Episodes

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.

Welcome to this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we uncover the strategies that empower staffing and recruiting companies to thrive in today's competitive market. I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and I'm excited to be joined by Francis Larson, the founder and CEO of Ascen—a company revolutionizing back office solutions for staffing agencies with its cutting-edge employer of record services.In this enlightening conversation, Francis shares insights gained from working with a diverse range of staffing companies, including how those positioned for explosive growth are finding success. We explore the importance of focus in choosing niches, the transformative impact of AI, and actionable strategies to navigate temporary staffing.Whether you're seeking to break into the U.S. market, leverage AI tools, or simply want to know what's working in the industry, Francis's expertise is invaluable. If you're ready to make 2025 your year of abundance, tune in to discover the secrets…

In this compelling episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena engages in an inspiring conversation with Caitlin Burke, a former professional athlete turned top recruiter. Join us as we delve into Caitlin's incredible journey from the sports field to the competitive world of recruiting. Discover how her mindset, grit, and unwavering determination not only propelled her to success but also guided her through formidable personal challenges, including overcoming cancer and paralysis. Caitlin shares how her competitive spirit and love for recruiting became instrumental in her healing process. Listen in to learn about her strategies for success, the importance of setting intentions, and how she leverages her athletic mindset to thrive in the recruiting industry. Whether you're a recruiter seeking motivation or someone fascinated by stories of resilience, this episode is sure to inspire and empower you to conquer your own challenges and achieve your goals.

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, our host Benjamin Mena is joined by David Paffenholz, co-founder of Juicebox, the creators of PeopleGPT. We're diving deep into the impact of AI agents in the recruiting space and how they're driving efficiency and profitability. Discover how AI technology is reshaping the recruiting landscape, enabling small teams of recruiters to achieve incredible revenue milestones. With new advancements in AI, especially in 2025, tools and strategies have never been more intertwined with the recruiting craft. We explore the innovations, opportunities, and even challenges facing the industry today. Whether you're a recruiting agency owner or an individual recruiter, this conversation reveals insights you can't afford to miss if you want to stay ahead in the game. So, listen in as David and Benjamin discuss the future of AI in recruiting, tips for maximizing output, and strategies for leveraging the latest tech to …

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Mena, we are joined by Sean Anderson, a renowned expert who has successfully trained over 7,000 recruiters across 600 agencies. In our conversation, we'll delve into the innovative 20:10:5 methodology that has revolutionized revenue growth for recruiters. Sean shares his journey from starting in recruitment to becoming a leader in personal branding, focusing on how recruiters can maximize LinkedIn as a powerful tool for connection and engagement. We'll explore insights on the evolving landscape with the adoption of AI, the contrasts between UK and US recruiters, and how breaking old myths can pave the way for future success. Get ready to uncover strategies to truly thrive and make 2025 your year of abundance in recruitment.

In this compelling episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena invites Rashin Keller, the accomplished owner and CEO of the Keller Group, to share her transformative journey in the recruiting industry. Rashin, a dynamic leader recognized for establishing a thriving executive search firm in Phoenix, Arizona, delves into how she successfully transitioned from working in a traditional agency to founding her own company. With an inspiring backstory centered around her commitment to helping others, Rashin explores the pivotal strategies she's employed to dominate and grow within her niche market. From building candidate relationships that drive business development to fostering a unique 1099 business model that enhances flexibility and motivation among her team, Rashin's insights offer invaluable guidance for recruiters aspiring to turn conversations into contracts and achieve substantial growth in 2025. Listen in as Rashin and Benjamin discuss the power of candidate-driven …

In this episode of the Elite Recruiter Podcast, we delve into the formidable journey of Carson Dimond, a trailblazing entrepreneur who defied traditional career paths by launching his recruiting firm while still in college. Host Benjamin Mena is joined by Carson as they explore the nuances of his dynamic approach to business development and client relationships, particularly in the niche space of E-commerce recruiting. Discover how Carson has mastered the art of referrals, the importance of executing over strategizing, and the innovative ways he stays motivated and connected with his network. This conversation promises to redefine your perspective on what it means to hustle and succeed in the modern recruiting landscape. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or a newcomer, Carson's story and insights offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Tune in for a narrative of ambition, action, and authenticity, and learn why the mantra "stop strategizing, start d…

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…

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode titled "Tax Secrets Every Recruiter Must Know to Save Thousands," host Benjamin Mena dives into the essential topic of taxes with expert guest Michael Napolitano, a partner at Citron Cooperman and a seasoned professional with over 12 years of experience in the staffing and executive recruiting space. Michael is here to unravel the complexities of accounting and taxation, offering recruiters invaluable insights into what they should be doing with their finances. From understanding compliance and the implications of 1099 classifications to insights on selling your recruiting business, Michael shares tips and best practices to navigate the financial aspects of the recruiting world while keeping things engaging and accessible. Whether you're an agency owner or an aspiring recruiter, this episode provides the tax knowledge you need to rock 2025 and beyond. Tune in and discover how to make your business mo…

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we delve into the remarkable journey of our guest, Brian Gabay, who masterfully juggles running a successful recruiting firm while launching a tech startup. Join our host, Benjamin Mena, as Brian shares the foundational steps that allowed him to balance these two demanding ventures. From starting his own business and facing significant challenges, including shutting it down temporarily, to discovering a life-saving kidney donor for his father - Brian's story is nothing short of inspirational. He also sheds light on the importance of innovation, especially with his latest project, a scheduling tool called Arrange. Tune in to learn valuable insights on business development, delegation, and leveraging technology in recruitment, all while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivational moments that any recruiter or entrepreneur can benefit from. Don’t miss it!

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast with your host, Benjamin Mena. Today, we dive deep into the transformative world of artificial intelligence in recruitment with our special guest, Mike Wolford. Known for his expertise in AI and data analytics, Mike shares essential insights into how AI is revolutionizing the recruiting landscape. He discusses the impending obsolescence of traditional recruiting roles, highlighting how AI can automate phone interviews, streamline scheduling, and even conduct detailed analytics. With practical advice on becoming a data-driven, AI-empowered recruiter, Mike reveals how both corporate and agency recruiters can adapt to stay relevant and thrive. Join us as we unpack the future of recruitment, the skills you need to develop, and the tools that can elevate your game. If you want to ensure your future in this ever-evolving field, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

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…

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we delve into the world of government contracting and extreme ownership in recruiting with our special guest, Brad Wilson, the founder and owner of STEM Solutions. In this episode, Brad shares his journey from juggling a brand-new baby and a fledgling business to making strategic shifts when the market drastically changed. With host Benjamin Mena, Brad discusses the intricacies of government contracting, the importance of security clearances, and the nuances of developing trustworthy client relationships. Plus, Brad opens up about the mindset and tactical changes that helped him thrive amid a highly competitive and shifting market. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or new to the field, you won't want to miss Brad's invaluable insights and practical advice on navigating the challenging landscape of government contracting recruitment. Tune in to The Elite Recruiter Podcast the top podacst for recruiters for a d…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and in today's episode, "Million-Dollar Momentum: Breaking the $500K Plateau to Reach $1.5 Million," we're diving deep with Justis Pederson. Justis is the President and CEO of the Peterson Group, a recruitment agency specializing in construction and engineering. He'll be sharing the remarkable turning points in his personal and professional journey, including his battle with alcoholism and his path to sobriety since August 2022.Discover how his newfound clarity led to a seismic shift in his business strategy, propelling his company's growth from $500,000 to over $1.5 million annually. Learn about his transition from cold calling to a thriving digital content strategy, the challenges he faced, and the wisdom he garnered from industry insights and personal experiences. Whether you're a new recruiter or a seasoned pro, Justis's story is packed with actionable advice on adapting to digital transformations, overcomin…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast. Today, we're diving deep into the remarkable journey of Mike Anderson, a top-tier recruiter who has mastered the art of business development to achieve an astonishing $2.4 million in personal commissions in his best year. Mike shares the critical milestones of his career—from starting in a gym management role to becoming an influential recruiter at firms like Workbridge and CyberCoders, and ultimately launching his own successful business.In this episode, we'll uncover the strategic approaches that have driven Mike's success across his three revenue streams: his recruiting billing company, a thriving coaching business, and a newly launched course. Despite facing market downturns and personal challenges, including a pivotal arrest for DUI and battling alcoholism, Mike turned his life around, finding sobriety and renewed purpose on May 26, 2018.Mike's story is not just about financial success but also about personal grow…

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, our host, Benjamin Mena, is joined by the bold and unorthodox recruiter, Shaun Hervey, who shares his incredible journey from a college musician to a dynamic recruiting professional. Shaun reveals how a chance encounter at an airport kiosk led him to a recruitment career at Adecco that began with the challenges of door-to-door sales and evolved into impactful recruiting roles.In this episode, we dive deep into Shaun's innovative strategies, including his success with creative video marketing on TikTok, the importance of genuine communication, and the power of leveraging personal networks. Shaun's candid advice on dealing with rejection, maintaining professional relationships, and balancing personal and professional life offers invaluable insights for new and seasoned recruiters alike.Join us as we explore Shaun's entrepreneurial journey with his own recruiting firm, Arkham Talent, and uncover the key ta…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode titled "Secrets to Scaling: Mike Williams on Recruiting Success, Startup Challenges, and Building a Rockstar Team," host Benjamin Mena sits down with Mike Williams, a top biller turned billing manager who has successfully scaled his recruitment company. We'll dive into Mike’s journey from being the sole engineering recruiter at his firm to expanding his team significantly in just 18 months. He shares valuable insights on managing the challenges of business growth, developing winning hiring strategies, and the importance of training and mentorship. Mike also discusses personal anecdotes, the significant impact of maintaining a positive mindset, and the role of the Pinnacle Society in his career. Tune in to learn the secrets behind Mike’s success and gather actionable advice for scaling your own recruitment business!

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast with your host Benjamin Mena! In today's episode, we have an extraordinary conversation with Adrian Byra, who shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building a $41 million recruitment powerhouse in just five years.Adrian reveals the secrets behind his success, including the development of repeatable processes, the strategic use of automation and outsourcing, and the critical importance of data management. He emphasizes the need for a supportive structure that evolves with the team, and how cultivating a company culture focused on individual growth can prevent high performers from seeking opportunities elsewhere.Join us as Adrian delves into maintaining authenticity while scaling, the balance between value proposition and profit, and his unique approach to training and continuous improvement. Learn how he tackles recruiter burnout by turning his team into business owners, aligning personal aspirations with organizational g…

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today’s episode, "From Scarcity to Success: Grace Marlin’s Roadmap to Becoming the Top Recruiter in Your Agency," features an in-depth conversation with Grace Marlin, a seasoned recruiter and business owner. Grace reveals how she transitioned from earning just $12,000 in her first year to becoming a top performer in her field. She’ll share her invaluable advice on applying the 80/20 rule, the importance of building a high-quality network, and viewing your recruitment desk as a business. Discover how Grace navigated the challenges of the industry, dealt with setbacks, and the critical mindset shifts that propelled her to success. Whether you're a new recruiter or a seasoned professional, Grace’s journey and expert tips are sure to inspire and guide you to higher levels of achievement. Stay tuned as our host, Benjamin Mena, delves into the nuances of making tough decisions, managing client expectations, and harnessing…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, titled "Why RecOps is Crucial for Modern Recruiting Success," your host Benjamin Mena sits down with Jeremy Lyons, a veteran in the recruiting operations space. Join us as Jeremy dives into the nuanced distinctions between recruiting operations (rec ops) and people operations, unraveling their unique approaches to employee management and layoffs.We'll venture into the interplay between rec ops and various departments like marketing and legal, as well as the internal power struggles with HR that are reshaping, thanks to advancements in AI. Jeremy shares his valuable insights on the critical importance of specialized skills in rec ops, the strategic use of data, and the survival tactics needed to thrive amidst budget constraints.You'll also hear Jeremy's fascinating comparisons between rec ops and Olympic gymnastics, and his predictions on the future leadership roles awaiting rec ops professionals. For recruiters aspiri…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and in today's episode, we have a truly inspiring guest, Sharon, who brings a wealth of experience and insight from her 26-year journey in the recruiting industry. Sharon started her recruiting business from home after the birth of her son and has since grown it into an Inc 5000 recognized company, The Finders. Throughout our conversation, she emphasizes the importance of building trust through genuine passion, setting big goals, and taking decisive action without over-complicating the process.In this episode, Sharon delves into topics that resonate deeply with both new recruits and seasoned professionals. She discusses the significance of understanding your "why," leveraging a supportive network, and balancing business development with recruitment. Sharon also touches on her experiences adapting her business amidst life changes and industry shifts, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and adaptability.…

Welcome to the Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's riveting episode, "From Zero to $100,000 Months with Kyle Rubattino and Joe Walsh," host Benjamin Mena delves into the inspiring journey of two standout recruiters, Kyle and Joe.Kyle discusses the strategic importance of recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses, sharing his experience of hiring his own boss for continuous learning during his time at Sixth Sense. Joe and Kyle met earlier this year through a startup-focused business, and despite initial financial hesitations, Kyle joined forces with Joe after recognizing their complementary skills. Together, they founded the Mural Group, a firm dedicated to early-stage startups from seed stage to Series B/C, offering innovative recruitment solutions and process improvements.With backgrounds in companies like Uber and Sixth Sense, both guests bring invaluable insights on scaling businesses and maintaining strong operational processes. They emphasize the importance of deep clien…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the world of business development and client engagement with the illustrious Jennifer Meyer. Jennifer, a veteran in the recruiting industry, shares her invaluable insights on breaking free from conventional conversation patterns, leveraging pattern interruptions to elicit genuine responses, and mastering the art of honest communication in business interactions.Join host Benjamin Mena and Jennifer as they explore military-interrogator-inspired communication strategies, the importance of maintaining directness to circumvent typical salesperson resistance, and the crucial role of strategic planning. Jennifer opens up about her early career struggles, eventually overcoming an eight-month dry spell to bill $300,000 in just four months, and offers advice for seasoned recruiters on tracking metrics and maximizing conversations.We also touch on Jennifer's transition from owning a recruitment busine…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Mena. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of recruitment with industry veteran Steve Swan, founder of The Swan Group. Steve has achieved an impressive 100% close rate over the past three years, even in the challenging realm of security clearances. With over 25 years in the industry, Steve shares the secrets behind his long-term success, including strategies for aligning candidate and company expectations, the value of genuine relationships, and the nuanced balance between emotion and logic in decision-making. Join us as Steve reveals the lessons he's learned from growing a company from 15 to 15,000 employees, the importance of effective communication, and how his unique approach to networking has transformed his career. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned recruiter, this episode is packed with insights that can help you navigate and thrive in this ever-evolving field. Get ready for a masterclass in recruitment exc…