The Boosted Volunteer

Robin Eissler
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  • NON-PROFIT
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

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!

  1. 18 MAR

    Band Dads, Booster Culture, and the Truth About Running a Marching Band Program

    Ever wondered why marching band parents are some of the most intense, dedicated, and—dare we say—"cult-like" volunteers on the planet?  This week on The Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler sits down with the hilarious and insightful duo behind The Band Dads Podcast: Chris Flynn and Scott Lang. Scott, a former band director and leadership expert, and Chris, a data analyst and "super-volunteer," share their journey from confused bleacher parents to becoming the voice of band parents globally and talk about the unique world of band boosters, volunteer culture, fundraising, leadership, and why marching band may be one of the most demanding—and rewarding—activities for students and parents alike. Chris and Scott share how their own podcast, The Band Dads Podcast, was born out of a need to help parents better understand the marching band world—from scoring and competition culture to parent dynamics and volunteer engagement. Along the way, they bring plenty of humor, sharp insight, and real-world advice for booster leaders in any program. Whether you are a "Band Dad" trying to figure out a scoring sheet, a "Sports Mom" struggling to fill volunteer slots, or a Booster President dealing with a "territorial" cameraman, this episode is packed with wit, wisdom, and real-world strategies for running a successful nonprofit organization (because that’s exactly what a booster club is!).   Key Takeaways: 00:50 The "Batman" Moment: How a simple document explaining band scoring turned into a global podcast reaching 35+ countries. 07:23 The Oscar & Felix Dynamic: Why the "Odd Couple" pairing of a data analyst and an emotive band director makes for a successful partnership. 15:25 The Political Power of Band Parents: Why superintendents prioritize band needs during bond elections—hint: it’s about the 300 unified votes! 21:09 Is it a Cult? Scott defends his hilarious take on why the best booster clubs operate like a "cult" with shared values and beliefs. 22:11 The Power of FOMO: Stop shaming parents into volunteering. Learn why "Fear of Missing Out" is the most effective tool for filling your signup sheets. 26:47 Inclusion vs. Athletics: A deep dive into why band is "better" than sports for many kids—there are no benchwarmers in a marching band. 33:42 The "Band Director Whisperer": The secret to a perfect board-director relationship and how to set healthy boundaries. 38:18 The "Speed Round" Solutions: Scott and Chris debate everything from mattress fundraisers and mulch sales to why the Booster President should never speak at the concert. 52:15 Recruiting Dads: How to engage fathers by tapping into their existing passions (like tech, photography, or construction) rather than twisting their arms. 01:00:24 The Standard of Excellence: Why marching band is "as hard" as varsity football and why the older students teaching the younger ones creates a unique community.   References: Website/Podcast: www.banddadspodcast.com TikTok: @thebanddadspod Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lang-382ba82/ Social Media: Find them on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube by searching The Band Dads Podcast. Must-Listen Episode: Season 1, Episode 1: "Why Music and Why Does It Matter?"

    1hr 7min

  2. 5 MAR

    How Booster Clubs Can Elevate Social Media & Attract More Sponsors

    If your booster club’s graphics look inconsistent, outdated, or thrown together at the last minute… sponsors notice. And so do parents, athletes, and recruiters. In this episode of the Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler sits down with Becki Jacobs, founder of Team Mom Boutique, to share how booster clubs can create a professional, consistent, and sponsor-ready social media presence—without hiring a designer. Becki, a former corporate digital product designer turned youth sports entrepreneur, built Teen Mom Boutique after seeing teams struggle to create polished graphics from scratch each season. What started as cheer templates for her daughters’ teams has grown into full-season Canva bundles designed specifically for booster clubs, sports teams, and marching bands. In this conversation, you’ll learn how to stop “winging it” on social media and start building a simple, repeatable system that elevates your program. Key Takeaways 1:53 — Booster clubs often struggle with inconsistent graphics; reusable Canva templates eliminate the need to start from scratch each season. 5:24 — Canva is ideal for volunteer-run programs because it’s simple, collaborative, and easy to transition between leaders. 7:16 — A full-season bundle includes 78 templates covering registration, game days, player spotlights, and sponsor recognition. 9:52 — Focus on three weekly posts: upcoming events, recognition, and game results. 11:07 — Strong, well-planned photos are just as important as the templates themselves. 13:12 — Professional, consistent graphics increase sponsor visibility and renewal potential. 14:30 — A polished social presence helps athletes and programs stand out. 16:00 — Canva simplifies leadership handoffs and protects brand consistency. 17:47 — Start simple: post schedules, game days, and final scores—then build from there. Resources: Special Offer:  Use Code Boost26 for 10% off Website:  https://www.teammomboutique.com/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckijacobs/ Facebook & Instagram: @teamomboutique TikTok: Team Mom Boutique

    23 min

  3. 24 FEB

    AD Insights: How Booster Clubs Can Lead, Fundraise & Stay Compliant with Scott Garvis

    When a “game” becomes a full-blown event, booster clubs and athletic directors feel the pressure—more volunteers, more fundraising, more compliance, and higher expectations from fans and families.   In this Boosted Volunteer Podcast episode, Robin Eissler welcomes Scott Garvis, a Certified Master Athletic Administrator and Activities Director at Newton High School (Iowa), to break down what athletic directors need most from booster clubs today—and how booster leaders can build support systems that actually work. Scott shares why “people power” is the biggest challenge schools face, how to create a student-focused fan experience, and why structure, transparency, and compliance protect both your club and your community. Key Takeaways: 2:23 The Volunteer Gap: Scott discusses the 27% decline in volunteerism since COVID and why "people power" is the most valuable currency a Booster Club provides to an AD. 3:18 The Shift in Coaching: Discover why 70% of coaches now come from outside the teaching profession and how this changes the support they need from parents. 4:24 Making Moments, Not Just Games: Learn how ADs are shifting focus toward the "fan experience" and creating memories that stick with families long after graduation. 7:55 Student-Led Success: Why establishing a Student Athletic Advisory Council is the secret weapon for ensuring your fundraising and facilities actually meet the students' needs. 11:25 The "All-Sports" Umbrella Model: Scott explains why consolidating into a single 501(c)(3) saves time, ensures Title IX compliance, and prevents individual parents from facing unexpected tax burdens. 24:41 The Power of Local Loyalty: Why high school sports brand recognition outperforms NASCAR in customer loyalty—and how to use that to land sponsors. 34:10 Advice for New Volunteers: The single most "refreshing" question a new volunteer can ask their Athletic Director. Resources: Website: https://scottgarvisconsulting.com/ Beyond the Bench Podcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottgarvis

    43 min

  4. 3 FEB

    How The Band Mom (And Dad!) Doubled Their Volunteers

    What if your Booster Club didn’t rely on the same five people every single week? In this episode of the Boosted Volunteer Podcast, host Robin Eissler sits down with Sharon—better known online as "The Band Mom”—and her husband Jeremy, who ran concession stand operations for the Waxahachie High School band to unpack how they transformed concessions from a stressful scramble into a fun, well-run operation that volunteers actually wanted to be part of. From doubling volunteer participation to running concession stands like a real business, Sharon and James share practical, field-tested strategies that any Booster Club can use—whether you’re managing Friday night football in Texas or juggling shared facilities across multiple programs. This isn’t theory—it’s real-world Booster Club leadership from people who’ve done the work. Sharon and James show how treating concessions like a business and volunteers like valued teammates can change everything. Key Takeaways 0:30 Why this episode is for the few volunteers doing most of the work and how that burnout shows up in Booster Clubs. 1:27 Sharon’s journey to becoming the “Band Mom” and how long-term band involvement shaped her leadership approach. 4:00 What wasn’t working in concessions when Sharon and James took over and the common challenges most booster programs face. 5:47 How managing shared concession stands requires strong relationships with school staff and facilities teams. 8:27 The relationship-based strategy that helped double the number of volunteers. 10:20 Why a positive, fun volunteer experience keeps people coming back and attracts new help. 14:00 How assigning clear roles helps volunteers feel confident and reduces stress during busy events. 16:14 Using point-of-sale systems, inventory tracking, and credit cards to run concessions like a real business. 20:21 How creative, limited-time menu items help build excitement and boost concession sales. 22:07 Why adding drink-only lines improved speed, sales, and the overall fan experience.   Resources:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealbandmom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbandmom/?hl=en Website: https://therealbandmom.com/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebandmom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealBandMom

    39 min

  5. 22 JAN

    Bridging the Gap: Why Strong Booster Clubs are the Secret to Athletic Success with Jake von Scherrer

    What do athletic directors really need from booster clubs—and where do things most often go wrong? With more than 40 years in education and athletics, Jake von Scherrer pulls back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes realities athletic directors face and explains why strong, well-aligned booster clubs are essential to successful school programs.   Jake von Scherrer is a veteran educator, coach, and athletic director with over four decades of experience and is the author of the Athletic Director’s Toolbox series, former President of the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, and host of a podcast featuring 700+ interviews with athletic leaders worldwide. In this conversation, Jake shares the athletic director’s perspective on funding challenges, communication, boundaries, and how booster clubs can be powerful partners—not accidental obstacles. From fundraising and staffing pressures to sponsorship overload and volunteer burnout, this episode is packed with real-world examples and practical guidance for booster leaders, athletic directors, and coaches alike.   Key Takeaways 01:55 The Modern AD’s Burden: Jake highlights the top three challenges facing athletic directors today: funding, resources, and staffing, and why an organized booster club is the primary solution to these gaps. 04:40 The Illusion of "Magic" Game Days: Why the seamless experience of a Friday night game is actually the result of weeks of AD-booster collaboration. 06:30 Symbiotic Leadership: How to manage two legally separate organizations (the school and the booster club) so they point toward the same goals. 13:25 Staying in Your Lane: A masterclass on boundaries—defining the roles of the coach, the director, and the "booster" to avoid conflict. 19:50 Avoiding the "Debbie-Do-Everything" Trap: Why centering a club around one person is a recipe for disaster and how to build a team that survives after your kids graduate. 25:30 The Power of Connection: Using school programs like the choir or band to enhance the athletic experience and broaden your support base. 33:15 Navigating the Funding Spectrum: Insights into how different school structures—from public to high-tuition private—handle the delicate balance of fees and fundraising. Connect with Jake: Website: https://www.victoryeducationalathletics.com/ Email Address: jakestouchdown@gmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-von-scherrer-cmaa-165b1292/ Podcast: The Educational AD Podcast  Books: Available on Amazon (Note: Jake offers a free copy to first-year ADs who email him!)

    42 min

  6. 09/12/2025

    Booster Club Fraud & Finance: Expert Guide to Governance and Compliance with Sandra Pfau Englund

    What happens when a “simple” school volunteer role reveals a world of legal risk, tax responsibilities, and structural gaps that no one warned you about? For attorney, author, and nonprofit advocate Sandy Pfau Englund, that moment didn’t send her running—it launched a national organization that now supports 7,000+ Booster Clubs across the country. In this week’s episode of The Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler sits down with Sandy to unpack the surprising realities behind Booster Club compliance, the evolution of parent-led school groups, and how a PTO disaster in rural North Carolina sparked an entire movement toward better systems, safer practices, and empowered volunteers. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sheds light on the crucial steps every Booster Club needs to take to protect its volunteers and its funds. From understanding 501(c)(3) status to preventing fraud, Sandy’s expertise is a must-listen for anyone involved in school fundraising. Key Takeaways 0:30 — Meet Sandy Pfau Englund An attorney, author, and nonprofit expert with 30+ years of experience helping parent-led school groups operate legally and effectively. 2:01 — How Sandy Accidentally Entered the Booster World A writing assignment and a move to North Carolina unexpectedly launched her journey. 3:04 — The PTO “Disaster” That Changed Everything How seeing a poorly run PTO revealed the massive gap between volunteer intentions and legal responsibilities. 4:17 — The Need for an Easier Way Why Sandy built Parent Booster USA to remove fear, confusion, and liability for everyday volunteers. 5:01 — Starting Parent Booster USA Her big-picture approach, the leap of faith, and the early entrepreneurial realities. 5:51 — What Parent Booster USA Actually Does A clear breakdown of the paperwork, incorporation, tax-exempt setup, compliance support, and annual maintenance services. 7:02 — The IRS Group Exemption Model How Booster Clubs become nonprofits under PBUSA’s umbrella—without filing their own 1023. 8:25 — How Technology Keeps Booster Clubs Compliant Everything from EIN setup to state filings, charity registrations, and ongoing deadlines. 9:45 — Why Compliance Matters After Leadership Changes The critical role PBUSA plays in ensuring a Booster Club doesn’t lose its status when volunteers rotate out. 11:03 — Growing Pains & Lessons Learned Behind-the-scenes stories—including a near-crisis—that shaped today’s stronger systems. 12:42 — Building Better Tools for Volunteers How challenges led to automation, alerts, and streamlined processes for thousands of clubs.   Resources Mentioned:   Book: School Fundraising: So Much More Than Cookie Dough (available online) https://sandrapfauenglund.com https://parentbooster.org

    47 min

  7. 21/11/2025

    Succession Planning & Recruiting: Leave Your Booster Club Better Than You Found It

    Have you ever wondered how to transition out of a leadership role while ensuring your Booster Club not only survives but thrives?  Leadership transitions don’t have to feel overwhelming. In this solo episode, Robin Eissler opens up for the first time about her own Booster Club journey—how she was unexpectedly recruited as a freshman parent, the challenges she faced stepping into leadership, and the systems she built to ensure her Booster Club would thrive long after she left. Robin walks through the heart of succession planning: recruiting across multiple grade levels, defining roles, establishing culture, documenting your processes, and creating a smooth handoff for future leaders.  Whether you’re a new volunteer or a seasoned officer, this episode will help you build a Booster Club that’s stronger, more organized, and ready for the next generation.   Key Takeaways: 3:13 Why recruiting across multiple grade levels prevents leadership gaps 4:47 The “mysterious binder” and the need for organized documentation 6:03 Meeting with program directors keeps leadership aligned 8:36 Building a pipeline of future officers through consistent involvement 9:11 Defining roles clearly to avoid volunteer burnout 12:31 Why a nominating committee strengthens succession planning 13:18 Simplifying tools and systems for smoother transitions 14:29 How consistent meetings and recognition build positive culture 16:02 Robin’s full recap of effective succession planning essentials

    19 min

  8. 22/10/2025

    The $10,000 Splash: How to Run a High-Engagement Booster Club Fundraiser with Chris Sharps

    What if hitting your fundraising goal meant dumping a cooler of ice water on your band director? That's exactly the fun, high-stakes gamble the Polar Bear Band Boosters in West Virginia used to raise over $10,000 in a single week! Join host Robin Eissler as she talks with this week's guest, Chris Sharps, the social media coordinator for the Fairmont Senior High School Polar Bear Band Boosters. Chris, whose background is in higher education recruitment, enrollment, and technology integration—including a forward-thinking approach to AI in knowledge management—shares the secret sauce to their massively successful social media fundraising campaign. Discover how cleaning up their online presence, using short-form video, and leveraging the power of alumni storytelling transformed a modest $2,000 campaign into a $10,000 capital replacement success! Plus, find out how accepting credit cards dramatically increased their concession sales. This episode is packed with tactical, real-world advice to help your Booster Club stop struggling with traditional sales and start seeing major returns on their digital efforts. Key Takeaways:  7:20 -   Credit Card Sales: Switching to credit cards at concessions boosted sales by 30% to 50%. 11:17 -  $10,000 Social Fundraiser: How a "Polar Bear Plunge" challenge raised over $10,000 in one week for a new trailer. 19:15 -   Alumni Gold: Use storytelling to tap into alumni and alumni parents, who are often your largest donors. 21:43 -   Matching Funds Power: Securing matching funds upfront raised the average donation to about $75 and encouraged more first-time giving. 26:03 -   Magic Seven: The power of seven: Consistent daily posts for a week is the key to driving action and donations. 28:15 -   Streaming Tech: Invest in tech like external microphones and a gimbal—and watch out for your phone overheating during live streams.

    37 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Robin Eissler
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Boosted Volunteer

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