Craig Picken

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with aviation and aerospace executive search specialist Craig Picken. What makes this conversation especially compelling? Craig Picken has built a powerhouse recruiting business as a true one-man show—recently closing an impressive 22 executive searches in a single year. Drawing from his experience as a naval aviator, jet sales executive, and high-end real estate pro, Craig Picken shares how he leveraged deep industry knowledge, relentless relationship building, and a willingness to do what others won’t to become a go-to figure in his niche—without a large team or complex tech stack.In this episode, you’ll learn how Craig Picken carved out his reputation, why he’s obsessed with mastering his craft and setting himself apart, and exactly how he navigates the ups and downs of search work and business development. Whether you’re a recruiter wanting to dominate your market or an industry professional consideri…