Success Stories Episodes

Welcome to the Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jeremy Jenson, the dynamic CEO of Encore Search Partners. We'll dive deep into Jeremy's remarkable journey from running a lead generation business to leading a $12.5 million recruiting firm. Jeremy shares his insights on the power of scaling by focusing on hyper-niche markets and creating million-dollar books of business. Throughout our conversation, Jeremy talks about his innovative strategy of hiring individuals without recruiting backgrounds, the transformative impact of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) on his growth, and his unique targeted approach inspired by high-stakes TV dramas like Suits and Billions. Join us as we uncover Jeremy's forward-thinking tactics on demand generation, digital marketing, and the essential role of values and relationships in driving business success. Whether you're an experienced recruiter or just starting, Jeremy's insights on scalability, ment…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where your host Benjamin Mena dives deep into the secrets of building a successful recruiting business. In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dave Fox, CEO of Focus GTS, who shares his incredible journey from struggling finance graduate to the helm of a $10 million recruiting empire. Dave opens up about the power of vision boards and keeping your goals in focus, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and the necessity of investing in oneself fearlessly. He stresses the importance of sales skills in recruiting, harnessing the power of AI, and maintaining a consistent effort over time. We'll also touch on personal branding on LinkedIn, automating sales tasks, and the critical role of specialized market knowledge. From practical advice on funding and marketing to overcoming upper limit issues and staying motivated, Dave Fox's insights are a treasure trove for any aspiring entrepreneur. So tune in, get inspired, and discover how to m…

In today's episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with ex-athlete turned successful recruiter Domenic Maiani, who shares his incredible journey of leaving a stable job, overcoming legal hurdles, and skyrocketing his new recruiting agency to a $1.5 million success in just one year. Many recruiters struggle with the challenges of starting their own agency and scaling their business, and this episode dives deep into those very struggles, providing actionable insights to help you achieve similar, if ...

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, titled **"Bet on Yourself: Zaharo Tsekouras on Starting a Recruiting Firm,"** we have an inspiring conversation between your host, Benjamin Mena, and guest host, Zaharo Tsekouras. Join us as Zaharo shares her incredible journey of launching a successful recruiting company, even while expecting a child! She offers invaluable advice on betting on yourself, overcoming fears, and navigating the challenges of starting a business. Throughout the episode, you'll learn how to effectively reach out to CEOs for business development, the importance of cold emailing, and why targeting potential customers with specific services can yield a high response rate. Zaharo also talks about key books that influenced her career, and why trusting your gut is essential for early-career professionals. We'll dive into the nuances of niche specialization in recruiting, the significance of building strong, genuine relationships with clients and ca…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we discuss the world of recruiting with industry leaders and innovators. In today's episode, your host Benjamin Mena sits down with Nicolas Greppo, the successful founder of The Data Recruiter based in Paris. Nicolas shares his incredible journey from a sales intern in 2003 to becoming a niche recruiter for data scientists, along with the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Get ready to dive into Nicolas's experiences in transitioning from contingent to retained recruiting, the critical role of mentorship from Tony Robbins and coach Roy Ripper, and the art of outsourcing administrative tasks to focus on core business strategies. We'll also hear about how Nicolas's YouTube channel on data science interview tips became a game-changer for his recruitment business, leading to significant placements and client wins. Nicolas's story doesn't just stop at professional successes; he shares personal insights into his competitive dri…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we spotlight inspiring stories from the world of recruitment. In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Sarah Englade, who has triumphed against adversity to build a thriving recruiting firm in Houston, specializing in direct hire for accounting, finance, and HR positions. Host Benjamin Mena dives deep into Sarah's story, exploring her journey from being fired and laid off to generating a remarkable $1.6 million in revenue with her own firm. Starting as a licensed medical esthetician in Massachusetts, Sarah moved to Houston and pivoted to a career in recruitment, eventually mastering various staffing fields and climbing the corporate ladder. However, she found the cutthroat corporate environment didn't align with her values, leading her to start her own venture, Monarch Talent Solutions. Despite early struggles, including navigating non-compete issues and enduring six months without placements, Sarah's dedication, humane approa…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Julia Arpag, a remarkable leader who turned a major setback into a monumental success. Join host Benjamin Mena as he dives into Julia's inspiring journey from being laid off while on maternity leave to generating $500,000 in revenue within just nine months. Julia shares invaluable insights on maintaining empathy and a commitment to positive leadership, running a lean organization, and the power of affirmations and intentional thought. We discuss the importance of high performance over monetary goals, staying disciplined, and leveraging personalized marketing strategies like Dripify on LinkedIn. Tune in to hear how Julia's dedication, strategic mindset, and coaching support helped her transition from an employee to a successful business owner. We also explore her daily routines, the significance of financial preparedness, and essential advice for aspiring and seasoned recruiters. Don’t miss out on…

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of **The Elite Recruiter Podcast**! Today, we're diving deep into the world of recruiting with a special episode titled, "Grow, Build, and Scale Your Recruiting Firm," featuring our distinguished guest, Jonathan Bartos. Join host Benjamin Mena as he and Jonathan Bartos explore the evolving roles in the recruiting industry, emphasizing the critical importance of appointment setters and their contributions to professionalizing the sales process. Jonathan delves into his unique approach to understanding client needs and addressing gaps in hiring processes, offering valuable insights on delegating tasks, setting expectations, and the importance of coaching and continuous learning for both new and seasoned recruiters. In this episode, discover how the right metrics, tools, and business development activities can significantly boost your recruiting firm's effectiveness and revenue. Jonathan also shares practical tips on managing and training o…

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast. I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we're joined by a truly remarkable guest, Pete Tomasko, who has an incredible story of transformation from homelessness to becoming a partner in a thriving search firm, Titan Placement Group. Twelve years living on the streets, battling addiction, and overcoming personal demons—Pete’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. In today’s episode, titled "Homeless to Search Firm Owner: The Transformational Power of Recruiting," Pete will share how he was introduced to the recruiting industry at 45, with no prior experience, and how this opportunity completely turned his life around. We'll explore the challenges he faced, including dealing with toxic work environments and how breaking free from those led him to success and fulfillment. Pete also sits on the board of directors for Lite Share Behavioral and Wellness Centers, where he uses his personal experiences to help others. Hi…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we have a thrilling conversation with special guest Brianna Rooney, a self-made millionaire recruiter who will share her journey from bartending to creating her own powerhouse recruiting agency. Brianna's inspiring story offers tons of insights into building financial success, the power of leveraging technology, and the essential mindset shifts needed to thrive in recruiting. We'll delve into her early struggles, how she capitalized on LinkedIn before it boomed, and her strategic move to establish a commission-based reward system that kept her team motivated. From the importance of hiring and training to leveraging personal coaching for emotional intelligence, Brianna covers it all, providing invaluable advice for both budding and veteran recruiters. We'll also discuss some innovative tech tools that are changing the game in recruitment. Stay tuned as we explore how focus, resilience, and continuous learning can lead yo…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today's episode, "Being Different Is The Path To Success," features an invigorating discussion with the dynamic Cas van Oort. Cas dives into the art of leveraging job boards as a multi-faceted funnel not just for government contracting but as an innovative approach to recruitment services. He shares sage advice on the long-term commitment required to nurture such a platform and how it can become a magnet for both clients and candidates. Cas enlightens us on the indispensable role of personal branding, a tool both rookie and seasoned recruiters ought to wield effectively. He urges us to embrace uniqueness in our marketing and business strategies, reinforcing the lesson from Chris Voss's "Never Split the Difference" about the power of the "DJ voice" in communication. Our conversation meanders through the potential impacts of AI on the recruitment industry, affirming that while AI may handle many tasks, the human…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we bring the brightest minds and the boldest strategies right to your ears. In today's episode, titled "$0 to $2.5 Million in 2 years with Mike Williams," we have an incredible journey to unpack. Our guest, Mike Williams of Caribbean Search in Charlotte, North Carolina, sits down with our host Benjamin Mena, to reveal how he transformed his passion for recruiting into a multi-million dollar business. From cutting his teeth on cold calls at a call center to becoming a self-taught top biller with no training, Mike doesn't just talk about success—he's lived it. We dive deep into the ethos that drove him to leave a comfortable job and overcome the perils of entrepreneurship. Mike shares the strategies that led to his niche success in the manufacturing sector, the importance of selective recruiting, and his candid approach to building a company culture. Listeners, you're in for a treat as Mike also sheds light on how he juggles the d…

Are you struggling to level up your recruitment game despite years of experience? Discover the advanced techniques that can transform your process and results. In a high-stakes industry like recruiting, resting on your laurels is not an option. The landscape is evolving, with technology, market dynamics, and client expectations in constant flux. This episode delivers insightful strategies directly from the recruitment guru, Steve Finkel. Whether you are facing challenges in obtaining candidate ...

Mastering the Art of Recruiting with Steve Finkel - Part 1 Are you struggling to level up your recruitment game despite years of experience? Discover the advanced techniques that can transform your process and results. In a high-stakes industry like recruiting, resting on your laurels is not an option. The landscape is evolving, with technology, market dynamics, and client expectations in constant flux. This episode delivers insightful strategies directly from the recruitment guru, Steve Finke...

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we delve into the fast-paced world of recruitment and staffing. I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we're thrilled to have Jason Bivins, president of Great Hire, join us to unravel the complexities of growing a successful staffing agency. In this episode, titled "Staffing Simplified: From the Kitchen Table to Inc. 5000 with Jason Bivins," we'll learn how Jason's serendipitous detour from the mortgage industry to recruiting led him to co-found a business that not only hit the Inc. 5000 list twice but also weathered the storm of the pandemic. Jason will reveal his journey from managing bank teams to starting his own staffing endeavor, the challenges along the way, and the pivotal role his friend and business partner played during their first year. We'll also uncover the nitty-gritty of business operations, from the significance of receivables partners to the simplicity of staffing industry entry, as well as the financial structu…

Are you a recruiter caught in the crosshairs of industry layoffs, wondering what your next move should be? In the latest episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, Melissa Grabiner, a veteran in HR and talent acquisition with a long-standing background at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, shares her valuable insights into navigating the current job market's tumultuous waves. Understandably, the thought of job-hunting can be daunting, especially when coming off the back of a layoff. However, with the recruit...

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we dive into the triumphs and tribulations of the recruitment world. I’m your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have a powerhouse episode for all aspiring agency owners out there. Get ready for some incredible insights as we sit down with Diane Prince, a legend in recruiting and staffing who transformed her expertise into a staggering $28 million exit in just six years. With over three decades of experience, Diane knows a thing or two about scaling a business, and she's here to share her wealth of knowledge. From humble beginnings and strategic choices like temp staffing to navigating the world of factoring and acquisition, Diane's journey is one to marvel at. She'll be shedding light on the critical importance of good management, building an exceptional team, and the relentless pursuit of recurring revenue. From labor during a business call to scaling and selling a company, Diane's personal anecdotes are as inv…

Today's episode, "Unleashing the Staffing Shark: Richard Rosner on Standing Out in Recruitment," is all about making waves in the industry. And who better to guide us than Richard, a guru of hiring who has transformed the culture of recruitment with his personal brand, cheeky enthusiasm, and innovative approach to connecting with candidates and clients alike. Richard will spill the secrets on building your brand to bolster your company's, while also critiquing the constraints that big firms place on recruiters' creative freedom. He'll address the need for recruiters to excel in communication and ATS systems and to organize for success in 2024. Plus, Richard will highlight the critical importance of creating a fun, inviting office culture that champions happiness and productivity. We're in for a wild ride as we discuss using phone communication for cultivating client relationships, out-of-the-box branding strategies, and throwing conventional KPIs out the window for a more collab…

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we delve into an inspirational journey of addiction recovery to recruiting success with guest Dave Bontempo. Born into the recruiting industry, Dave's early exposure provided a foundation for his eventual entry into the world of behavioral health recruiting. He shares insights on the industry's future landscape, the importance of personal connections, and leveraging previous industry experiences. Dave bravely discusses his personal struggles with addiction and the pivotal turning point that led him to sobriety and a transformed life. He offers valuable advice to recruiters and individuals struggling with addiction, while also emphasizing the significance of respecting candidates and employers in the recruitment process. Join us as we explore Dave's remarkable journey and glean wisdom from his experiences.

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast with your host, Benjamin Mena. In today's enlightening episode, we're joined by the remarkable Brent Orsuga, as we delve into his journey of perseverance, dedication, and triumph within the world of recruiting. Brent shares his compelling narrative of starting from the ground up, emphasizing the necessity of paying dues and proving oneself before reaching substantial success. Throughout the episode, he advocates for setting clear goals, strategic planning, and maintaining an unwavering belief in oneself. We'll explore Brent's insights on energy, leadership, and the impact of one's environment, as well as his practical approach to achieving exponential growth. Join us as we uncover the keys to becoming an elite recruiter and thriving in the competitive world of talent acquisition.

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, we dive deep into the mind of a million-dollar biller as guest Rich Rosen shares the blunt truth of how to succeed in the competitive world of recruiting. Join host Benjamin Mena and Rich as they discuss the benefits of mentorship, the power of planning and organization, and the essential skills and mindset required for success. Discover the impact of niche specialization, the importance of using multiple methods for sales, and the tech stack that fuels Rich's success. Don't miss out on valuable insights from a top recruiter who knows what it takes to thrive in the industry.

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode titled "From Toxic Boss to Conscious Leader: A Recruiter's Journey of Self-Realization," our guest Dom Farnan shares her powerful story of personal growth and transformation in the recruiting space. Dom started her career as a recruiter and later went on to build her own consultancy, only to realize she lacked the necessary leadership skills. Join us as Dom takes us on her journey of self-discovery, addressing toxic leadership, and ultimately becoming a conscious connector. Get ready for an inspiring and insightful conversation that will resonate with recruiters and leaders alike. So, let's dive in!

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, our host Benjamin Mena is joined by the incredible Parker Chaney. Parker shares their journey of overcoming adversity in the recruitment business and how they turned their life around for the better. From being laid off twice to starting their own business, Parker's story is one of resilience and determination. They discuss the power of personal branding, the importance of focusing on one thing, and the role of failure in achieving success. Get ready to be inspired and motivated as Parker shares valuable insights and strategies for recruiters. So, without further ado, let's jump into this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast with Benjamin Mena and Parker Chaney!

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us: David Perry. David is no stranger to success in the recruiting industry, having made over 1600 executive placements with minimal fallout. He's here to talk about his new venture, a job board for recruiters, built by recruiters. David shares valuable tips and strategies for recruiters, while also providing personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of perseverance, self-improvement, and making meaningful connections. From his experiences in making cold calls to building relationships with candidates and clients, David's expertise shines through. We have an incredibly packed episode filled with valuable insights and intriguing stories. So, without further ado, let's jump right into our conversation with David Perry on The Elite Recruiter Podcast!