In 2019, when my co-founders Jon Bell, Adam Hickey, and I started Print Your Cause, we had one simple goal: help schools and nonprofits fundraise through meaningful branded merchandise. We believed deeply in the power of cause-driven communities, and with our background at Blackbaud, one of the world's leading providers of software for non-profits, we understood just how unique the needs of nonprofits truly are.
From day one, Print Your Cause’s mission resonated. Thanks to Jon and Adam’s incredible engineering and our relentless focus on innovation, the platform grew quickly. We were constantly exploring new ways to help organizations fundraise, thank donors, and strengthen engagement through unique merchandise solutions that told their story. We caught lightning in a bottle, and it was all driven by purpose.
As the years went on, Print Your Cause continued to evolve and thrive. But the real reason for that success wasn’t the founders, it was our exceptional production and account success team. A group of people who care deeply about the organizations we serve and who pour their talent into building experiences that are easy, impactful, and genuinely supportive of our partners’ missions.
Yet even with their hard work, there was something missing: a dedicated leader focused solely on guiding Print Your Cause forward. Our team deserved someone who could champion them every day, nurture our partnerships, and bring fresh vision to what comes next for the company.
For the past year, we have been searching for the right person. Someone who not only understands the heart behind Print Your Cause, but who can take it further than I ever could.
Today, I’m proud to share that we have found that leader.
Welcoming Dave Higashi as CEO of Print Your Cause
I first met Dave two years ago at a conference after an industry friend told me, “You’ve got to meet this guy — he’s as tech-focused in our industry as you are.” He was right. When Dave and I sat down, we immediately connected. We discovered that we had each been building similar ideas and solutions independently, at the same time, all centered on empowering communities through merchandise.
Dave brings a deep understanding of how people engage with brands, creators, and missions. As the Founder of Crowdmade, he helped thousands of creators build authentic merchandise programs rooted in community. He blends data-driven decision-making with creativity and empathy — exactly the combination needed to help cause-based organizations scale their impact.
But beyond his expertise, what stands out most is Dave’s heart. He has long been passionate about applying his knowledge to schools, nonprofits, and organizations working to do good. His vision aligns beautifully with the origins of Print Your Cause: making fundraising easier, more meaningful, and more accessible.
Dave is the leader who will take our amazing team and elevate them into the next chapter of the company’s history.
About Dave Higashi
Dave is the Founder of Crowdmade, a company dedicated to helping creators bring authentic merchandise to life. With a background in finance and entrepreneurship, he has a rare ability to combine analytical insight with creative problem-solving. His leadership helped Crowdmade grow into a multi-million-dollar business supporting a diverse community of creators.
Career Highlights Include:
- Co-founding and scaling Crowdmade into a multimillion dollar brand
- Pioneering pre-sale merchandise models that minimize risk and maximize experiences
- Growing from a small group of creators to supporting hundreds across the world
- Building long-term, community-focused merchandise programs rooted in authenticity
Dave is energized by mission-driven work and is eager to help schools, nonprofits, and community organizations elevate their reach through modern fundraising tools.
Looking Ahead
Print Your Cause was built on the belief that fundraising can be simpler, more inspiring, and more effective. Everything we do centers on empowering the organizations who work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities.
With Dave stepping into the CEO role, I couldn’t be more excited about what comes next. His leadership, passion, and experience will guide Print Your Cause into a new era. One where our team is supported, our partners are championed, and our mission continues to grow.
To our team: thank you for everything you’ve built and for the heart you bring to Print Your Cause every day.
To our partners: thank you for trusting us with your missions.
And to Dave: welcome. Your journey with Print Your Cause is just beginning, and we can't wait to see where you lead us.
Please join me in welcoming Dave Higashi as the new CEO of Print Your Cause.
- Jayson Tompkins, Co-Founder of Print Your Cause