Episodes

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…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, "From Navy Veteran to Recruitment Owner: Micah Clay's Journey to Success," we delve into the inspiring story of Micah Clay, a distinguished Navy veteran who transitioned into the recruitment industry, ultimately founding his own successful recruitment firm. Hosted by Benjamin Mena, our conversation covers an array of topics crucial for budding recruiters and business owners alike. We'll explore Micah's innovative approach to networking and career planning, his reliance on influential books like "Breakthrough 2.0" and "$100 Million Offers," and the core values that have driven his success—transparency, ethics, and respect for clients. Micah candidly shares the challenges and triumphs of the recruiting world, the immense impact of mentorship, and his strategies for content creation and audience engagement. In this episode, you'll discover how Micah leverages his military resilience, embraces niche markets, and builds long…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Dante Nino, a dynamic young agency owner who has mastered the art of scaling recruitment teams and boosting billings dramatically. Host Benjamin Mena kicks off the conversation by praising Dante’s incredible journey and actionable insights that have helped recruiters elevate their earnings from $200-300k to an impressive $500-700k. Throughout the episode, Dante shares his blueprint for success—from nurturing strong client relationships and investing in solid infrastructure to prioritizing staff motivation and adapting to remote work. He discusses the trials and triumphs of recruitment, the strategic importance of content creation, and the crucial lessons he's learned in hiring and developing high-performing teams. Whether you’re an agency owner looking to scale, a recruiter navigating the industry’s complexities, or simply eager to learn from a top performer, this episode is packed with…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's captivating episode, "From Sports to Recruiting: Jay Veniard's Secrets to Achieving Long-Term Success," our host Benjamin Mena sits down with the extraordinary Jay Veniard. As a former professional athlete turned veteran recruiter, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge about building a successful career in recruiting, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, critical tasks, and effective client engagement. Jay delves into the mindset required for excellence—highlighting concepts like "bitch voice" versus "boss voice," the significance of visualization, and the power of a strong, proactive self-talk to combat burnout and negativity. He draws intriguing parallels between sports and recruiting, advocating for a focus on foundational activities such as phone calls and meaningful in-person interactions. Listeners will gain insights on enhancing performance through daily targets, role-playing exercises, and the innovative 'game tape…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Tyler Rossi, the resilient and determined founder of American Dream Search. Tyler's journey from receiving a layoff notice while his wife was 32 weeks pregnant to earning over $200K in just six months is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Tyler shares his blueprint for recruitment success, from his strategic use of LinkedIn automation and relationship-building with industry leaders to the importance of niching down in the steel industry. You'll hear about his unique challenges, including balancing fatherhood, startup pressures, and overcoming personal adversities, all while building a profitable business. Whether you're an experienced recruiter or just starting, Tyler's insights on perseverance, specialization, and leveraging technology are invaluable. Tune in to discover how you can replicate his success and thrive in the recruiting world!

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, titled "Female Founders: Building Your Recruiting Business with Helen Plumridge," we dive deep into the world of recruitment entrepreneurship with the inspiring Helen Plumridge, founder of Hyper Consulting. Our conversation covers the critical elements of personal and business development, the importance of understanding financial and compliance frameworks, and the structured approach needed for sustainable growth. Helen shares her journey from starting her career as a temp in the recruitment industry to founding her own successful business, along with the challenges and rewards of being a female founder in a male-dominated space. We explore the hurdles women face in recruitment entrepreneurship, from mindset and confidence issues to lifestyle and financial risks, and Helen provides practical advice on overcoming these obstacles. Together, we discuss utilizing tools like ChatGPT for efficient content creation, the …

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Mena. In this episode titled "How to Become a Magnetic Recruiter by Niching Down," we dive into the compelling journey of Parker Chaney. From his humble beginnings to becoming an influential recruiter, Parker shares how the inspiring tenacity of his mother, a Chick-fil-A franchise owner, instilled in him the belief in limitless possibilities. Parker attributes much of his success to niching down within the freight brokerage sector, significantly boosting his business by targeting clients in dire need with substantial budgets. Leveraging LinkedIn as a powerful networking and content creation tool, Parker has built a brand that attracts clients through inbound interest, virtually eliminating the need for traditional outbound sales efforts. Join us as Parker unfolds his strategies for creating a magnetic recruiting presence, the vital role of specialization, and the tech tools that streamline his operations. With practical …

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, "Blueprint to Crushing It in Recruitment: Harnessing Tech, Mindset, and Community with the Syndicate," we're thrilled to have Neil Lebovits, David Stephen Patterson, and Daniel Miller join our host, Benjamin Mena. Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of insights and strategies for recruitment success. We'll explore how recruiters can broaden their horizons and unlock additional revenue streams, the crucial role of investing in essential recruiting tools, and the game-changing impact of platform integration. Our guests will also share a wealth of knowledge on overcoming mindset challenges, leveraging proactive communication, and the pivotal significance of community support. From advice for new and seasoned recruiters, to practical tech tool recommendations and industry-specific strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips and real-world examples. Plus, we’ll discuss the benefits of forming supportive netwo…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, "Turning Pro in Your Career and Making Everything Count," we have the privilege of hosting Brian Moskowitz, a seasoned recruiter and former attorney. Brian delves into the essence of team culture, the critical importance of the right mindset, and the art of in-depth questioning for achieving career success. He shares his journey from practicing law to becoming a recruiter, emphasizing the significance of professionalism and dedication in making a successful career transition. Drawing inspiration from Steven Pressfield's "Turning Pro," Brian reflects on how early success led him to initially underestimate the rigors of recruiting, and how experience taught him the need for a structured, professional approach. He walks us through his meticulous planning methodology, which blends insights from various productivity systems and tools for optimal execution and continuous improvement. Brian also explores the profound impact …