Episodes

In this insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Marc Cohen, a powerhouse in the recruitment industry who has successfully built, scaled, and sold not just one, but two recruitment companies. Together, they dive deep into Marc’s journey from his humble beginnings, through the exhilarating process of scaling businesses, and to the intricate steps involved in achieving a successful exit. Marc shares stories from his early days in the industry, his time in Australia, and his strategic move to the US. He provides valuable insights into the importance of belief in success, navigating tough industry changes, and the nuances of preparing a company for an optimal exit strategy. Whether you're a founder dreaming of your own successful exit or a recruiter looking to glean tips from a seasoned expert, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring anecdotes that are bound to enhance your understanding of the recruitment industry. Tune in t…

In this exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we're diving into the inspiring journey of Marc Cohen, a mastermind in building, scaling, and selling recruitment companies. Join host Benjamin Mena as he sits down with Marc to unravel the secrets to achieving the coveted dream of exiting a recruitment business. Marc, who has successfully exited two recruitment companies, shares his extraordinary journey from his beginnings in London to his adventures in Australia and the United States. Discover how Marc went from making $15,000 a year to earning that same amount in just four weeks in recruitment, and how he used his skills to navigate the ups and downs of the industry. With riveting stories of resilience, strategic pivots, and the power of belief, Marc provides invaluable insights for founders and recruiters aiming to make their mark in the industry. Whether you're a founder with dreams of exiting or a recruiter navigating the dynamic market, Marc's journey will inspire and in…

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, our host Benjamin Mena engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the accomplished Belinda Kerr. Having launched and sold her own recruitment businesses twice, Belinda offers a wealth of knowledge on transitioning from a recruiter to a thriving founder and CEO. She walks us through her initial leap of faith into entrepreneurship armed with just determination and hustle, lacking a formal business plan. Despite early roadblocks, such as losing her entire database, Belinda demonstrates how resilience and learning on the go can yield remarkable results. Throughout the episode, Belinda reveals valuable insights into scaling a recruitment business, emphasizing the crucial stages from solopreneur to building a dynamic team. The discussion also touches on common blind spots founders face, highlighting the importance of delegation and systematization for sustainable growth. Her advice doesn't sto…

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Admiral Jim Waters to dive deep into the world of Navy recruiting and the monumental task of leading 3,500 recruiters. Discover how Admiral Waters, a seasoned submarine officer, transitioned to his role as commander of Navy Recruiting Command and faced the challenges of adapting a massive organization to the changing landscape of military recruitment. From innovative strategies to enhance efficiency to cultural shifts that emphasize the pivotal role of the line recruiter, Admiral Waters shares invaluable insights into transforming Navy recruitment into a more agile and effective force. Whether you're in the military or the private sector, the lessons and strategies discussed here offer a masterclass in navigating large-scale organizational change. Tune in to learn how these efforts not only secure the future of the Navy but also profoundly impact the lives of young recruits, shaping a new generation of s…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we explore the journey of individuals who have transformed their lives and careers through the power of recruiting. In this exciting episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Randee Staats, who shares his inspirational story of triumph and resilience. Imagine having just $500 in your bank account, maxed-out credit cards, and looming payday loans. Randee found himself facing immense financial challenges but refused to give up. Instead, he drew a line in the sand and sought coaching to turn his life around. Within a year, he went from financial despair to billing an astounding $800,000. Join us as Randee unpacks his blueprint for financial freedom, detailing how he rebuilt his business with no prior agency experience. We delve into his strategies, the mindset shifts required, and how a simple point-based gamification system revitalized his approach to recruiting. This episode is a testament to the boundless opportunities recruiting offers i…

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…