Business Development Episodes

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Derek Pittak for an in-depth, step-by-step exploration of building a 7-figure recruiting firm that operates smoothly—even without you at the helm. This is Part 2 of their EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) deep dive, where Derek Pittak demystifies the EOS playbook, revealing the strategies and tools that top-performing recruiting agencies use to streamline processes, boost accountability, and keep teams laser-focused on growth. From the critical importance of real process documentation and training, to breaking down the differences between rocks, scorecards, and to-dos, Benjamin Mena and Derek Pittak cover it all. You’ll also hear how to clarify your company’s vision and keep your team aligned, why 90-day planning cycles matter, and the real-life challenges—and successes—of implementing EOS in staffing and recruiting. Whether you’re running a boutique search firm or scaling a high…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Derek Pittak, a seasoned entrepreneur and certified EOS implementer who’s helped over 40 staffing companies transform their chaos into scalable clarity. We dive into Derek Pittak’s unconventional journey from military and banking to running a $125 million staffing portfolio—and how he discovered the power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to unite cultures, streamline processes, and take recruiting businesses to the next level. If you’ve ever wondered what EOS is, why everyone talks about “traction,” or how these concepts actually apply to recruiting firms (not just companies selling widgets!), this episode pulls back the curtain. Derek Pittak breaks down how EOS creates consistency, accountability, and clarity—making it possible to build a seven-figure recruiting firm that runs without you. Whether you're leading a multi-office staffing firm or just starting out with a few …

Recruiting can feel like total chaos—constant fires, endless admin, and a million moving parts. But what if there were a simple system that top firms use to triple revenue, double profitability, and finally calm the madness? That’s what you’ll learn in this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast with host Benjamin Mena and EOS Implementer & former Executive Recruiter Jackie Kibler. Jackie reveals how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—the framework behind Traction—can transform your de...

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Gregory Fischer, a recruitment agency founder who built his company from the ground up to an impressive $4 million in gross margin and $1.4 million EBITDA—only to make the bold move to walk away from it all. Greg shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey: from leaving a career in fitness, grappling with dreams that didn’t pan out, and the pivotal moment he took a leap into recruiting. Together, they explore key lessons on business partnerships, the sometimes overlooked pain of burnout, and what it really takes to find fulfillment in your work. Plus, Greg dives deep into the realities of offshoring and how his team leveraged global talent to power epic growth—after more than a few failed attempts. The conversation gets candid about misconceptions around offshore teams, why integrating people fully matters, and how AI and offshoring actually work hand-in-hand to future-proof your recruiti…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! This week, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Alexis Albright Meschi, a leader in marketing for recruiters, for a candid and insightful conversation about building an authentic brand, engaged community, and thriving client base on LinkedIn. Are you still just posting jobs and hoping for the best? Alexis reveals why traditional recruiter marketing mindsets are holding the industry back—and shares actionable strategies for moving past simple job postings to real relationship-building and brand growth. You’ll learn why human connection is the cornerstone of successful recruiting content, how to optimize your LinkedIn profile (hint: it’s not just a resume!), and the importance of serving, leading, and connecting within your network. From practical examples of meaningful content to leveraging AI as a tool (not a shortcut), Alexis and Benjamin unpack what it takes to truly stand out—and why consistency and a focus on your deeper miss…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Zack Cress—a seasoned recruiter who spent 14 years climbing the ranks at a large corporate agency before taking the leap to start his own recruiting firm. Together, they dive deep into the decision-making process behind leaving agency life: when to stay put, when to switch companies, and what it really takes to launch your own recruiting business from scratch. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current role, contemplating joining a smaller agency, or considering building something of your own, Zack shares the lessons he learned through years of promotions, relocations, and ultimately, entrepreneurship. You’ll get practical insights on business development, choosing the right technology, navigating compliance and bookkeeping, finding and structuring the right partnership, and building a support network to fuel your success. Zack also touches on the importance of risk tolerance, setting up sa…

Are you ready to discover what truly drives top recruiting teams and firm owners in 2024? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast goes deep with Justin Bellante, a healthcare recruiting firm owner, on the real tactics and mindsets that turn average recruiters into extraordinary leaders. Whether you’re a recruiter hungry for your next breakthrough or a firm owner on the edge of scaling up, this episode is your blueprint for success! 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines yo...

Are you ready to break free from the “average recruiter” grind and join the ranks of million-dollar billers? If you’re a recruiter, search firm owner, or ambitious TA pro, this episode is your backstage pass to the playbook that’s built one of Texas’ highest-billing recruiting teams. Host Benjamin Mena welcomes back Jeremy Jenson (Encore Search Partners) to uncover the exact strategies that have multiplied fees, modernized recruiter development, and created a talent magnet operation. 🚀 Hoxo’s P...

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Pree Sarkar for an in-depth conversation on going "From Survival to Seven Figures." Pree shares his remarkable journey from being laid off from his dream tech sales job in Australia—with a young family and a new mortgage—to building a million-dollar (and beyond) recruitment desk from scratch. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts, processes, and strategic decisions that set top billers apart, including letting go of what doesn’t serve your goals, mastering business development, and scaling up through smart delegation and automation. Pree breaks down his transition from scrambling to put food on the table to intentionally building a sustainable and scalable recruiting business, revealing the key stages along the way: survival, sustainability, and ultimately, scalable success. He also dives into how he leveraged his background in tech sales, the importance of finding your niche, and why focusing on high-va…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Diane Prince, a powerhouse entrepreneur who built and sold her staffing company for an incredible $28 million. Diane shares the real story behind living the dream so many recruiters chase—from building a niche-focused agency and scaling to eight-figure exits, to the emotional highs and lows that come after the sale. She opens up about what it actually felt like to experience a life-changing payday, the lessons learned from life after the exit, and why she jumped back into business after her “retirement” in Malibu. You’ll hear practical advice on everything from finding (and owning) your recruiting niche, to leveraging virtual assistants for scale, and avoiding common pitfalls that hold recruiters back. Whether you’re aiming for your own big exit or just looking for ways to stand out in the recruiting game, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a candid look at succes…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this eye-opening conversation, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Steven Farrell—Director of Sales at a leading light industrial staffing firm, co-founder of a CDL staffing company, and host of The Staffing Playbook podcast. Steven shares his extraordinary journey from leading massive retail teams to becoming a powerhouse in the staffing industry, where he’s helped generate tens of millions in revenue—even as the broader recruiting world struggles with downturns. Prepare to get inspired as Steven reveals the creative, out-of-the-box strategies that drove his team's growth during even the toughest market conditions—think viral virtual job fairs, data-driven sales tactics, and quarterly donut drops that generated real client engagement. Discover how Steven ditched the outdated concept of “work-life balance” for sustainable “work-life harmony,” why aligning sales, marketing, and operations is the key to thriving, and what it…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena is joined by returning guest Kelli Schutrop—a marketing and sales powerhouse with over 15 years of experience in the staffing industry. This episode dives deep into how recruiters can leverage LinkedIn thought leadership to drive millions in inbound business. Kelli shares her journey from feeling hesitant about “sales” to pioneering a strategy centered on expert visibility and practical personal branding. Through real-world examples and success stories, including insights from industry pros like Amy Volas, Kelli breaks down the steps to build authentic connections, position yourself as a go-to expert, and stay ahead in an industry where traditional sales tactics often lag behind. You’ll also hear practical advice on overcoming the fear of posting content, the right way (and wrong way) to use AI on LinkedIn, and why being relatable, credible, and insightful is more valuable than ever. Whether you…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with the inspiring Aida C. Rodriguez, founder of Ascension Global Staffing and Executive Search. From launching her legal recruiting firm out of her living room in the middle of the pandemic to hitting $6 million in revenue and landing a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, Aida shares the real behind-the-scenes story of assembling an all-women powerhouse team. Tune in as Aida opens up about what it takes to build a successful firm in uncertain times, her unique approach to training and leading her "brunch crew," the vital role of technology, navigating setbacks, and why thinking big—and building others up—has been the secret to her success. Whether you’re looking for firsthand startup wisdom or motivation to chase your own audacious goals, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Are you struggling to bounce back from setbacks in your recruiting career, wondering how top recruiters cultivate the resilience to thrive no matter what challenges come their way? In today’s recruiting landscape, high-pressure environments, economic fluctuations, and constant rejection can lead to burnout or even make you second-guess your place in the industry. If you're looking to build a long-lasting career, you've probably realized that mastering resilience isn't just a “nice to have”—it’s ...

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Zach Keen, founder of Keen Search and Staffing, to unravel the real story behind launching and scaling a successful recruiting agency—especially after facing a layoff. In this powerful conversation, Zach shares his journey from being unexpectedly let go to building a thriving business in just over a year, all while balancing life as a father of three. We dive into how he leveraged industry experience, sales savvy, and investor mentorship to get his agency off the ground, and why focusing on authenticity and a strong local market presence helped him carve out a niche in a competitive field. Zach gets candid about the challenges—and rewards—of taking the leap into entrepreneurship, what it really takes to hire the right recruiters, and how building the right systems can set your team up for success. Plus, hear his advice for new recruiters just starting out, as well as seasoned pros…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena is joined by powerhouse recruiter Rich Rosen, who just had his biggest billing month ever—raking in a jaw-dropping $300,000. Despite a market many say is “soft,” Rich is here to show you exactly how the top recruiters are still crushing it. Together, Ben and Rich break down the specific steps, mindsets, and strategies that allowed Rich to defy market trends and dominate his niche—including the grind of consistent phone time, embracing AI as a recruitment sidekick, and harnessing the incredible impact of strategic LinkedIn content. From building authentic client relationships to balancing family life with high-performance recruiting, this episode is packed with no-nonsense advice, actionable takeaways, and a hefty dose of motivation for anyone serious about making 2025 their best year yet. If you’re ready to ditch the excuses, level up your results, and learn the secrets behind a record-breaking m…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Trinette Cunningham, President and CEO of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), to uncover the latest trends, legislation, and strategies shaping the recruiting world. Trinette brings over a decade of experience in association management and shares her candid journey into the recruiting industry, including the comical story of her own interview process with NAPS. Together, they dive deep into the importance of professional certifications for recruiters, the critical need to stay informed about changing laws and best practices, and why networking and mentorship remain game-changers in a rapidly evolving industry. You’ll also get the inside scoop on NAPS’ annual conference, how AI and mental health are impacting the landscape, and practical, next-level advice for both new and seasoned recruiters. Whether you’re just starting your recruiting career or you’ve been in the game …

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena is joined once again by Keely Flood, a seasoned sales coach and consultant for staffing and recruiting firms. Forget the hype around the latest tech and AI tools—today’s show is all about cutting through the noise and getting real about what it takes to succeed at your recruiting desk. Benjamin and Keely get honest about the dangers of shiny object syndrome that plagues so many recruiters—jumping from one new tool or platform to the next, hoping for a magic bullet. Instead, Keely shares proven systems and mindsets that drive real results: prioritizing strategic planning, consistent activity, quality conversations, and building habits that compound over time. Whether you’re new to the industry, rebuilding your desk from scratch, or feeling overwhelmed by tech overwhelm, this episode will give you a grounded, actionable roadmap to move your recruiting business forward—no silver bullets, just proven funda…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Kaylee Estes, founder of Estes Group, for a candid conversation about her unique journey through the world of recruiting. From starting as a technical recruiter in a fast-paced agency environment, moving into in-house talent acquisition, and finally launching her own firm, Kaylee shares the lessons she’s learned every step of the way. Together, they dive into the real differences between agency and internal recruiting, what it takes to build trust as a recruiter, and how to nurture relationships in a business often known for its transactional nature. Kaylee explains her company’s approach to embedded and fractional recruiting for tech startups, and gives actionable advice for recruiters looking to evolve, scale, or even start their own agencies. Whether you’re considering a shift in your recruiting career or want to see what it takes to successfully partner with internal teams, this episode is packed wit…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Andy Roads, founder of High Altitude Recruiting, for a no-fluff conversation on what it really takes to launch your own recruiting firm and land clients right out of the gate. Andy shares his journey from grinding it out at a high-turnover recruitment agency, to moving internal as an HR generalist, and eventually spending a decade at a boutique search firm—only to find that his anticipated “takeover” as the next leader was not in the cards. Instead of going back to square one, Andy decided to carve out his own path, and what happened next is nothing short of inspiring. We dig deep into Andy’s first three months of business: his high-impact outreach strategies, the creative offers that got potential clients saying “yes” immediately, and how he leveraged his personal network and reputation in the food & beverage and aviation industries to build momentum from day one. Andy …

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we dive deep into the world of recruiting sales with industry legend Tom Erb. Known for his extensive experience and expertise, Tom uncovers the secrets behind mastering the sales game in the recruiting industry. He discusses practical strategies for reinvigorating your sales efforts, even if you've let them slip, and emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to prospecting and relationship building. Tom shares insights into differentiating your services, leveraging technology, and restoring your focus on valuable client relationships. Join host Benjamin Mena as he engages with Tom on future-proof strategies to propel your recruiting business to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or new to the industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive. Tune in and get ready to transform your approach to recruiting sales!

Are you a recruiter looking to elevate your career and make the upcoming years your most successful yet? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast will provide the roadmap you need. Join host Benjamin Mena as he engages in a candid conversation with Sharon Hulce, an industry powerhouse, who runs a $1.4 million recruiting desk while leading a team and making significant community contributions. In this enlightening episode, Sharon uncovers her journey from being the first female construction...

In this insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Marc Cohen, a powerhouse in the recruitment industry who has successfully built, scaled, and sold not just one, but two recruitment companies. Together, they dive deep into Marc’s journey from his humble beginnings, through the exhilarating process of scaling businesses, and to the intricate steps involved in achieving a successful exit. Marc shares stories from his early days in the industry, his time in Australia, and his strategic move to the US. He provides valuable insights into the importance of belief in success, navigating tough industry changes, and the nuances of preparing a company for an optimal exit strategy. Whether you're a founder dreaming of your own successful exit or a recruiter looking to glean tips from a seasoned expert, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring anecdotes that are bound to enhance your understanding of the recruitment industry. Tune in t…

In this exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we're diving into the inspiring journey of Marc Cohen, a mastermind in building, scaling, and selling recruitment companies. Join host Benjamin Mena as he sits down with Marc to unravel the secrets to achieving the coveted dream of exiting a recruitment business. Marc, who has successfully exited two recruitment companies, shares his extraordinary journey from his beginnings in London to his adventures in Australia and the United States. Discover how Marc went from making $15,000 a year to earning that same amount in just four weeks in recruitment, and how he used his skills to navigate the ups and downs of the industry. With riveting stories of resilience, strategic pivots, and the power of belief, Marc provides invaluable insights for founders and recruiters aiming to make their mark in the industry. Whether you're a founder with dreams of exiting or a recruiter navigating the dynamic market, Marc's journey will inspire and in…