The Boosted Volunteer

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 

Resources: Jason Stover

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

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:

Ready to Try It?

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:

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:

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:

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:

Managing your booster club’s finances just got easier! 

In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler talks with Kyle Ruschman, VP of Sales and Business Development at USIO, to explore how prepaid debit card solutions—like Akimbo cards—are transforming nonprofit financial management.

Kyle shares his expertise on how these cards provide real-time control, reduce reimbursement hassles, and enhance financial security for booster clubs and other nonprofit organizations. With a quick online application process and approvals in as little as one to two days, clubs can start managing their funds efficiently—right from their Booster Hub account.

Plus, Kyle brings his personal experience as a youth sports parent and coach, offering insight into the real-world benefits of streamlining financial transactions for organizations supporting kids' activities. 

If you’re looking for a smarter way to allocate funds, eliminate personal reimbursements, and maintain transparency in spending, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

Running a successful Booster Club isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about avoiding costly mistakes! In this episode of Boosted Volunteer, hosts Evan and Robin Eisler dive into the Top 10 Booster Club Blunders that can hold your organization back.

From failing to invest in the right tools to common fundraising missteps (like the T-shirt trap!), Evan and Robin share real-life examples and practical solutions that can help you streamline operations, maximize fundraising, and keep volunteers engaged.   

Learn why spending on admin costs can actually boost your bottom line, how to avoid inventory nightmares, and the secret to getting parents to actually show up when you ask for help. 

Key Takeaways:

Robin Eissler Links:

Many fundraising platforms advertise themselves as "free," but are they truly cost-free? 

In this episode of Booster Volunteer Podcast, hosts Evan and Robin Eissler uncover the hidden costs behind these so-called free fundraising tools. They explore the structural differences between simple donation websites and peer-to-peer fundraising systems, highlighting common pitfalls such as high transaction fees, hidden tips, data-sharing concerns, and embedded advertisements.

Evan and Robin provide a practical guide to evaluating and choosing between free, legacy, and modern low-cost fundraising tools. They emphasize the importance of understanding transaction fees, promotional capabilities, and data privacy, ensuring a true apples-to-apples comparison of costs and benefits. Despite the appeal of free platforms, they reveal how these tools often impose higher costs through optional tips and limited visibility, ultimately impacting user engagement and fundraising success.

Additionally, they discuss the evolution of fundraising technology and the benefits of involving students in data collection to enhance engagement and results. Robin underscores the need for booster clubs to select tools that actively contribute to their fundraising efforts rather than simply appearing cost-effective on the surface.

Tune in to learn how to navigate the fundraising landscape and select the right platform for your needs!

Key Takeaways:

Robin Eissler Links: