Success Stories Episodes

The AI Recruiting Summit 2026 is happening now through July 20th, and registration is free for every live session. Recruiting engineers, operators, and recruiters actually running AI on their desks are showing what is working behind the scenes. Do not miss it. Register here: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2026.heysummit.com/ This episode is brought to you by Atlas. The resume never tells the full story, and most of what candidates share ends up buried in notes and forgotten. Atlas is the AI first ...

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this powerful two-part interview, Benjamin Mena sits down with Tom Kelly, a founder who took his recruitment firm from four founders all the way up to 80 team members—only to make the bold decision to cut back to 30, resulting in net revenue per head doubling while overall revenue remained steady. Tom Kelly shares hard-won lessons about scaling too fast, the pitfalls of chasing headcount over profitability, and why authentic relationships—not cold emailing—are the true intellectual property in recruitment today. You’ll get an inside look at the cultural, operational, and financial realities of going through explosive growth, the painful choices of downsizing, and how focusing on brand, marketing, and people-first values helped Tom Kelly build a resilient, purpose-driven business. Whether you’re running your own desk or leading an agency, this is an unmissable episode packed with actionable insights and stories you won’t hea…

Episode Introduction Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Dawson Henis, the founder of Hennis Group, a search and staffing firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. At just 24, Dawson Henis made the bold leap into entrepreneurship, launching his own firm after cutting his teeth in the high-pressure world of staffing at a major player. Now, three years later, he's expanded Hennis Group from a one-person search desk to a thriving business with a newly launched staffing division and a team to support that vision. Together, they dig into the gritty realities of starting and scaling a recruiting company as a young entrepreneur—from cold-calling and walking into factories unannounced, to building a "lead gen machine" fueled by automated outreach and business development smarts. Dawson Henis gets real about the lonely moments, the adrenaline of first wins, the mindset shifts required to grow, and why understanding your personal “why” is …

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Steve Anderson, CEO of Optigy, to unpack an extraordinary journey from milkman to leading a $19 million healthcare staffing company. After being laid off with a mortgage, five daughters, and no plan B, Steve Anderson shares how he leveraged resilience, relationship-building, and relentless optimism to create a recruiting powerhouse in just three years. Together, they discuss the critical distinction between vendors and partners, the lessons learned from early setbacks, and the mindset required to not only survive but thrive in the recruiting industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your agency, this episode offers tactical advice, real-world stories, and the kind of motivation that comes from someone who has truly set himself—and his business—on fire to find out what's possible.

Episode Introduction Welcome to another standout episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry legend scott love for a deep dive into why 99% of recruiters fail at business development—and what sets the top 1% apart. Drawing from decades of experience, hard-won lessons, and thousands of conversations with recruiters worldwide, scott love shares insights on the crucial mindsets, habits, and strategies that drive high performance in recruiting. From mastering self-discipline and niching deep, to building true authority and embracing the power of creative business development, scott love doesn’t hold back. You’ll learn why most recruiters default to the same old tactics, how to stand out by becoming truly distinct in your niche, and why building a thought leadership platform is essential for long-term success. Whether you’re struggling with call reluctance, facing distractions, or just looking for ways to scale your billing i…

What does it take to design a life and a recruiting business truly on your own terms? In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Tony O'Neill—an executive search founder who traded Midwest winters for surfing in Costa Rica, defined his own metrics of success, and built a thriving brand in the outdoor sporting goods niche. Tony O'Neill shares how he reverse-engineered his career and lifestyle, the pivotal moments and sacrifices along the way, and why discipline, specialization, and relentless focus on client value are the real keys to long-term freedom in recruitment. Whether you’re struggling to define your own success or want to take your search business to the next level, this episode is packed with personal stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you build the life—and business—you actually want.

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Catiana I. Ibarra Aponte, CEO and brand manager of Peoplelift, to share an incredible journey of resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers. From being repeatedly told "no"—whether by family, professors, or employers—Catiana I. Ibarra Aponte transformed obstacles into fuel for growth, ultimately rising to lead a thriving HR staffing and AI consultancy. Listen as Catiana I. Ibarra Aponte recounts how overcoming cultural expectations, a devastating hurricane, and pandemic layoffs shaped her perspective on leadership, perseverance, and building a business that changes lives—not just fills jobs. This is a must-hear story for anyone seeking inspiration to turn rejection into triumph and to master their craft in the world of recruiting.

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Seb Sharpe, a former million-dollar biller turned entrepreneur, to dive deep into the realities behind top-performing recruiters and the evolving role of AI in the industry. Seb Sharpe shares his candid insights on why relying solely on AI may actually accelerate a recruiter's irrelevance, the crucial difference between speed and quality in recruitment, and what it really takes—behind the scenes—to build a multi-million dollar book of business. Together, they explore practical strategies, hard-earned lessons, and the mindset shifts necessary to compete and thrive as the future of recruiting rapidly changes. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable advice and a peek into the relentless work ethic that sets elite performers apart.

Welcome to this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, Benjamin Mena sits down with Luke Marquardt, a former NFL player whose journey is the ultimate story of perseverance, grit, and reinvention. From enduring a series of devastating injuries and setbacks in his athletic career—including four broken feet—to building a $700K recruiting desk in the commercial construction space, Luke Marquardt's experience is a masterclass in chasing dreams, embracing new opportunities, and learning to thrive when life takes unexpected turns. Tune in as we dive into Luke Marquardt's transformation from the football field to the world of recruiting, explore the mindset and habits that propelled his explosive growth, and uncover actionable insights you can use to elevate your own desk—no matter what doors have closed or opened along the way.

Diane Prince walked into staffing with zero recruiting experience and one specific intention: build a business she could scale and sell. Six years later, she sold her staffing agency for $28 million. 🚀 Diane is speaking again at the This Is Your Year Recruiter Summit 2026 — which is exactly why this episode is back in rotation. Don't miss her live session. Register free: https://this-is-your-year-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/ Most recruiting agency owners will never have an exit like Diane's....

Welcome to a powerhouse episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry legend Dave Veres, who’s helped scale teams and orchestrate explosive growth—from $300 million to a staggering $12 billion in staffing revenue. Together, they dive deep into the art of "diagnosis-based selling," a method that goes beyond transactional recruiting to offer true partnership and predictive value for clients. Dave Veres candidly shares career stories—from the front lines of massive automotive and government contracts, to personal moments where his team’s ability to deliver was literally a matter of life and death. This conversation explores the real difference between asking questions and truly diagnosing a client’s pain points, the importance of relationships over metrics, and how the right culture and leadership can rocket any recruiter’s growth. If you want actionable insights on scaling relationships, landing whale accounts, and building res…

Introduction Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Augusta Mirchandani, founder and CEO of a global recruiting organization spanning five countries. Together, they tackle a critical and persistent issue in the recruitment industry: why the best women recruiters keep leaving their firms—even when they consistently outperform their peers. Drawing on 13+ years of experience in the quant and discretionary finance space, Augusta Mirchandani shares her perspective on how outdated structures and "laddish" cultures hinder women's long-term success, why high-performing women often feel unsupported or sidelined, and what needs to change to build inclusive, high-impact recruitment environments. She offers actionable advice for male founders who want to truly empower women on their teams, insights into the habits of million-dollar billers, and discusses how her own leadership evolved after becoming a mother. Whether you’re a leader loo…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Jean-Louis-Philip Girardet, one of France’s top billers turned recruiting team leader. From luxury hospitality in Los Angeles and London to crushing €500,000 billing years—and now coaching new recruiters—Jean-Louis-Philip Girardet shares his unique path, insights, and strategies for building lasting relationships and delivering high-quality results. They dive into what sets top billers apart, the challenges and opportunities within the French recruiting market, and how lessons from a career in hospitality have shaped Jean-Louis-Philip Girardet's distinctive approach to recruitment. Plus, you'll hear actionable advice for recruiters at every stage—from those just entering the industry, to veterans aiming to reach elite status. Tune in for a conversation packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to succeed and lead in today’s recruiti…

On this powerful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Stephanie Loewenstern for a raw and inspiring conversation that goes well beyond the highlight reels of LinkedIn. Stephanie Loewenstern shares her journey from humble beginnings in call center recruiting to launching her own successful tech recruitment business—while navigating some of life’s most brutal challenges. Just days after giving birth and enduring a painful breakup, Stephanie Loewenstern found herself a single mom forced to keep her business afloat under immense pressure. Through vulnerable storytelling, she reveals how recruiting became her lifeline during trauma, and how relationships, resilience, and relentless self-improvement took her from “just surviving” to thriving. You’ll hear practical insights about building a desk from scratch, the true power of authentic relationships, why saving for a rainy day is crucial, and the mindset shifts necessary to weather the storms of en…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with sales consultant Shad Tidler to break down what it really takes for recruiting and staffing firms to scale past the elusive $10 million—and beyond. If you've been looking for the secret sauce to intentional, repeatable growth, you’re in the right place. Shad Tidler reveals his four-part "S" growth framework—Strategy, Structure, Staff, and Skills—and explains how mastering each pillar is critical for firms wanting to level up. Together, they discuss why a strong, visionary leader is often the true difference-maker, the importance of getting the right people in the right seats, and how developing processes, mindset, and accountability can transform your firm's trajectory. Get ready for a deep dive into actionable strategies, practical examples, and the leadership mindset you need to break through growth plateaus. Whether you’re aiming for your first $10 million, pushing toward $25 million, o…

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 “standar...

Welcome to another enriching episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Sarah Englade, founder of Monarch Talent Solutions, to unpack how she built a thriving $1.5M firm by prioritizing candidates above all else. In this candid and motivational conversation, Sarah Englade shares her journey from being laid off during the pandemic to launching her boutique agency in Houston, Texas—and reveals why focusing on relationships, building a niche personal brand, and supporting job seekers can drive exponential business growth. You’ll hear real-world advice on niching down, mastering metrics, and harnessing both tech and mindset to stay consistent and resilient through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter or just considering starting your own firm, this episode is packed with actionable insights and honest lessons from someone who’s walked the talk—and built a business on relationships that last. Tu…

Get ready for another game-changing episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! This time, Benjamin Mena sits down with Jared Watts, a former MLS pro athlete who seamlessly transitioned his competitive mindset from the soccer field to the recruiting world—and absolutely crushed it. In this episode, you'll discover how Jared Watts leveraged the relentless discipline, data-driven focus, and high-performance mentality of a pro athlete to become a world-class recruiter and founder of Next Place Search Group. Benjamin Mena and Jared Watts break down everything from negotiating your own contracts (and your value!), to building trust, mastering KPIs, and forging lasting client relationships. You’ll hear how Jared Watts measures and tracks every detail in his business, what visualization really means for top performers, and how the work ethic that drives elite athletes is the secret sauce for unstoppable success in recruiting. Plus, you'll get real, actionable advice on networking, learning fr…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Emily Audibert to discuss her incredible journey from six months with no placements to becoming a million-dollar biller. Emily pulls back the curtain on what truly made the difference in her career—embracing her feminine energy, making a mindset shift, and pioneering her own path with creative RPO strategies. You’ll hear how Emily Audibert went from struggling at the start of her recruiting career to finding her groove, building authentic relationships, and turning referrals into an almost 100% referral-based business. She dives deep into the importance of understanding your own strengths (whether they’re rooted in masculine or feminine energy), how to stay persistent through setbacks, and why doing great work is the best marketing you’ll ever have. Emily also shares actionable tips for adding RPO to your recruiting organization, building confidence …

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Kelsey Boyd to dive into the hidden “operating systems” that power high-performing recruiting firms. Kelsey Boyd, whose career journey took her from orchestrating playground games to leading digital and operational transformation at a major staffing agency, shares her first-hand experience of turning organizational chaos into clarity and growth. Together, they unpack what it takes to break through the plateaus that so many recruiting leaders face, the importance of embracing turbulence during times of change, and what practical frameworks—like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)—can do for solo recruiters all the way up to firms with dozens of employees. Along the way, you’ll hear how Kelsey Boyd navigated her own pivot from marketing into operational leadership, why consistency and curiosity are the keys to recruiter success, and how you can identify (or become!) the “integrator” you…

Welcome to this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we dive into the incredible journey of growing a recruiting and staffing firm from zero to an astounding $300 million in revenue—and ultimately, a successful exit. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with guest Jon Davis, a true “staffing geek” with over 32 years in the industry, who shares how he went from a mattress-on-the-car move into physician recruiting to leading a powerhouse tech staffing firm. In this conversation, you’ll hear about the real challenges, pivots, and strategies that fueled explosive growth, including the transition from direct placement to focusing on contract staffing and recurring revenue—the key ingredient in making a firm attractive to buyers. Jon Davis opens up about building strong relationships, leveraging technology smartly, and creating processes that sustain quality even in boom times. Whether you’re a desk-level recruiter, a business owner, or someone dreaming of a big exit, you’ll get act…

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 …

What happens when a $900K-a-year recruiter decides to stop building for others—and builds her own AI product instead? Jessica Oliver didn’t have a tech background. No coding degree. No startup team. But that didn’t stop her from vibe coding her own SaaS platform for government contracting—all while running her recruiting business and raising three kids. This episode is a masterclass for recruiters ready to go beyond placements and build something bigger. Free Trial of Juicebox and its AI Agen...