbonnell Facebook: Jon Bonnell Mentioned: Waterstexas.com Buffbrothers.com Jonsgrille.com
Unleash Your Booster Club's Potential with Online Stores and Strategic Merchandise Management!
August 28, 2023 • 31 MIN
In today's digital age, organizations are constantly seeking innovative ways to maximize their potential and reach their goals. For booster clubs, this holds true as well. Whether you're looking to generate more revenue, engage with your community, or simply streamline your operations, online stores, and strategic merchandise management can be the key to unlocking your club's full potential. In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, we explore the fascinating world of booster clubs. Our special guests, Charlie Spiegel, Andrew Hoskins, and Luke Weber from Pepwear, a renowned merchandise company, join us for an insightful discussion on logo wear and merchandise for booster clubs. Together, they delve into the advantages of utilizing online stores provided by companies like Pepware, which offer seamless management and efficient order fulfillment. They also share valuable strategies to minimize excess inventory and maximize fundraising efforts. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your booster club and watch it soar to new heights! Highlights: (02:22) Overview of Pepwear and Its Services (06:31) Simplifying the Process of Online Stores for Booster Organizations (07:50) Pros and Cons of Online Ordering for Booster Clubs (09:36) Efficient Merchandise Management and Fulfillment Process (14:55) Hybrid Model for In-Person Events and Online Purchases (17:26) Factors Influencing Product Choices for Booster Clubs (21:11) Understanding Screen Print, DTF, and Embroidery (25:30) Optimizing Size Selection for Events (28:30) Benefits of the Flow and Checkout Process (31:09) Resources and Recommendations for Custom Apparel (35:23) Quick Question About School Activities and Backgrounds Links: Website: https://www.pepwear.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepwear-llc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pepwear Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepwear/ Mentioned: Company Casuals
Inside the World of Booster Clubs: A Chat With Kariann Bowles
July 14, 2023 • 19 MIN
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, we dive into the world of Booster clubs with our special guest, Kariann Bowles. As the secretary of the FALCON GRIDIRON CLUB and a personal coach, Kariann brings a unique perspective to the table.
The Role of Volunteerism and Community in Extracurricular Programs
June 6, 2023 • 25 MIN
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, Matt shares his experience managing the Haines City Band Boosters and discusses the challenges they have faced along the way, from documenting procedures to increasing parent engagement.
Taking Your Booster Club to the Next Level
May 23, 2023 • 16 MIN
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, we sit down with Robin Eissler, the founder and CEO of BoosterHub, to dive into her experience as a booster club president. From transitioning from a freshman parent to taking on the role of president to implementing changes in the club and handing over responsibilities to the incoming president, Robin shares her insights and tips for running a successful booster club.
Building Infrastructure For Good with Marsha Sray of East View Patriots Band
May 2, 2023 • 33 MIN
In this episode, we sit down with Marsha Sray, the President of East View Band Boosters, to discuss the challenges and strategies involved in running a booster club. From fundraising to volunteer recruitment, Marsha shares her experience and insights on how to make booster clubs successful and fulfilling for everyone involved.
Managing Risks For Booster Clubs with Kerri McDonald, CPCU at R.V. Nuccio
May 2, 2023 • 24 MIN
Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Kerri McDonald, a CPCU from RV Nucio and Associates. With years of experience in managing liability and risk for nonprofits, Kerri is the perfect person to talk to about the importance of insurance for PTA organizations and booster clubs.
Booster Club Non Profit Accounting Best Practices with Emily Meek, CPA
May 2, 2023 • 32 MIN
In this episode, we are thrilled to have Emily Meek, Chief Financial Officer of Mountain Parks Electric and founder/CEO of Skull Creek CPA, as our guest. Emily discusses the key differences between nonprofit accounting and for-profit accounting.
Parent Booster USA: Navigating The Federal And State Regulation For School Support Groups
May 2, 2023 • 37 MIN
In today's episode, we are joined by Drew Englund, the Chief operating officer of Parent Booster USA. We will explore how one organization, Parent Booster USA, is helping school groups navigate these challenges. We'll discuss the resources they offer, membership services for tax exemption, and the benefits of obtaining tax-exempt status and incorporating liability protection and tax avoidance.
Volunteering: The Ultimate Act of Kindness with Brett Dew of Lady Eagles Volleyball
May 2, 2023 • 30 MIN
In today's episode of The Boosted Volunteer, we are joined by Brett Dew. He is the president of the Lady Eagles volleyball program and the owner of Blaze Medical. He has also volunteered with the local FFA and is active in other community organizations.