The Boosted Volunteer
The Boosted Volunteer shares the stories of volunteers from booster clubs, marching bands and school support organizations. From best practices on fundraising, to how to rally volunteers and order spirit wear, our guests provide useful insight on how to run a booster club like a champ!
Episodes

Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Booster Club Website Best Practices
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Highlights:(01:11) Importance of having a website for organizations, especially for selling items and sharing information.(01:56) Historical use of websites for communication now supplemented by apps.(03:03) Key functions of a booster club website: sharing mission, details about directors/coaches, volunteer support, and donations.(03:52) Importance of keeping websites simple and focused.(05:57) Ensuring website responsiveness across devices.(06:20) Importance of accessibility features like color contrast and dark mode compatibility.(07:03) Tips for updating content and ensuring multiple people have access to the website.(08:44) Ensuring clear calls to action are prominent and easy to find.(10:00) E-commerce integration for easy transaction processing and secure payments.(14:29) Using compelling hero images and tools like Canva for design.(15:36) Proper use of QR codes for printed materials and links for social media.(16:26) Tips for improving SEO with organic content, local information, and keywords.

Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Booster Season Kick Off
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
(01:29) Importance of understanding the club's mission, bylaws, and guidelines.(03:16) Treating the booster club like a business and using tools for communication, fundraising, and management.(04:27) Starting fundraising with local sponsors and social media outreach.(06:24) Accepting digital payments and ensuring the merchant account is in the club's name.(09:46) Setting realistic fundraising goals and evaluating the effort versus return of fundraisers.(13:17) Creating a budget, avoiding time-consuming low-return activities, and managing volunteers effectively.

Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
New Braunfels Marching Unicorns Fundraiser
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
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!
Highlights:
(04:12) - Discussion on the significance of booster clubs.(10:36) - Insights into Wurstfest and its challenges.(15:50) - Importance of visual presence in booster clubs.(20:15) - Coping with the 2020 challenges, including the pandemic and facility issues.(29:02) - Implementation of Booster Hub and overcoming resistance.(36:20) - Introduction of a professional bookkeeper for financial transparency.(38:00) - Jennifer’s personal motivation for dedicating time to the booster club.
Links:
LinkedIn: Jennifer (Delaney) MartinMentioned: Wurstfest

Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Simplifying Booster Club Payment Solutions
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wondering how to secure your funds?
Join host Robin Eislern 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 communication with customers.(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 VillarrealLinkedIn: Tracy RickmanLinkedIn: Clayton Clark

Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Preventing Fraud in Booster Clubs
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, Robin Eissler and Evan Eissler 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 BoosterHub'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.

Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
The Art of Sports Photography
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
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 photosLinks:Website: GLOSSY FINISH LinkedIn: Haim Ariav Instagram: glossyfinish Facebook: Glossy Finish YouTube: GlossyFinish TVTwitter: Glossy Finish

Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Tailgating and Concession Cooking Best Practices
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
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 BonnellMentioned: Waterstexas.com Buffbrothers.com Jonsgrille.com

Monday Aug 28, 2023
Monday Aug 28, 2023
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 Pepware 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/pepwearInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepwear/
Mentioned: Company Casuals

Friday Jul 14, 2023
Inside the World of Booster Clubs: A Chat With Kariann Bowles
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Friday Jul 14, 2023
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.
Join us as we uncover her role in the Booster Club, her other responsibilities outside of it, and the invaluable insight she shares about branding and consistency. Additionally, Kariann reflects on her experience running a Booster Club during the challenging times of COVID, drawing parallels between her business and the Booster Club.
Don't miss out on the valuable strategies she offers for effective communication with parents and organizing emails. Get ready for an informative and engaging conversation that will leave you inspired to take your Booster club to the next level!
Highlights:
(00:30) Juggling Multiple Roles: Booster Club, Family, and Business(01:54) The Importance of Consistency and Branding(04:05) Managing a Football Booster Club(07:35) The Importance of Work Groups in Booster Clubs(09:27) The Intersection of Branding and Personal Work(10:33) Challenges of Fundraising (14:19) Streamlining Operations with Booster Hub(15:42) Funding and Future Plans of FALCON GRIDIRON CLUB(19:26) Finding Parallelism between Business and Nonprofit Work
Links:Website: FGIC Board - Woodinville High School FootballLinkedIn: Kariann Bowles - FGIC Board — Woodinville High School Football Integrative Nutrition Health CoachInstagram: Kariann | Women's Midlife Health Coach (@kariannbowles

Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
The Role of Volunteerism and Community in Extracurricular Programs
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
When it comes to supporting extracurricular activities, parent booster clubs play a critical role in helping students thrive. Matt Norman, treasurer for Haines City Band Boosters, knows this firsthand. As a second-time booster volunteer, he has seen the impact that booster programs can have on students and their communities.
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.
Tune in now as Matt offers insights and tips for other booster volunteers looking to make a difference in their communities!
Highlights:
(00:10) Who Is Matt Norman?
(02:29) Haynes City Band Boosters
(06:02)Improving Parent Engagement and Leadership in Booster Club
(09:18) Volunteering as a Way to Stay Involved with the Community and Children
(12:57) The Impact of Volunteer Roles in Matt’s Life
(14:41) Biggest Challenge of Booster Club
(17:59) Matt’s Biggest Success
(21:14)Matt’s Favorite Moment in Role
(26:27) The Challenges of Being a Booster Club Leader
Robin Eissler Links:
Website: BoosterHub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-eissler-31bb7a36
Matt Norman Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewenorman/
Website: Haines City Band Boosters
Book Mentioned:
So Much More Than Cookie Dough