Episodes

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…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! This week, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Kent Depwe, a recruitment prodigy who became a million-dollar biller by the age of 25—and has consistently repeated that success ever since. In this candid conversation, Kent pulls back the curtain on his rapid ascent from recent college grad with zero recruiting experience to one of the industry’s top producers. He shares the mindset shifts, daily habits, and business development tactics that helped him go from making $50k to raking in over $350k—and ultimately, to building a career where million-dollar years are the norm.You’ll hear about Kent’s strategy for bouncing back when deals fall through, why choosing the right mentor or manager early on made all the difference, and how he leverages both grit and cutting-edge AI tools to work smarter and faster than the competition. Whether you’re a brand-new recruiter or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable advice on…

Struggling to scale your recruiting desk, close bigger deals, or turn your agency into a powerhouse? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast is your playbook for becoming a $500k+ biller and doubling down on the exact tactics powering the fastest-growing remote firms today. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with Dante Nino, co-founder of TLO, to unpack the uncompromising frameworks and high-conversion business development strategies behind his team’s explosive growth (and their unstoppable recrui...

Are you ready to break past your recruiting plateau and become a true recruiting leader? In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast , host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry powerhouse Brent Orsuga to share strategies, mindset shifts, and tactical moves top recruiters need to crush it in 2025. If seven-figure years and becoming a recruiter of influence are on your vision board, this is required listening. 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://rock-the-year-2025.hey...

Ready to close your strongest quarter ever and build a seven-figure recruitment business—even if you’re facing setbacks? In this episode, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Julia Arpag, CEO & Founder of Aligned Recruitment , who shares how she went from being laid off postpartum to building a $900K recruiting agency in just 18 months. 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM ...

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 you...

Is AI about to make sourcing obsolete? The recruiting landscape is shifting FAST—and if you’re not evolving, you’re about to get run over. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with renowned recruiter Brian Fink in a high-voltage episode packed with strategies and mindset shifts to help you outpace the AI revolution. Whether you’re in-house, agency, or leading TA strategy, this is your roadmap to stay relevant. 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com...

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 Pe...

Do you feel overwhelmed by endless recruiting tech, tools, and “hacks”—but still wonder why top-billing recruiters win? This episode pulls back the curtain! Join Benjamin Mena as he sits down with powerhouse insurance recruiter Amy Simpson to unlock her 20 years of consistent, high-performance results. Amy proves that big wins come not from chasing shiny objects but from nailing the basics and building lasting client relationships. 🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE Try Sourcewhale’s g...

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Mindi Romero to uncover the strategies that helped her generate a staggering $650,000 in offers—all in a single day, with 100% acceptance.Mindi shares her unconventional path into recruiting, a journey fueled by authenticity, organic relationship-building, and a refusal to stick to the typical “salesperson” script. From her accidental start via a fateful LinkedIn connection, to rapidly rising through the ranks, launching new branches during the turbulence of 2020, and ultimately leading high-performing teams, Mindi reveals the leadership and mindset shifts that make the difference between a good recruiter and an elite one.If you’ve ever struggled with the “dirty S word” (selling), this conversation is a must-listen. Mindi dives into how she turned sales from something she dreaded into a natural, value-first process—anchored by genuine community connections, l…

Get ready for an inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! This week, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Cari Kraft, owner of Jacobs Management Group, to explore how niching down—and leading with heart—can transform your recruiting journey. Cari shares her unconventional path from engineering and tech consulting to buying and leading a top life sciences recruiting firm, highlighting the ups, downs, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.Cari explains why focusing on a specialized niche like life sciences has been the driving force behind her long-term success, opening doors to deep client relationships, insider knowledge, and industry recognition. She and Ben also discuss building a team rooted in team goals, integrity, and consultative partnership—not just chasing placements, but making a positive impact on individuals and the industry at large.From running one of the industry's most trusted compensation and hiring surveys to launching a niche industry magazine, …

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with legendary recruiter Michael Goldman to explore the mindset and strategies behind building a million-dollar career in recruitment. Michael, with over 45 years in the industry and as one of the founding members of the Pinnacle Society, shares his journey from a chance encounter at a bar that launched his career, to weathering major economic downturns and creating lasting value for clients and candidates alike.Together, Benjamin and Michael dig deep into essential topics every recruiter should hear—overcoming fear, mastering the art of influence, embracing the evolution of recruiting, and most importantly, discovering and articulating the true value you bring to the table as a recruiter. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, you’ll find invaluable insights on building confidence, adapting to change, and leaving a powerful legacy in the world of recru…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Cam F. Awesome, a 12-time national champion heavyweight boxer, former USA National Boxing Team captain, and now a top motivational speaker. Cam's journey from being bullied as a kid to becoming the winningest boxer in U.S. history is nothing short of inspiring. But this conversation isn’t just about boxing—it’s about the grit, resilience, and the unstoppable mindset recruiters need to thrive in a high-pressure industry.Cam shares how he overcame setbacks, rewrote his self-story, and developed a game-changing approach to self-talk and habits. He dives into the importance of setting massive goals (even if you fail), why you should question “the way it’s always been done,” and the power of focusing on actions that truly move the needle. Benjamin and Cam explore how these lessons translate to recruitment: from dealing with daily rejection to pushing past self-doubt and creating your own pla…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Dan Falzarano for an inspiring deep dive into the highs and lows of a recruiting career that bounced back from the brink. Dan shares his “No-BS” blueprint for consistent, high-level billing, detailing how he rocketed to early success, hit a tough plateau, and then made the mindset and process shifts that turned everything around—transforming him into a perennial 500k to 7-figure-plus producer.You’ll hear about the hard lessons learned during market downturns, why focusing on process and personal “why” matters more than outcome, and how Dan rebuilt momentum by prioritizing grit, time-blocking, and attacking every day with discipline. Plus, Dan unpacks his approach to business development, relationships that last, leveraging tech tools, and cultivating an office culture where both rookies and veterans can thrive.Whether you’re aiming for your first breakthrough or…

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…

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…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Rob Bowerman, founder of The Bowerman Group, to explore the true power of niching in recruitment. Rob shares his fascinating journey from the world of retail buying to becoming a leading recruiter in the luxury and premium brands space. Together, they break down why specializing—finding that focused “niche”—is a game-changer for delivering extraordinary value to clients, and how it can set recruiters apart in an ultra-competitive market. Rob gives an inside look at building a high-performance, boutique recruiting firm, discusses strategies for creating a branded “luxury experience” for both candidates and clients, and offers actionable advice for recruiters looking to dive deeper into a niche they’re genuinely passionate about. Plus, stay tuned for stories from the glamorous side of retail, insights into building long-term success, and Rob’s perspective on adapting through industry changes. Whether you’r…

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 inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with top biller Cathy Stewart to unpack her incredible journey from hitting rock bottom to achieving elite recruiting success. Cathy shares her unconventional path into recruiting, starting with a background in music education and direct sales before becoming a powerhouse in the senior living executive search space.Listen in as Cathy reveals the mindset shifts, daily habits, and accountability strategies that transformed her career—even after devastating setbacks. Discover why being relentlessly consistent, focusing on relationships, and taking 100% responsibility are at the heart of her playbook. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro feeling stuck, Cathy’s story and practical tips will inspire you to get back on the horse, trust the process, and build the recruiting career you’ve always wanted.This episode is a masterclass on perseverance, gratitu…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Liam Haghighat, a seasoned recruiter who went from being laid off three times in just nine months to building a thriving solo fractional recruiting business. Liam shares his candid journey—from working in agency and internal recruiting roles, to facing the hard reality of job loss, and ultimately taking the leap to launch his own consulting venture. Listeners will hear practical advice on what “fractional recruiting” really means, how to identify your ideal clients, and why developing a modern sales and content strategy is essential for success. Plus, Liam gets real about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the power of leveraging tech and AI, and offers actionable tips for recruiters contemplating their next big career move. Whether you’re thinking about starting your own firm or looking for ways to future-proof your recruiting career, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse guest Mike Mello—a top staffing producer who’s racked up over $100 million in revenue and $20 million in profit. But after reaching the peak with a staggering 75k weekly spread, Mike made the bold decision to walk away and build something new. Why? He sees the recruiting game changing fast, powered by AI and automation, and he’s ready to share the real playbook that small and mid-size firms need to future-proof their desks and crush sales.In this candid and high-energy conversation, Mike opens up about his journey from Navy deployments to recruiting struggles, and what it really took to go from almost getting fired after a single placement to becoming one of the industry’s highest producers. Mike and Benjamin pull back the curtain on the realities of AI in recruiting—what’s legit, what’s total fluff, and how top performers can harness tech to multiply their results (but not by ski…

On this inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with legendary recruiter Rich Bradley to dig deep into what it really takes to overcome adversity and bounce back stronger than ever. Rich shares his remarkable journey: from hustling for his first break in recruiting more than 40 years ago, through the tough choices that led him to build his own business, to his most recent battle with cancer that put his million-dollar billing streak on pause.Despite facing major health challenges and stepping away from his desk for months, Rich opens up about how he managed to cut through the setbacks, keep his business alive, and set his sights on a true million-dollar comeback. Listen in to find out the daily habits, unfiltered advice, and winning mindset that have defined his decades of success—and pick up some of the hard-earned wisdom Rich has to offer for recruiters at every stage of their career. If you’re looking to reignite your motivation, refine yo…

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…