FARGO-As a father of four, Mark Teckenburg of Fargo knows firsthand the work involved in fundraising for youth activities. After trying every fundraising concept under the sun in recent years, he said he knew there had to be a better way.
"I recognized that there was an extreme gap in the youth fundraising market the way it's done today where kids go out and they sell products, collect cash and deliver products. It's very archaic in my mind," he said.
The marketing strategist and entrepreneur launched an alternative fundraising model called PushSave last spring.
PushSave is a customizable mobile coupon book. Supporters have the opportunity to purchase coupons from 10 of more than three dozen area merchants. Deals range from a free appetizer at the Boiler Room to a tire rotation at Dan's Service Center to a nose wax at Waxing the City.
Rather than printed coupons, the coupons are accessible through the PushSave app. Books include $400 to $500 in deals and cost just $20. The fundraising organization keeps $10 of that.
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After a labor-intensive pie fundraiser she organized last Thanksgiving, North Dakota Elite Dance Team parent Lisa Skari said she was anxious to try PushSave this fall.
Unlike last year, Skari did not have to manage the team's order, collect money, sort the order and coordinate deliveries.
She was thrilled when the team met their fundraising goal ahead of schedule, but she was also pleased with how simple the process was.
"PushSave does everything for you," she said.
Teckenburg said PushSave is not only beneficial to organizers like Skari. It also benefits the sellers, supporters and merchants.
Rather than going door-to-door, sellers are able to solicit orders through the PushSave website via email and social media. They can actually make sales from their couch at home.
The process is also easy for the consumer. They are sent a link that takes them to the PushSave site where they select the organization, pick their merchants and submit payment. They never have to worry about leaving their coupon book at home or in the car.
PushSave also benefits the merchant. Not only do coupons offer a good return on investment, Teckenburg said the site essentially gives merchants free advertising and drives traffic to the businesses.
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There are, however, a few limitations. Supporters must have a smartphone. There is not an option for a printed coupon book. Teckenburg said he plans to include a feature soon that will allow people to purchase and gift the coupon book to someone else so grandparents who may not have a smartphone can still offer support.
Another drawback is that most of the coupons are only good in the Fargo-Moorhead area, so it can be difficult to sell to people who live outside the area.
Teckenburg said that will not be a problem for much longer either. He plans to start introducing PushSave nationwide in January. He has filed a patent for the customizable coupon book concept and has trademarked the PushSave name. Eventually, he hopes to employ independent representatives who will line up retailers and fundraisers all over the country.
Teckenburg said he has an ultimate goal even greater than revolutionizing youth fundraising. He wants PushSave to become a cause-based company. Once it becomes profitable, he intends to use the funds to start a foundation that supports causes he feels strongly in.
"When people buy a book, they're not only supporting a local youth organization but also supporting other causes. That to me is the ultimate satisfaction as an entrepreneur. That, I believe, is my purpose," he said.
