Scaling Impact: How Small Teams Can Build Big Programs

<p>In this episode of <em><strong>The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd &amp; UpWrd</strong></em>, recorded on the show floor at the <strong>2026 ASAE Annual Meeting &amp; Exposition in Indianapolis</strong>, O&amp;U’s Meghan Henning sits down with <strong>Gail R. Kulp, M.Ed., CAE, Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation</strong>, to talk about scaling programs, empowering partners and creating meaningful impact with a small team.</p><p>The Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program has grown to more than <strong>1,500 loaner stations nationwide</strong>, and Gail shares the systems behind that growth – from making participation easy to using data and reporting to continually strengthen the program.</p><p><strong>Key Highlights</strong></p><p><strong>Make It Easy to Participate:</strong> Sea Tow Foundation gives local partners everything from building plans and signage to talking points and marketing materials, removing barriers to participation.</p><p><strong>Listen and Keep Improving:</strong> Recurring questions from partners help Gail identify where additional resources, templates or guidance are needed.</p><p><strong>Build in Accountability:</strong> Reporting requirements help the Foundation understand how its resources are being used, measure impact and make smarter decisions about future support.</p><p><strong>Use Data to Scale Smarter:</strong> In 2026, the Foundation awarded <strong>9,990 life jackets to 224 organizations</strong>, using application and reporting data to help determine where resources could have the greatest impact.</p><p><strong>Create Systems That Extend Your Team:</strong> Gail shares how templates, ready-to-use social content, media resources and outside partners allow a small staff to support a much larger network.</p><p>🎧 <strong>Tune in for practical ideas on scaling successful programs, empowering partners and helping a small team make a much bigger impact.</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Stay Connected: </strong>Subscribe to <em>The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd &amp; UpWrd</em> on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5dhc49SHcWAAm9wbVFcGAD"><u>Spotify</u></a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-association-100-podcast/id1739260875"><u>Apple Podcasts</u></a> or <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhH-dPUFm13x4oX3XUGfNieuQ9c6AdhF3&si=X9pwO5TcH2SXe81G"><u>YouTube Podcasts</u></a> to ensure you never miss an episode.</p><p>Follow us on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/onwrd-upwrd"><u>OnWrd &amp; UpWrd</u></a> for the latest in association trends and strategies.</p><p><br><strong>Coming Soon: </strong>We’re continuing to share conversations with association leaders on the ideas and strategies shaping the future of the industry. Stay tuned!</p>