Sourcing Episodes

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Nick Pelloni for an unfiltered and eye-opening conversation about redefining success in the world of recruiting. Nick Pelloni has already surpassed $720k in billings for the quarter—without making a single cold call and using only three tools—PIN, an ATS, and a note taker. Growing up in a recruiting family and carrying a passion for both old-school grit and new-school tech, Nick Pelloni reveals how he’s merged classic recruitment fundamentals with AI-driven efficiency to become one of the industry’s top performers.From working his way up in the family business (insisting on no handouts) to building a reputation where word-of-mouth drives inbound business, Nick Pelloni shares the systems, mindset, and hard-earned lessons that transformed him from a reluctant high school data entry temp to a leader at the helm of a thriving agency. Whether you want insights on leveraging A…

Episode IntroductionWelcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Andrea (Annie) Colabella, founder of Cardea Group and a leading voice in executive recruitment for investment management legal and compliance roles. Andrea (Annie) Colabella shares her career journey from Wall Street trading to building a niche powerhouse recruiting firm, revealing how a focus on specialization—and the bold shift from contingency to fully retained search—transformed her business. Listen in as she unpacks the challenges and rewards of narrowing your niche, building real relationships, and structuring a retained practice without losing clients. If you’re aiming to level up your recruiting game, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for making lasting pivots in your search business.

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena digs into the fast-evolving world of go-to-market (GTM) strategy and what it means for recruiters with special guest Reyhan Khan , a systems and operations expert transforming how recruiting firms scale and succeed.In this episode, Reyhan Khan pulls back the curtain on why your next hire shouldn’t necessarily be another recruiter—but a GTM specialist who can implement the technical, systems-driven side of sales and marketing. Together, Benjamin Mena and Reyhan Khan break down what GTM actually means, why it’s showing up more and more in the recruiting industry, and how leveraging these strategies can move the needle faster than traditional methods. They cover actionable ways recruiters can tap into automation, intent-based outreach, mapping markets, and building personal brands that stand out—all while avoiding common pitfalls and empty promises often found in the GTM “hype” cycle. If you’re a rec…

Most recruiters are chasing the wrong market, and it's quietly destroying their desk. Will Wegert watched his billings collapse after chasing coastal fees and shiny opportunities he had no business pursuing. So he did something most recruiters won't: he looked at the data, killed the distractions, and went all-in on owning one niche in one city. What happened next took 7 years to build and looked like an overnight success. In this episode, Will breaks down the exact attraction-based marketing sy...

What if you never made a single business development cold call and still billed almost a million dollars in your first 18 months solo? That's not a hypothetical. That's exactly what happened when one recruiter bet everything on owning his niche and letting LinkedIn do the selling for him. Most recruiters are taught to smile, dial, and grind through cold BD calls to build a book of business. This episode flips that model completely. You'll hear the exact framework behind a recruiter who walked aw...

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Camp Jennings, co-founder of Henry North, to unpack what it really takes to launch a successful search firm from the ground up—without decades of recruiting experience. Camp Jennings shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of his company’s first year: from making cold calls out of a Panera Bread, to landing their first clients through personal networks, and scaling up faster than they ever expected.You’ll get a candid quarter-by-quarter breakdown of their journey, including practical lessons, missteps, and the hard truths about balancing ambition with family life. Camp Jennings opens up about hiring challenges, the value of authentic networking, and how focusing on a specific niche propelled their growth. Whether you’re a recruiter just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

If you’re overthinking profiles, rewriting messages 5 times, and wondering why candidates aren’t replying… You don’t need better tools. You need a faster system. 🎯 This Is Your Year – Recruiter Summit 2026 Featuring Brianna Rooney and other elite recruiters who are redefining business development, sourcing, closing, and scaling. Register here -> https://this-is-your-year-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/ If you’re serious about leveling up your recruiter training in 2026, don’t miss this. 2. Why T...

Most recruiters aren’t underperforming — they’re over-filtering. Chasing “perfect” candidates is quietly costing you deals, speed, and money. 🎧 Tricia Tamkin & Jason Thibeault on Why Perfect Candidates Cost Recruiters Money 1. Episode Hook Chasing “perfect” candidates feels responsible. It’s also the fastest way to kill deals, slow your desk, and lose fees . 2. Why This Episode Matters Most recruiters are unknowingly playing the wrong game. They wait. They hesitate. They protect “standards.” And...

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we're unlocking the secrets of LinkedIn recruiting with Stephanie Holman, a powerhouse recruiter in the highly cleared national security, intel, and defense space. Hosted by Benjamin Mena, this episode explores how Stephanie Holman built a thriving community of over 72,000 LinkedIn followers—more than half with active security clearances—and turned her digital presence into a consistent engine for high-level placements.From making the leap out of education and military service to finding her footing in tech recruiting at AWS, Stephanie Holman shares her journey of relentless self-investment, genuine relationship-building, and the strategic use of LinkedIn to open doors that would otherwise remain closed. She gives practical advice on content creation, handling fear and criticism online, and leveraging authenticity to stand out in the quiet, competitive world of cleared recruiting.Whether you're new to recruiting…

Welcome to this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry insider Chance Wood—a seasoned agricultural professional turned successful recruiting agency founder. Chance shares his journey from running grain elevators and trading commodities to stumbling into the recruiting world and ultimately building his own agency, One Degree Agriculture, all without fancy tech tools or shortcuts.In this inspiring conversation, you'll hear how Chance Wood leveraged his deep industry expertise and network to quickly thrive as a recruiter—securing a retainer in just 18 days on his very first job and saving his company over $1.5 million when he moved into an internal TA role. More importantly, he offers powerful insight for industry professionals considering a leap into recruiting: it's not about complex systems, but relentlessly focusing on relationships, picking up the phone, and letting your reputation work for you.Whether you're in recruitment, …

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with aviation and aerospace executive search specialist Craig Picken. What makes this conversation especially compelling? Craig Picken has built a powerhouse recruiting business as a true one-man show—recently closing an impressive 22 executive searches in a single year. Drawing from his experience as a naval aviator, jet sales executive, and high-end real estate pro, Craig Picken shares how he leveraged deep industry knowledge, relentless relationship building, and a willingness to do what others won’t to become a go-to figure in his niche—without a large team or complex tech stack.In this episode, you’ll learn how Craig Picken carved out his reputation, why he’s obsessed with mastering his craft and setting himself apart, and exactly how he navigates the ups and downs of search work and business development. Whether you’re a recruiter wanting to dominate your market or an industry professional consideri…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down for part two of an insightful interview with legendary recruitment trainer and author Steve Finkel. If you haven’t checked out part one yet, make sure to listen to it first to catch all the groundwork for today’s conversation.This episode dives deep into the art and science of closing in recruiting—why mastering sales skills is absolutely critical, how to break out of old habits, and the real impact of focused training on long-term recruiter success. Steve Finkel shares wisdom from his decades of experience, the importance of continuous learning outside the office, and why his newest book, “Closing for Recruiters,” is designed for experienced professionals ready to take their game to the next level.Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter aiming to fine-tune your closing skills or a manager seeking to build a culture of excellence in your firm, you’ll find practical strategies and mindset shi…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry legend Steve Finkel—often called the godfather of recruiting training—to dig deep into the art and science of closing as a recruiter.As the landscape of talent acquisition rapidly evolves with AI, offshoring, and increasingly sophisticated internal recruitment teams, one skill stands out as a true differentiator: closing. Steve Finkel explains why, now more than ever, recruiters must master the ability to move candidates through the hiring process and secure successful offers—not just source resumes or set up interviews.Benjamin Mena and Steve Finkel explore why the true value a recruiter brings to both clients and candidates comes at the end of the process. They discuss essential strategies for post-interview follow-up, the importance of debriefing, and how often-overlooked steps can boost placement ratios by 30–50%. Plus, Steve Finkel shares wisdom from his …

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Martin Gutierrez from SourceWhale to unpack how top recruiters are using smart AI systems to win big in 2025. If you’ve ever wondered what separates the truly elite from the rest of the pack, this is the episode for you. Benjamin and Martin dive deep into the role of consistent systems, the pitfalls of chasing “shiny object” AI tools, and why success in the modern recruiting world comes down to intentionality, not just automation.You’ll hear firsthand how SourceWhale is helping teams scale their operations, automate busywork, and—most importantly—refocus on building genuine human relationships, just like the recruiters of the ‘80s. Martin shares behind-the-scenes data on outreach best practices, explains why most conversations start only after the third follow-up, and reveals common mistakes recruiters make when adopting new tech. Whether you’re running a large recruiting team or hus…

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 is joined by Sam Kuehnle for a forward-looking conversation that pulls back the curtain on recruiting’s rapidly evolving landscape. From the explosive impact of AI and automation in recruitment, to building a tech stack that’s not just modern—but truly future-proof—Ben and Sam tackle the big questions you should be thinking about right now.They dive into the nuts and bolts of proactive talent pipelining, discuss why so many recruiters underutilize their CRMs, and explore how emerging tools and smart data enrichment can help you get ahead. If you’ve ever wondered how the best in the business are preparing for the future, or you’re looking for practical advice on leveraging AI and integrating next-gen tech, this episode is packed with insights. Whether you’re a solo recruiter or scaling an agency, make sure you listen in—because the world of recruiting is changing fast, and you don’t want to be left beh…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this exciting episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Steve Lu, CEO and co-founder of pin.com, to dive deep into the game-changing world of artificial intelligence in recruiting. Together, they explore why Steve believes we’re on the brink of becoming “super recruiters” powered by AI—finally shifting away from being bogged down by clunky technology and back to what truly matters: building relationships and making impactful placements.Steve shares his journey from launching the innovative Interseller platform to now leading PIN, an AI-driven sourcing tool he describes as “LinkedIn recruiter with AI on steroids.” You’ll hear insider insights on how AI is automating tedious sourcing tasks, improving outreach quality, and even helping recruiters stand out among the noise of today’s crowded tech landscape. Benjamin and Steve get real about what AI means for the future of recruiting, why human expertise in relationship-building is only …

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena is joined by Allie Millbrath to delve into the intricacies of client delivery in the recruitment industry. Allie, who leads the Quinn Roberts Company, shares insights into her journey of becoming a top recruiter, crafting a successful recruiting business, and the transformative power of systems in achieving reliable client delivery. From discussing her initial steps in the recruiting world to the delicate balance of managing a family and retiring her husband, Allie underscores the importance of building genuine relationships and maintaining a consistent process. Throughout the conversation, Allie sheds light on how recruiters can overcome struggles, embrace mentorship, and harness the power of authenticity and connection to thrive in what she describes as a life-changing industry. Tune in to hear her story and uncover valuable strategies that could redefine how you approach recruiting in 2025 and beyond.

In this exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena invites back one of the podcast's most impactful guests, Clark Willcox, to share insights into supercharging your recruitment desk with LinkedIn. Together, they unravel the potential of LinkedIn as a tool to transform a $120,000 recruiting desk to a $600,000 powerhouse through strategic use of inbound leads and authentic selling. They dive deep into the importance of recognizing the value recruiters bring to the table and how simplifying processes can make 2025 a year of abundance. Clark emphasizes the art of leveraging LinkedIn content and networking to generate six-figure revenues and offers practical steps to build a robust network in just a year. Whether you're new to recruiting or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights to help you craft your success story. Join us as we discuss the importance of self-awareness, ownership, and action in the recruitment industry, and get ready to make this yea…

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Terry Edwards to discuss innovative strategies for making more placements without relying on traditional cold calling. Terry shares insights from his extensive experience, beginning with his accidental entry into the recruitment industry nearly 30 years ago to building a successful career while bypassing the ubiquitous Rolodex and cold call method. Instead, Terry emphasizes the power of marketing and positioning oneself as an authority through various channels, including direct mail, email, social media, and even running a podcast. He dives into the importance of targeting future hiring managers rather than competing aggressively for present opportunities and underscores how changing your mindset can profoundly impact your success in recruitment. Terry Edwards also talks about leveraging technology, maintaining a growth mindset, and the significance of setting clear goals. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter o…

How can your recruitment strategy not only meet but exceed the demanding requirements of the government contracting space? In today's competitive job market, recruiters face new challenges juggling technological advancements and traditional practices. The government contracting (Govcon) sector is no exception, requiring a unique blend of expertise and strategic thinking. This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Mena, dives deep into Govcon recruitment with Tommy Weinert, f...

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, our host Benjamin Mena dives deep into marketing secrets tailored for the recruiting industry with our special guest, Danielle Byfuglien from Clear Edge. Danielle, whose diverse career spans from running a rehabilitation center to becoming a marketing powerhouse in the staffing world, shares her journey of passion, innovation, and leadership. We'll explore the impact of video and user-generated content, strategies for building strong LinkedIn profiles, and the power of mentorship and networking. Danielle also highlights the significance of relationship marketing and maintaining a dynamic online presence. Plus, she offers invaluable advice for both new and seasoned recruiters. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you make the rest of 2024 a standout year. Let's get started!

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, titled "The Art of Strategic Headhunting with Chris Relth," our host Benjamin Mena sits down with Chris Relth, founder of Artemis, to delve into the secrets behind successful headhunting. Chris emphasizes the importance of prioritizing happiness, cultivating strong cultures, and building authentic relationships over merely chasing financial gains. He shares invaluable insights on niche specialization, quality service, and strategic business planning. Chris reveals how his network from college and a genuine focus on people have fueled his 95% referral rate and impressive 75% close rate. From managing client expectations and embracing technology to learning from past challenges and fostering a purpose-driven career, Chris covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or new to the industry, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to thrive by focusing on what truly matters. Tune in for a deep dive into the art of headhun…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we delve deep into the dynamic world of recruitment. In today's episode titled "AI-Powered Hiring and Navigating Startup Success," host Benjamin Mena sits down with Sabashan Ragavan, co-founder of HeyMilo, an AI-powered tool revolutionizing the hiring process.Sabashan shares his journey through the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of the startup world, likening it to the stock market and emphasizing the importance of addressing customer problems effectively. With insights from his experience at tech giants like Microsoft and Instagram, he discusses the critical role of having a reliable co-founder, the importance of personal growth, and the high return on investment in founding his own venture.In a candid conversation, Sabashan offers valuable advice to both seasoned and new founders in the rec tech space, stressing the need to stay motivated, solve the right problems, and navigate investor skepticism. The discussion also ex…