The Boosted Volunteer

Ever wondered what it takes to get a high school band to perform at the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? 
Join host Robin Eissler on this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast as she sits down with Brent Biskup and Jana Harvey, the band directors of Flower Mound High School, to discuss the incredible journey behind this unforgettable event.
From navigating the careful application process two years in advance, to organizing logistics for 400 students, this episode discussed the complexities of pulling off such a huge achievement. Brent and Jana share the challenges of training students for parade marching, organizing subway trips in New York City, and managing demanding rehearsal schedules, all while balancing the cost and fundraising efforts needed to make the dream a reality. 
Discover how 31 dedicated parent volunteers played a crucial role, the lessons learned during the process, and the unforgettable moments the team experienced from the excitement of stepping into the parade lineup to the surreal feeling of performing live on national television.
“I’ll never forget turning to the kids at the ready line, waving, and saying, ‘Good luck. Be amazing. Their faces in that moment said it all” - Jana
"When they opened the gates and pushed us onto the parade route, it hit me—this is really happening." - Brent
Whether you're a band enthusiast, a booster club member, or just someone who loves hearing behind the scenes stories of dedication and teamwork, this episode will inspire and amaze. 
Tune in now and learn what it truly takes to make magic happen on the streets of New York!
(00:54) Taking 400 kids to New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024
(03:16) How Flower Mound High School secured their spot in the Macy’s Parade 2024 through a careful application process.
(04:27) Insights into fundraising efforts, including scholarships, community support, and managing a $3,600-per-student cost.
(08:23) Fundraising strategies for large events within 501(c)(3) guidelines.
(10:53) Preparing students for parade marching, including retraining techniques.
(19:20) Managing schedules and priorities during the busiest month of the year.
(25:14) Memorable moments from the parade and reflections on the experience.
 

Can you turn your booster club printing into a revenue generator?In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, Robin Eissler is joined by Jason, a seasoned volunteer coordinator with extensive experience in nonprofit management. Together, they dive into the essential elements of successful volunteer engagement, exploring strategies for recruitment, retention, and the creation of meaningful volunteer experiences. Jason shares insightful tips on how to leverage community partnerships, overcome common challenges, and implement best practices for maximizing impact. Whether you’re a new volunteer manager or a veteran looking to refresh your approach, this episode offers valuable advice to enhance your volunteer program.In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, Robin Eissler is joined by Jason Tuggle, owner of 360 Press Solutions and club sport entrepreneur. Together they dive into the world of printing. Whether it be yard signs for marching bands, programs for football games or other printed material, they detail the do's and don'ts of each type. Learn how to get your projects printed with the best quality at how to keep costs at a minimum. Also, learn how to make your printing projects a fundraiser rather than a cost.Tune in to discover actionable insights and practical strategies that can help you manage costs and increase revenue with your booster club printing projects.Highlights:(01:34) Overview of 360 Press Solutions, detailing different types of printing services offered.(02:14) How marketing materials for Country Fire Volleyball integrate with Jason's commercial printing work.(03:10) Explanation of digital vs. offset printing, and their applications for short and large runs.(04:28) The large and wide format printing for banners, yard signs, and cutouts.(05:11) Comparison between local print shops and online printing services, with advice on choosing the right option.(06:00) Pitfalls of online printing, including potential issues with file formats and design.09:05) Various types of printing projects for booster clubs, including yard signs, game day programs, and decals(10:25) Challenges of media guide layout and the benefits of consulting with experts.(12:26) Importance of providing clear guidelines for ad submissions to avoid issues with print quality.(13:17) Tips for finding a competent designer, including experience with print design and proficiency in design software.(14:18) The difference between web and print design.(15:30) Recommendations for cost-saving measures and the benefits of incorporating sponsors into printed materials.(16:54) Examples of unique and creative custom printing projects, including large player cutouts and specialty finishes.(18:27) Advice on building in extra time for potential issues with printing and shipping.(19:45) Key do's and don'ts of booster club printing, including seeking expert help, starting early, and budgeting.(22:33) Importance of providing a comprehensive list of printing projects to printers for accurate quoting and scheduling.(22:48) Suggestions for using printing to raise more money, including personalization and creative fundraising ideas.

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!
Highlights:
(01:57) The big differences between Charms and Booster Hub.(04:00) Charms and Booster Hub Accounting Differences(06:28) Individual Fundraising: Booster Hub doesn’t track individual fundraising accounts to comply with IRS rules but uses Booster Credits for discounts.(09:42)Transition Steps: Export data from Charms, import into Booster Hub, and set up accounting balances.(11:15) Booster Hub Benefits(12:46) Simplification: Transitioning to Booster Hub saves time and streamlines operations for nonprofit booster clubs.

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.

(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.

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

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

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.

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

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