The Boosted Volunteer

How safe are your student athletes and band members in the heat?
 
In this episode of the Boosted Volunteer podcast, host Robin Eissler sits down with Melissa Fortenberry, founder and CEO of HeatSense, to talk about the critical issue of heat safety in youth athletics and marching bands. From her personal experience as a parent to developing cutting-edge wearable technology, Melissa shares how HeatSense empowers coaches, parents, and administrators with real-time data to prevent heat-related illness before it becomes dangerous.
 
HeatSense combines a lightweight wearable with a powerful app and a coach dashboard to monitor athletes' vitals in real time, helping prevent heat-related illness before it becomes an emergency.
 
Key Takeaways
2:00 – The inspiration behind HeatSense: Melissa’s personal experience in the Texas heat.
2:37 – Three problems with current heat regulations: waiting for symptoms is too late, WBGT’s limits, and challenges in measuring core body temperature.
4:37 – How HeatSense works: non-invasive wearables, apps, and dashboards that provide coachable insights in real time.
6:00 – Alerts and customization: notifications for coaches, parents, and leaders to respond before students overheat.
7:02 – Marching bands vs. athletes: the added challenges of uniforms, asphalt, and turf.
7:55 – Empowering parents without “helicoptering”: how data builds advocacy and peace of mind.
9:10 – Team vs. individual solutions: how coaches and schools can monitor dozens of students at once.
11:26 – Advocating for better heat safety at schools: asking about emergency action plans.
13:00 – The future of HeatSense: personalization, prediction, and performance improvements through data.
15:15 – Lessons from high school sports: how soccer shaped Melissa’s resilience and leadership.
 
Resources: 
Website: https://heatsense.com/
Facebook: Facebook
Twitter: Twitter/X
Instagram: Instagram
Linkedin: LinkedIn
 

What happens when a passion for music, family, and community blends with strong leadership and smart fundraising? This week’s episode of the Boosted Volunteer Podcast, hosted by Robin Eissler, shines a spotlight on Jessica Enneking, Co-President of the Lakeville South Band Boosters.
With over 20 years of nonprofit experience and a deep commitment to giving back, Jessica shares her journey from parent volunteer to co-leading one of the largest band booster programs in Minnesota. From building a “band family” of 600 students and parents to launching creative fundraisers like the Band Breakfast Bonanza and their first-ever craft fair, Jessica offers invaluable insight into what it takes to keep a thriving music program alive and growing.
You’ll also hear how Booster Hub transformed their communication and organization, making life easier for both directors and families.
Key Takeaways:
(2:45) How Jessica’s early involvement prepared her for Booster leadership.
(6:11) The growth of Lakeville South’s band program and opportunities it provides.
(8:53) Why Booster Hub has been “life-changing” for communication and efficiency.
(10:06) Fundraising strategies: Band Breakfast Bonanza, silent auctions, raffles, and craft fairs.
(15:14) Defining roles between directors and boosters to align vision and reduce conflict.
(17:19) Creating structured board positions to encourage accountability and engagement.
(20:14) Celebrating a decade of passion and pride in competitive marching band.
Whether you’re running a band, sports, or arts booster, Jessica’s story is full of inspiration and practical strategies you can apply to your own organization.
 
Resources:  
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-enneking-lmft-b6888410/

When disaster struck his community, Justin McKenzie and the Comfort Area Foundation quickly realized that running a relief effort takes more than just good intentions. Managing donations, ensuring compliance, and coordinating volunteers brought challenges they hadn’t expected.
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, Justin shares how Booster Hub helped his team fundraise responsibly, stay organized, and maintain donor trust during a crisis. He also reflects on the lifelong impact of booster clubs, from his Friday night football days to his journey as an Ironman athlete.
 
Key Takeaways:
06:15 Why online fundraising is more complex than it looks — and common mistakes to avoid
12:48 How the Comfort Area Foundation navigated compliance, receipts, and transparency when managing donations
20:37 The role Booster Hub played in turning volunteers into an organized, reliable team
28:54 Lessons from Justin’s high school sports and Ironman training that still influence his leadership today
35:12 Why booster clubs are vital for shaping kids’ experiences and strengthening communities
 
Resources: Justin McKenzie
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmckenzie/

 
What does it take to build long-term infrastructure for a Booster Club that supports athletes, coaches, and parents?
 
This week, Robin Eissler sits down with Jason Stover, Vice President of the Eagle Touchdown Club in Prosper, Texas, and former officer of the Reynolds Athletics Booster Club. With experience leading clubs at both the middle school and high school levels, Jason brings a wealth of insight into what it really takes to build strong, lasting support for student-athletes.
Jason is a former military serviceman whose journey began in high school Junior ROTC, led to serving in the Army, and eventually transitioned into a career in IT. Throughout the episode, Jason shares how the sense of camaraderie he experienced in the military deeply influenced his approach to leadership and community engagement.
He also shares the key differences between managing general athletic booster clubs and sport-specific ones, how club needs shift between school levels, and why building long-term infrastructure is critical. Whether you're stepping into a volunteer role for the first time or leading a well-established board, this conversation is packed with strategies you can use right away.
Key Takeaways 
1:26 Jason’s start as a Watch D.O.G.S. dad.
2:51 Volunteering during COVID at Reynolds.
4:18 Booster clubs as a bridge for communication.
5:59 Challenges with scattered platforms.
8:22 Creating structure for parent engagement.
9:58 Switching to BoosterHub for consistency.
11:31 Building infrastructure that lasts.
13:47 Sport-specific support vs. general athletics
15:54 Fundraising: call-a-thons vs. sponsorships.
17:28 Differences between middle and high school clubs.
19:45 Jason’s advice to future volunteers.
25:13 Transition to Civilian Life: From Army to IT
27:27 Finding Community: The Importance of Connection
29:59 Gratitude and Acknowledgements
 
Resources: Jason Stover
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jasonstover
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stovieus
 

Struggling to get enough hands to help out with your booster club? 
You’re not alone. In this solo episode, host Robin Eissler tackles one of the biggest challenges Booster Clubs face: volunteer recruitment. Discover a practical, tested system that goes beyond just sending sign-up emails—because getting people to help isn't just about asking; it's about connecting.
Robin introduces the I-CHAT framework—a five-step volunteer recruitment strategy that’s already helping booster clubs around the country grow their volunteer base and strengthen their community. If you’re tired of doing it all alone, this episode is for you!
Key Takeaways
1:02 Why volunteer burnout is so common and how to set better expectations
2:52 The 5-part “I-CHAT” method to build a reliable volunteer base
I – Introduction: How to raise awareness of your Booster Club (2:52)
C – Contact: Why contact info is your most powerful tool (4:30)
H – Hype: Create emotional buy-in beyond “we need help” (5:45)
A – Ask: The 3-layered approach to making the right ask at the right time (7:08)
T – Thank you: Turning volunteers into future leaders (10:57)
15:28 The danger of the “Debbie Do Everything” syndrome
14:20 How to avoid cliques and create a welcoming culture for new volunteers 
17:14 Build a culture of 100% participation and track it publicly 
13:04 Why transparency in roles and time commitment breaks down barriers
16:54 Letting things fall through the cracks—on purpose—to spark change 
 

Tired of asking your community for another donation? What if your Booster Club could raise money every time someone shops online—without spending anything extra? 
This week, Robin Eissler welcomes Eric Peck, founder of FanFundU, a platform that turns everyday shopping into a sustainable fundraising tool for Booster Clubs. With 15 years of experience in loyalty programs and affiliate marketing, Eric shares how he built a system that allows schools to earn real dollars by simply guiding families to start their online purchases through FanFundU.
Eric explains how the model works, the kind of retailers involved (Nike, Expedia, Macy’s, and 500+ more), and how Booster Clubs can use it to reduce volunteer burnout and replace constant one-off fundraisers. You’ll also hear why this “set it and forget it” tool is perfect for reaching not just parents, but the broader community.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
2:35   How FanFundU works
3:28   Challenges and Benefits of Traditional Fundraising
4:01   Why traditional fundraising burns people out
5:46   Fan Fund U's Impact and Future Plans
7:01   Average earnings per shopper
8:06   How Booster Clubs get started
10:22  Club visibility and reporting
13:06  Big-name retailers on the platform
14:11  Building Community Relationships through Fundraising
Ready to Try It?Sign your club up today for free at www.fanfundu.com and start earning while your supporters shop.
Resources: 
Eric Peck | www.fanfundu.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efpeck/
Twitter: https://x.com/fanfundu @FanFundU
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567622018638# 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fanfundu/  @FanFundU

What do you get when you combine military discipline, musical passion, and multigenerational spirit? You get the Troopers Legacy Corps—an all-age drum and bugle ensemble committed to legacy, community, and lasting impact.
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler sits down with Mark Kincaid, fundraising chair and advisory board member of Troopers Legacy Corps, a proud extension of the historic Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps from Casper, Wyoming.
Mark shares how a one-time reunion group transformed into a sustainable, mission-driven organization that brings together alumni, families, and first-time volunteers alike. He walks us through his personal journey—from a military career to a leadership role in the Corps—and the challenges and triumphs of managing a diverse and passionate group of volunteers.
You’ll learn how Troopers Legacy balances urgent needs like new equipment with long-term goals like scholarships and endowments. From streamlining communication through BoosterHub to creatively engaging “age-outs,” Mark offers practical strategies and heartfelt lessons for any booster leader working to build something meaningful.
Whether you're leading a performing arts booster or launching a brand-new volunteer group, this episode is packed with inspiration, tools, and real-world insight.
Key Takeaways:
1:00 How Troopers Legacy Corps grew from a one-time idea into a full-fledged ensemble
4:16 Creating a space where members from ages 14 to 80+ can march together
11:06 Mark’s multi-pronged fundraising approach—from targeted appeals to affiliate links
18:17 Using BoosterHub to simplify logistics and engage volunteers
19:00 The reality of raising money now vs. planning for the future
21:01 Why booster clubs need to be run like a business
24:34 Mark’s proudest achievement: turning performance into purpose
25:00 Advice for new booster leaders: recruit strategically and think long-term
27:05 Upcoming performances and how the Corps is welcoming the next generation of alumni
 
Resources:
Website: https://trooperslegacycorps.boosterhub.com/home/8939
 

What happens when a high school band program says yes to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—with just weeks to prepare? You get a story of passion, partnership, and pushing past expectations. In this week’s Boosted Volunteer Podcast, hosts Robin and Evan Eissler welcome James Rees, Director of Bands at Grapevine High School, and Diane Pintar, Vice President of the Grapevine Band Boosters. Together, they share the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how preparation, community, and a little serendipity landed their high school band the chance to perform for none other than Post Malone, a Grapevine alum, at AT&T Stadium.
Together, they share how vision, collaboration, and sheer determination helped turn a last-minute request into an unforgettable, student-centered success story. They talk about the power of aiming high, manifesting more, and knowing when to say yes—and when not yet is the wiser move.
 
Key Highlights:
(03:57) The phone call that changed everything
(07:24) A whirlwind two-week timeline to showtime
(11:18) The logistics, community support, and behind-the-scenes hustle
(19:47) Why “do it” is the best advice for programs facing big opportunities
(20:59) When your vision outgrows expectations—and why that’s a good thing
(22:06) Balancing epic experiences with everyday responsibilities
(23:11) The art of leading from a place of “yes”—while managing real-world limits
(24:02) Final reflections and a challenge to dream even bigger
Whether you’re an educator, parent, or volunteer leader, this episode will leave you motivated to dream bigger and act boldly for your students.

Is your Booster Club working with your coach or against them without even realizing it? 
 
In this solo episode, Robin dives into one of the most common—and confusing—topics Booster Club leaders face: defining the relationship with coaches, marching band directors, and program heads. She explains how Booster Clubs, as independent nonprofits, can collaborate effectively while maintaining clear roles and boundaries.
Robin offers practical strategies—from holding quarterly meetings and setting budget boundaries to navigating privacy concerns and involving coaches in board succession planning. Her advice helps Booster Club leaders build strong, respectful partnerships that support student programs without stepping over the line.
 If you've ever asked, "Should the coach be in our board meetings?" or "Can we legally pay a coach?"—this episode is for you.
 
Key Takeaways:
[01:30] Booster Clubs are separate nonprofits—not owned by the school or coach.
[03:58] The program leader is your main partner. Build trust early.
[06:45] Hold quarterly meetings with coaches to align on goals.
[08:40] Clearly define what the Booster Club funds—and what it doesn’t.
[11:38] Respect privacy laws—don’t expect access to student data.
[13:15] Involve coaches in board succession planning.
[15:36] Conflicts often stem from misunderstandings—keep communication open.
[17:33] Set the tone early: Booster Clubs exist to support, not direct.
[19:03] Rebuilding trust takes time—start with consistent, clear actions.

Is Your Booster Club Ready for What's Coming?
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, hosts Robin Eissler and Evan Eissler discuss the evolving role of booster clubs amid upcoming federal and state educational regulations. They highlight the increasing importance of booster clubs to bridge funding gaps caused by potential budget cuts in schools. The conversation covers the history of booster clubs, strategies to maintain fundraising during economic downturns, and tips to ensure legal compliance and efficient budgeting. They also suggest collaborative efforts among different booster clubs and emphasize the necessity of a strategic fundraising plan.
 
Key Takeaways:
00:44 – New federal and state regulations may significantly impact schools — and Booster Clubs are on the front lines.
01:48 – Why Booster Clubs were created, and how their roles have grown as public funding shrinks.
02:20 – The growing disparity between high- and low-income areas in Booster Club support.
03:04 – What programs are likely to face the first cuts — and why enrichment activities may suffer most.
04:05 – Booster Clubs during economic downturns: why giving often increases when it’s needed most.
05:04 – How one Booster Club thrived during COVID by rethinking sponsor engagement and fundraising creativity.
06:33 – Challenges for low-income areas: weaker Booster Clubs, fewer resources, and greater need.
07:08 – Why clear communication with school districts and program leaders is more critical than ever.
07:36 – Legal watch-outs: Can your Booster Club legally fund staff salaries? Is your 501(c)(3) in good standing?
09:01 – Avoid donor fatigue: The importance of prioritizing impactful, high-return fundraisers.
Stay ahead of the curve! Share this episode with your board, review your legal structure, and plan your fundraising strategy today to ensure your Booster Club is ready for the changes ahead. 
 
Robin Eissler Links:
Website: https://www.boosterhub.comLinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-eissler-31bb7a36