The Elite Recruiter Podcast

Want to break into the million-dollar biller club—no matter your age or experience? In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Kent Depwe, who billed seven figures in his second full year as a recruiter—at just 25. If you’re ready for real talk on sales, mindset, business development, and using AI tools to smash your targets, this is the episode to accelerate your growth. 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in a single, AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. Centralized outreach, reporting, and analytics keep you fast and efficient. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🚀 Sponsorship: Pin – AI Recruiting Assistant Pin is your 24/7 AI recruiting assistant for sourcing, outreach, interview scheduling, and resume screening. It scans 850M+ profiles, evaluates resumes with PhD-level precision, and engages candidates across email, LinkedIn, and SMS—plus collaboration and DEI tools. Start your free trial → https://www.pin.com/ 🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $49/month → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community Inside the Episode Kent reveals what it really takes to thrive in modern recruiting. Whether you’re agency-side or internal TA, you’ll learn how to scale billings fast, win top clients, handle setbacks, and use AI platforms like ChatGPT and Apollo for a competitive edge. He shares frameworks, habits, and mental toughness that define top 1% recruiters—plus actionable advice to double or triple revenue through focus, mentorship, and client quality. You’ll discover how to: Pick the right environment and mentorship to fast-track learning.Turn tough markets into career-defining growth.Deliver white-glove service that creates referral clients.Harness AI tools for sourcing, BD, and market mapping.Structure your day for consistent peak performance. Top 5 Key Takeaways Mindset Wins: Great recruiters turn setbacks into fuel and never settle (00:09:56).Mentorship Fast-Tracks Success: Who you work for early on defines your career (00:11:06).AI = Force Multiplier: ChatGPT, Apollo, and LinkedIn Recruiter give you leverage old-school sourcing can’t (00:33:44).Quality Over Quantity: Stick with A-tier clients—one strong client can change everything (00:24:23).One Client, One Breakthrough: In recruiting, proximity to the right client equals life-changing success (00:55:10). Listen, Learn & Level Up Hungry for recruiter success stories and actionable growth advice? Hit play, subscribe, and share with your team. Connect with Benjamin and Kent to join their network of driven recruiting professionals. Resources & Links Pin – AI Recruiting Assistant: https://www.pin.com/Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM: https://recruitwithatlas.comThe Elite Recruiter Community: https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-communityFinish The Year Strong 2025 Summit: https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/Subscribe to The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeYouTube: https://youtu.be/85KAShS4-YoFollow Kent Depwe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentdepwe/Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

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 recruiter mindset). If you want to make Q4 your best ever or simply operate at elite standards, don’t miss Dante’s systems, templates, and the proven deal box strategy that’s redefining recruiting success.  🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in one AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and creates polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on client relationships. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com  🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $49/month → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community  Dante shares how his team cracked the "big biller code" in a fully remote structure, building a culture anchored in fierce competitiveness, unmatched subject-matter expertise, and relentless consistency. From optimizing LinkedIn profiles for client magnetism, to mastering AI recruiting tools like Loxo and Atlas, to deploying 7-step BD frameworks and scalable recruitment automations—this episode is packed with step-by-step playbooks for recruiters and agency owners craving huge results.   Picture yourself: Breaking down your annual billing goals into actionable, daily metrics.Creating a laser-focused "Recruiter Deal Box" that guarantees client relevancy and shortens your sales cycle.Leveraging AI and automation (think Atlas 2.0, Loxo, LinkedIn alerts, custom dashboards) so you spend 80% less time on admin and 10x your candidate flow.Converting more job posts—including those without advertised openings—into exclusive, long-term client partnerships.Nurturing relationships that turn 1-time wins into million-dollar accounts, all while building a recruiter brand your market can’t ignore.   Key Takeaways: Deal Box Domination: Nail down your niche, client ICP, and candidate profiles for repeatable 6-figure results.Systemized BD & Outbound: Use cold outreach, pro-market candidates, and multi-touch sales processes—consistently.Client Magnetism: Optimize your LinkedIn and outbound campaigns to stand out, become the subject-matter expert, and drive exclusive inbound business.AI Recruiting Tech Stack: Integrate platforms like Atlas, Loxo, LinkedIn, and ZoomInfo—but don’t forget, relationships trump tech.Scaling the Right Way: Invest in high-value tools, but double down on foundational work: hard calls, urgent follow-ups, and next-level client care. 🔥 Ready to turn today’s insights into deals on your desk? Listen now to discover Dante Nino’s step-by-step blueprints, start building your $500k+ pipeline, and fuel your talent acquisition growth with proven systems.  Sponsors & Links Atlas – https://recruitwithatlas.com🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/Free Trial – Juicebox: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dSignup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeYouTube: https://youtu.be/rhkFAcXY3KEFollow Dante Nino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-nino/Host Benjamin Mena – http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

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://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/   🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in one AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and creates polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on client relationships. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com   🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $49/month → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community   Inside the Episode Brent pulls back the curtain on what it takes to elevate from transactional to transformational. From AI recruiting tools and LinkedIn brand-building to business development and authority in your niche, his firsthand experience as a $2M+ biller delivers a masterclass in modern recruiting. He reveals: Why demand for sharp recruiters is peaking—clients want bullseye hires more than ever.The difference between being an “influencer” and a true “person of influence.”How to be so market-savvy that companies seek your advice and candidates trust you implicitly. This isn’t about quick wins—it’s the playbook for building a legacy reputation, commanding top fees, and outpacing your competition.     Key Takeaways Elevate Your Brand: Focus on high-value market insights, compensation data, and intel—not likes.Be the Trusted Advisor: Know your niche, attend industry events, and become the SME companies rely on.Pipeline of A-Players: Your brand equals your candidates—always show “nines and tens.”Play the Long Game: Build authentic relationships, provide ongoing value, and leave contacts better.Adopt AI Recruiting Tools: Platforms like Atlas 2.0 eliminate admin, accelerate shortlists, and free time for growth.   Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your career. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Benjamin and Brent on LinkedIn for more recruiting strategies and industry leadership.   Sponsors & Links Atlas – https://recruitwithatlas.com🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dSignup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeYouTube: https://youtu.be/la109aH-6fwFollow Brent Orsuga: https://www.linkedin.com/in/topfreightrecruiter/Host Benjamin Mena – http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ Ready to crush 2025? Hit play, subscribe, and let’s go!

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://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in a single, AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $49/month → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community Julia’s Story Julia’s journey is about more than recruiting tactics—it’s about the mindset, habits, and daily practices that fueled her explosive growth. She shares how executive coaching, affirmations, and even sleep hygiene became key drivers of her performance. Whether you’re a solo recruiter, agency owner, or TA leader, Julia’s framework offers actionable tools for scaling without burnout. Are you stuck in repetitive admin work or worried about market uncertainty? Julia’s roadmap blends mindset and strategy to help recruiters build sustainable success. She breaks down the exact rituals that transformed her career and helped her lead with confidence. Top Key Takeaways Mindset Over Mechanics: Daily rituals (affirmations, meditation, gratitude) create lasting performance (00:09:17).Embrace Fear & Action: Don’t wait for perfection—start, iterate, and adjust (00:04:47).Executive Coaching Matters: Mentorship and coaching shorten the learning curve (00:21:10).Money Mindset: Reframe your relationship with money—“Money in the hands of good people is a gift to the world” (00:14:34).Balance, Not Burnout: Scale without hustle culture—keep family and well-being at the center. Action Ready to future-proof your recruiting career with proven, high-performance habits? 👉 Listen now and turn your desk into a revenue powerhouse. 👉 Subscribe, leave a rating, and join our recruiter community—implementation is the real difference maker. 👉 Connect with Benjamin and Julia on LinkedIn for insider recruiting tips and inspiration. Links & Sponsors Atlas – https://recruitwithatlas.com🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dSignup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeYouTube: https://youtu.be/iilS7TYHCXIFollow Julia Arpag on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-arpag/Host: Benjamin Mena – http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ Level up your recruiting—press play and make these strategies YOUR edge!

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 your ATS and CRM in a single, AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses generative AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community – Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $37/month before Sept 30 (price rises to $49). Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member  Justin takes us behind the scenes of his meteoric rise from humble beginnings to building Titan Placement 20-person powerhouse serving healthcare nonprofits and FQHCs. We discuss the secrets of business development, market mapping, nurturing underdog talent, and the real power of daily consistency. If you’ve ever wondered what most leaders get wrong (and how to fix it in your firm), this conversation is packed with unfiltered insights and actionable recruiting strategies you can use right now. How do you choose a niche and map your entire market to dominate client relationships?Why is the phone a recruiter’s #1 BD tool in the age of AI and automations?What does it take to build a mission-driven recruitment team—and actually change lives?Where are recruiting leaders screwing up the partnership conversation (and how to avoid it)?What are the real, day-to-day activities that set winning recruiters and teams apart?  If you’re serious about leveling up your desk, team, or agency, you can’t afford to miss how Justin blends grit, tech, and leadership. Hear the play-by-play of how he: Built a world-class org chart and talent pipeline with nothing but hustle and smart techCreated training systems that help even first-time recruiters smash their goalsUses market mapping and competitive intelligence to build long-standing client partnershipsOvercame self-doubt and imposter syndrome through ownership and daily promises kept 👉 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. 👉 Connect with Benjamin Mena, Justin Bellante, and our vibrant recruiting community.  📌 4 Key Takeaways Niche Domination: Laser focus on FQHCs & market-mapped every target organization—game-changer for BD and placements.Phone First BD Wins: Cold calls & personalized emails are outperforming AI-generated campaigns for real recruiter-client connections.Consistent Training Culture: Daily huddles, live role play, and expert coaches keep the Titan team sharp and productive.Mission-Led Leadership: Giving opportunistic, hungry new recruits a shot, paired with real development, drives retention and impact. Sponsors & Resources  AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/UMFzzXhRStA Follow Justin Bellante on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbellante/ With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

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/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in a single, AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses generative AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🚀 Sponsorship: Pin – AI Recruiting Assistant Pin is your 24/7 AI recruiting assistant for sourcing, outreach, interview scheduling, and resume screening. It scans over 850M profiles, evaluates resumes with PhD-level precision, and engages candidates across email, LinkedIn, and SMS—plus tools for team collaboration and diversity hiring. Start your free trial → https://www.pin.com/ Inside the Episode From AI-powered platforms to Brian’s wildest sourcing stories, this conversation explores: Why AI is “killing sourcing” and what it means for recruiters.How AI can automate hours of sourcing into minutes.The shift from Boolean string builders to market intelligence pros.The rise of fractional recruiting, hybrid roles, and upskilling for an AI future. You’ll leave with an actionable plan to avoid becoming a “recruiting dinosaur.” Follow Brian Fink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfink/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/sG8UXaDS9d0 Key Takeaways AI transforms sourcing: Tools like Perplexity build candidate pipelines in minutes (00:07:11).Beyond Boolean: The future belongs to analysts, strategists, and engagement pros (00:22:20).Human connection is the edge: Automation frees time for negotiation and coaching (00:29:18).Fractional & gig recruiting are rising: TA headcount is shrinking—pivot now (01:41:22).Level up or get left behind: Upskill with AI tools, curiosity, and empathy (01:38:05, 01:44:04). Ready to future-proof your career? 👉 Hit play now—and subscribe so you never miss recruiting strategies, tech updates, or expert interviews. 🔥 Connect with Ben and Brian for more insights, office hours, and a rock-solid recruiting community. Listen. Learn. Level up. The future of recruiting is NOW. Resources & Community 🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community – Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $37/month before Sept 30 (price rises to $49). Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ 📩 Podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Host: Benjamin Mena – http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

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 Personal Brand Bootcamp AI is already replacing recruiters—not next year, but now. The safe ones? Recruiters who are known, trusted, and visible in their niche. That’s where Hoxo comes in—their Bootcamp helps founders turn a few hours a week on LinkedIn into inbound leads and real business growth, powered by their proven 3X System. 🎯 Free Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ Listener Bonus: Mention The Elite Recruiter Podcast and get £500 off.  🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Is Live Private, growth-focused community for recruiters featuring: • Weekly recruiter roundtables • Summit replays & exclusive trainings • The Billers’ Club to share wins • Split & Opportunities Board to partner on reqs and candidates 👉 Join for $37/month before Sept 30 (price rises to $49 in Oct). Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member  Inside the Episode Jeremy’s journey—from childhood poverty to leading a multimillion-dollar contingency firm—is invaluable for anyone scaling a recruiting business. Discover why Encore’s model defies old-school thinking, how their average contingency fee hit $70k+, and why investing in managers, L&D, and wellbeing delivers outsized results. You’ll learn how to: • Elevate your recruiter brand beyond automation • Attract and mold high-performing recruiters (even outside staffing) • Build cohesive teams with L&D, marketing, EOS, and accountability • Develop a limitless, logic-driven relationship with money and growth • Scale confidently—stepping out of day-to-day billing to drive expansion  5 Key Takeaways Riches Are in the Niches – Specializing in PE/VC-backed firms catapulted fees from $49k to $70k+.Systemize > Hero Culture – Hiring managers, L&D, and marketing enables sustainable scaling.Demand Generation Wins – Authentic branding builds inbound interest: “the best recruiters found us.”Prioritize Personal Growth – Investing in mindset coaches and well-being drives loyalty and results.Step Out to Level Up – Top leaders don’t bill; empower managers and focus on strategy.  Ready to become an elite recruiter or build a million-dollar practice? 🎧 Listen now for strategies, insider stories, and candid mindset advice. Subscribe so you never miss these growth-packed episodes, and connect with Ben & Jeremy for more insights!  Resources & Links • Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp – Free Masterclass: https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 • The Elite Recruiter Community: https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d • Signup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/H79-iX7y5xQ • Follow Jeremy Jenson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjenson/ • Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ • Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/  Level up your recruitment agency, placements, and mindset—press play now!

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 game-changing AI tools—Inbox Agent & Notetaker—absolutely free. • Inbox Agent: Writes replies in your tone, automates follow-ups, and gives real-time feedback. • Notetaker: Joins calls, transcribes, and creates AI-powered summaries—logged in your CRM. 🎯 Free trial: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/   Amy’s Story A second-generation recruiter, Amy learned under her father before becoming a perennial big biller at The James Allen Companies, now celebrating nearly 25 years in the insurance recruiting niche. She shares how she built an inbound desk (hello, recruiter website SEO!), landed repeat clients, and shifted her mindset to thrive in every market. A Pinnacle Society member, she proves consistency beats complexity every time. 👉 Sign up for: Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/   What You’ll Learn • How to attract inbound leads through targeted digital marketing—even in tough markets. • Why trusting the process, mastering phone work, and focusing on quality > quantity matters. • How to build and leverage a niche network for referrals and splits. • Why a minimalist tech stack (phone, LinkedIn Recruiter, ZoomInfo, ChatGPT prompts) beats tool overload. • Real talk on setbacks, client management, and staying the partner clients call—even years later.   🎯 Key Takeaways Consistency > Complexity: Long-term success comes from a simple, high-quality process.Inbound Lead Engine: SEO landing pages generate 5–10 inbound insurance leads per week.Phone Wins Placements: You can’t email your way to a placement—the phone builds trust.Relationships Drive Repeat Business: Most revenue comes from repeat clients.Invest in Yourself: Surround yourself with high performers—never stop learning.   🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Is Live Private, growth-focused community for recruiters featuring: • Weekly recruiter roundtables • Summit replays & exclusive trainings • The Billers’ Club to share wins • Split & Opportunities Board to partner on reqs and candidates 👉 Join for $37/month before Sept 30 (price rises to $49 in Oct). Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member   Listen Now & Connect Ready to uplevel your desk? Hit play, subscribe, and follow host Benjamin Mena and guest Amy Simpson for high-performance recruiting strategies: • Amy Simpson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/insuranceopportunities/ • Benjamin Mena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Subscribe: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pitiqRw_Y5s Let’s get back to basics—and bill big, together! If this episode fired you up, share it with your team and leave a review.   Sponsors & Links • Sourcewhale Free Trial: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/ • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Free Trial of PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d

Are you ready to double your recruiting billings and build unstoppable teams—all while feeling good about the sales side of recruiting? In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Mindi Romero, the recruiter who shattered records with $650K in accepted offers in just 24 hours. If you’re a recruiter, TA leader, or agency owner tired of cold calls and pushy pitches, this episode will electrify your mindset and give you a playbook to win.  🚀 Sponsorship: Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp AI is already replacing recruiters—not next year, but now. The ones who are safe? Recruiters who are known, trusted, and visible in their niche. That’s where Hoxo comes in. Their Bootcamp helps recruitment founders turn a few hours a week on LinkedIn into inbound leads, candidate demand, and real business growth—powered by their proven 3X System. 🎯 Free Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ Listener Bonus: Mention The Elite Recruiter Podcast and get £500 off.  Mindi Romero went from being “found” on LinkedIn to launching branches through a pandemic, building powerhouse teams, and creating a direct-hire division that redefines how recruiters partner with hiring managers. She shares how to transform sales from a “dirty S word” into authentic value—and how to become the go-to recruiter in your niche. Benjamin and Mindi cover: organic BD strategies, leadership training, time management on a 360 desk, and building teams that stay loyal as they grow.  You’re the recruiter everyone knows and trusts—top talent comes to you, and clients call first. That’s exactly what Mindi achieved. Learn how to: • Move from recruiter to strategic partner by advising on hiring strategies. • Build your brand and network on LinkedIn so every call is warm. • Leverage mentorship, associations, and industry events (AGC, Future Forward) for inbound business. • Manage your schedule and energy so both sales and recruiting thrive. • Foster and retain a high-performing team without losing top talent.  🎯 Key Takeaways Authentic Sales Wins – Switching from cold outreach to warm, relationship-driven calls unlocked her $650K day.Value-Add Mindset – Focus on insights and hiring strategy, not just filling reqs.Community Over Cold Calls – LinkedIn and event presence ensure clients already know her value.Team Leadership Masterclass – Growth comes from investing in people, training, and duplication of success.First Connections on LinkedIn Are Gold – Her “first connections” repeatedly convert into clients and partners.   Ready to unlock seven-figure offers, build elite teams, and transform your BD approach? 🎧 Listen now for Mindi’s no-BS recruitment playbook. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Benjamin and Mindi on LinkedIn.  Sponsor & Resource Links:   🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Is Live Private, growth-focused community for recruiters featuring: • Weekly recruiter roundtables • Summit replays & exclusive trainings • The Billers’ Club to share wins • Split & Opportunities Board to partner on reqs and candidates 👉 Join for $37/month before Sept 30 (price rises to $49 in Oct). Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member  🚀 Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp 🎯 Free Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ £500 off with The Elite Recruiter Podcast  • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d • Signup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/zx28pFUjzA4 • Follow Mindi Romero: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindiromero/ • Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ • Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ Hit play, subscribe, and level up now!

Looking for the secret sauce behind building a top-tier recruiting agency in a hyper-competitive market? Want to combine heart-driven recruiting with razor-sharp business strategy? In this must-listen episode, Benjamin Mena sits down with Cari Kraft—legendary leader and top biller at Jacobs Management Group—to reveal how niching down and leading with integrity can skyrocket your recruiting business.   🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE Try Sourcewhale’s game-changing AI tools—Inbox Agent & Notetaker—absolutely free. • Inbox Agent: Writes replies in your tone, automates follow-ups, and gives real-time feedback. Works with Gmail or Outlook. • Notetaker: Joins calls, transcribes, and creates AI-powered summaries—logged in your CRM. 🎯 Free trial: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/   Cari didn’t just “fall into” recruiting—she built her career with intention. From surviving the dot-com bubble to scaling a specialized life sciences firm, she shares how to grow high-performing teams, harness technology (including AI), and deliver results that wow clients and candidates alike. Discover the power of niching, why generalists get left behind, and how to become the consultative partner clients can’t ignore—even when markets shift.   You’ll walk away with proven strategies to: • Hire recruiters who blend heart and hustle. • Operate as a unified team with scalable processes and transparent bonus structures. • Leverage your industry niche to become irreplaceable. • Use innovative marketing (comp surveys, industry magazines, BD tactics) to stand out. • Build resilience, leadership, and long-term fulfillment in your career.     🎯 Key Takeaways Niche = Power: Specializing in life sciences built lasting relationships and innovative practices like comp surveys.Lead With Heart: Recruiting is the “business of the heart”—authenticity drives loyalty.Innovate or Die: Stay ahead with tech—from databases to AI recruiting tools.Vision & Team: Shared vision, bonuses, and collaboration make recruiting a team sport.Marketing Mastery: Surveys, branded content, and publishing fuel inbound leads and visibility.     ❓ Frequently Asked Questions from This Episode Q: Why is niching down so important for recruiters? Being specialized in life sciences gave her firm speed, credibility, and trusted long-term relationships. Q: What does “leading with heart” mean in recruiting? Recruiting is the “business of the heart.” Success comes from meaningful impact, not just placements. Q: How can recruiters future-proof their careers in the AI era? Be willing to change—embrace new tech that accelerates workflow while keeping recruiter relationships at the core. Q: What marketing strategies set Jacobs apart? Their annual 100+ page compensation & hiring survey and Healthcare Sales & Marketing Magazine attract inbound leads and build authority.   Ready to dominate your recruiting niche, inspire your team, and lead with heart? 🎧 Listen now to unlock Cari Kraft’s blueprint for next-level placements, leadership, and client relationships. 👉 Subscribe, share, and connect with Benjamin Mena and Cari Kraft on LinkedIn for ongoing insights.   Resource Links & Connect 🚀 Sourcewhale Free Trial: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/ • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d • Signup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/_ZQ-m4i29ZI • Follow Cari Kraft: https://www.linkedin.com/in/topmedicaldevicerecruiter/ • Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ • Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ 👇 Tune in now, level up your recruiting business, and hit subscribe for future game-changing episodes!

Recruiters—ever wonder what separates the good from the legendary? In this special episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Michael Goldman—45-year industry veteran, Pinnacle Society founding member, and recruiting “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Together they unpack the real value recruiters bring, how to survive market downturns, and how to build a legacy career that’s bigger than billings.   🚀 Sponsorship: Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp AI is already replacing recruiters—not next year, not eventually, but right now. The ones who are safe? Recruiters who are known, trusted, and visible in their niche. That’s where Hoxo comes in. Their Bootcamp helps recruitment founders turn a few hours a week on LinkedIn into inbound leads, candidate demand, and real growth—powered by their proven 3X System. 🎯 Free Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ Listener Bonus: Mention The Elite Recruiter Podcast and get £500 off if you join.   I Michael’s journey is recruitment folklore: from meeting a recruiter in a New Jersey bar to founding Strategic Associates and shaping the Pinnacle Society from the ground up. This episode isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about influence, mindset, and thriving through both the highs and lows of recruiting. You’ll learn how elite recruiters: • Overcome fear and self-doubt. • Navigate dramatic changes in tech and AI. • Deliver value beyond placements and dollars. • Build a career respected by clients, candidates, and colleagues alike.   Imagine thriving when others panic and mastering fundamentals that never fail. Want to know: • How to cement your recruiter value beyond transactions? • The single mindset trait top billers all share? • How to future-proof against market shifts and AI disruption? • The secrets to building a legacy instead of burning out? Michael’s wisdom, hard-earned strategies, and hilarious stories will leave you fired up and focused.   🎧 Ready to level up? Hit play, subscribe, and step into the mindset of a recruiting powerhouse.   🎯 Key Takeaways Recruiter Value = Lasting Impact (00:00:05, 00:22:04): You change lives, not just fill jobs.Overcoming Fear & Mindset Shifts (00:15:52, 00:18:11): Master influence, confidence, and communication.From Transactional to Consultative (00:23:51, 00:24:26): Stop selling—start consulting.Thriving Through Change (00:29:02, 00:30:13): Embrace AI and tech, but never lose the recruiter’s edge.Building a Legacy (00:35:26, 00:36:11): Focus on impact and reputation, not just revenue.   ⏩ Highlighted Moments • [00:07:04] Recruiting pre-internet—rotary phones and file cabinets. • [00:11:08] Launching his own firm—the leap of faith. • [00:20:11] From big billings to real value. • [00:33:50] Why most recruiters fail—and how to avoid burnout.     📢 Don’t Miss Out Be the recruiter your market can’t ignore. Listen now, connect, and apply these timeless lessons—your future self will thank you.   Sponsor & Link Section 🚀 Hoxo Personal Brand Bootcamp 🎯 Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ £500 off with The Elite Recruiter Podcast • AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d • Free Trial – Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter • Signup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/3UnZ8viJjD0 • Michael Goldman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgoldman1/ • Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ • Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ ✨ Tune in, take action, and make 2025 your biggest recruiting year yet.

Ready to punch through your recruiting plateaus and bounce back from every setback? In this inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with 12-time national boxing champion and Olympic team captain Cam F. Awesome. Discover what recruiters can learn from elite athletes about resilience, self-talk, and thriving under pressure—no matter how hard you get knocked down. 🚀 Sponsorship: Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp AI is already replacing recruiters—not next year, not eventually, but right now. The ones who are safe? Recruiters who are known, trusted, and visible in their niche. That’s where Hoxo comes in. Their Personal Brand Bootcamp helps recruitment founders turn a few hours a week on LinkedIn into inbound leads, candidate demand, and real business growth. It’s powered by their proven 3X System, used across every market to help founders build authority and attract clients instead of chasing them. 🎯 Watch the free masterclass here → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ Listener Bonus: Tell them The Elite Recruiter Podcast sent you and get £500 off if you join the Bootcamp.  Recruiting is a full-contact sport. Cam F. Awesome—the winningest boxer in US history—shares how the Olympic mindset, relentless work ethic, and radical self-belief translate directly into talent acquisition success.   Inside the Episode Benjamin and Cam break down the parallels between boxing and recruiting: • Cultivate grit—even when no one’s watching. • Turn negative self-talk into a winning inner dialogue. • Set and reset monster goals that drive growth. • Differentiate your workflow to move the TA needle. • Build habits that supercharge placements and business growth. Imagine attacking every day with Olympic-level discipline—where rejection becomes rocket fuel. Cam’s story will help you: • Rewire your self-identity to level up (he literally changed his LAST NAME to “Awesome”). • Escape mediocrity by questioning “the way it’s always been done.” • Reframe your value by writing down real accomplishments. • Take radical accountability to control your career trajectory. • Harness the power of your circle—the five people (or recruiters) who shape your success.  Key Takeaways Set Goals Bigger Than You (09:41): Go for the “Olympics” of your niche—even if you fail, you’ll surpass smaller goals.Radical Accountability (39:09): Own every outcome. Recruiters who take full responsibility adapt and rise faster.Self-Talk Shapes Success (22:14): What you tell yourself daily becomes your edge (or your ceiling).Innovate, Don’t Conform (18:17): Following the herd leads to average results.Failure Is Fuel (52:01): Every loss is a filter, not a verdict—learn faster, grow faster, win faster. Ready to become the champion recruiter you were meant to be? 👉 Listen now, subscribe, and rewire your mindset for unstoppable growth.  Connect & Resources • AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Signup for emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/dOdAPtV_b7c • Follow Cam F. Awesome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camfawesome/ • Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ • Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ 🎯 Don’t miss this episode—listen now, subscribe, and challenge your limits!

Struggling to hit numbers in today’s recruiting market? Craving a practical playbook for resilience and record-breaking billings? In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with 7-figure producer Dan Falzarano. Discover how Dan turned a near-firing into a 15-year streak of top billing—even as markets shifted. This is the blueprint for recruiters ready to dominate. 🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE Try Sourcewhale’s game-changing AI tools—Inbox Agent & Notetaker—absolutely free. • Inbox Agent: Writes replies in your tone, automates follow-ups, and gives real-time feedback. Works with Gmail or Outlook. • Notetaker: Joins calls, transcribes, and creates AI-powered summaries—logged in your CRM. 🎯 Free trial: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/ Recruiting in 2024 isn’t for the faint of heart. With industry shifts and tighter competition, it’s time to ditch outdated methods. Dan shares his no-nonsense approach—process discipline, client-first relationships, and tech stacks like SourceWhale, JobDiva, and LinkedIn automation. From scaling offices to leading through boom-and-bust cycles, his frameworks drive $500k–$1M+ production consistently. Imagine starting each day with a proven plan, an unstoppable mindset, and systems that deliver elite results—even in tough markets. Dan breaks down: Time-blocking for BDNPC campaigns that actually workMulti-channel outreach (video, voice notes, LinkedIn, cold email) Plus, his personal routines, content strategy, and tech tips that keep recruiters thriving. Don’t just dream about 7-figure billing. Steal Dan’s no-BS blueprint to level up your recruiting playbook today. Key Takeaways Process > Outcomes: Discipline in daily routines drives consistency, even in downturns. (00:12:16 & 00:15:16)Client Acquisition = Career Security: Master BD to outlast market shifts. (00:18:44)Multi-Channel Outreach: Cold email, LinkedIn, video, and voice notes boost ROI. (00:37:22)Purpose + Discipline: Long-term wins come from knowing your “why” and staying consistent. (00:46:41)Lead by Example: Outwork your team and make learning daily. (00:27:18) Timestamped Highlights • [00:04:33] How Dan “fell into” recruiting & built sales grit • [00:12:16] Habits that sparked his comeback • [00:18:44] Why client acquisition future-proofs recruiters • [00:37:22] His high-conversion BD workflow • [00:46:41] Advice for rookies: find your “why” Ready to Level Up? Listen now if you’re ready to build a resilient, profitable, and rewarding career. Subscribe, share, and expand your recruiter network with Benjamin and Dan. Sponsor, Resource, & Connection Links 🚀 Sourcewhale Free Trial – Inbox Agent & Notetaker: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/ AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Signup for emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/imSVlD3QKiY Follow Dan Falzarano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfalzarano/ With Host Benjamin Mena Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ Subscribe and stay tuned for more no-BS strategies to win the recruiting game!

Ready to future-proof your recruiting career in 2025? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast is a no-fluff masterclass on winning with AI recruiting systems. Benjamin Mena sits down with Martin Gutierrez, business development lead at SourceWhale, to reveal how top recruiters build bulletproof systems to scale placements, automate busywork, and keep the human touch that wins clients and candidates. 🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE Try both of Sourcewhale’s game-changing AI tools—Inbox Agent & Notetaker—absolutely free. Inbox Agent: Writes replies in your tone, automates follow-ups, and gives real-time outreach feedback. Works with Gmail or Outlook.Notetaker: Joins calls, transcribes every word, and instantly creates AI-powered summaries—logged in your CRM. 🎯 Activate your free trial: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/ Feeling overwhelmed by endless AI tools? Struggling to keep your pipeline full? Want more time for real relationship building? This episode gives solo billers, boutique agencies, and top producers strategies to compete with industry giants—by setting up the right systems. Martin has walked the recruiter’s path—leading teams, adopting tech, and finding what works. From avoiding “shitty AI” to leveraging sequencing, multi-channel outreach, and data-driven decision-making, this conversation is a recruiter’s roadmap to operational excellence. By the end, you’ll know how to: Scale your desk with systems used by top producers—no more lost leads or missed follow-ups.Choose AI tools that drive placements, not busywork.Supercharge BD with AI-powered campaigns proven across 50M+ recruitment messages.Reclaim time for real conversations while tech handles admin.Track metrics to act with precision—like the top 1% billers. Key Takeaways AI should empower recruiters, not replace them—get back to “1980s recruiter” relationship-building.Multi-channel, sequenced follow-up is essential—71% of meetings happen after the 3rd+ touch.Intent beats automation overload—know why you use AI.Lean teams can double meetings by plugging process leaks with automation.Data refresh is critical—outdated CRMs cost revenue. Timestamped Highlights [07:15] – What is SourceWhale & why top teams won’t work without it[12:17] – Why most recruiters lose money “chasing tools”[17:55] – When BD meetings really get booked[21:00] – Solo recruiter doubles meetings with systems[28:38] – New AI features: Inbox Agent & Data Refresh[34:50] – What separates elite 1% recruiters in 2025 🔥 Build a recruiting desk that runs itself, books consistent meetings, and lets you focus on people—not admin. Press play now and take notes! Sponsor & Links 🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE Try Sourcewhale’s Inbox Agent & Notetaker—absolutely free. Inbox Agent: Writes replies in your tone, automates follow-ups, and gives real-time feedback.Notetaker: Joins calls, transcribes every word, and creates instant AI summaries—logged in your CRM. 🎯 Free trial: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/  Events & Resources AI Recruiting Summit 2025 presented by Juicebox: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/Finish The Year Strong 2025: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/Free Trial of PeopleGPT & AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dSignup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect Martin Gutierrez LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-gutierrez13/ Benjamin Mena – Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ Don’t miss out—listen, implement, and become the recruiter everyone wants to work with.

From Survival to Seven Figures: Pree Sarkar’s Blueprint for Building a Million-Dollar Recruitment Desk 🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE For a limited time, you can try both of Sourcewhale’s game-changing AI tools—Inbox Agent and Notetaker—absolutely free. Inbox Agent: Writes replies in your tone of voice, automates personalized follow-ups, and gives you real-time outreach feedback. Works with Gmail or Outlook.Notetaker: Joins your calls, transcribes every word, and instantly creates AI-powered summaries—automatically logged in your CRM.💥 Imagine a 24/7 assistant that handles your calls and your inbox so you can focus on closing deals.🎯 Activate your free trial (both tools included): https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial What does it take to join the top 1% of recruiters who build million-dollar desks? In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Pree Sarkar, who went from redundancy to running a scalable, $2M+ billing machine. This is your step-by-step blueprint for breaking out of the average, mastering business development, and creating a recruiting business that runs at an elite level—whether you’re an agency recruiter, solo operator, or TA leader. Inside You’ll Learn: How to shift your recruiter identity to “level 10” and become a trusted advisor.Why high-value BD generates 80–90% of top clients—and how to warm up prospects before you ever call.How to delegate, automate, and scale without losing profitability.The financial buffer strategy that gives you confidence in any market.How to use LinkedIn content & podcasting to stay top-of-mind with clients at scale. Key Takeaways: Relentless, relationship-driven BD beats cold pitches every time.Delegate early and automate the 80% of tasks that don’t grow revenue.Keep 3–12 months’ operating cash to reduce stress and increase leverage.Your recruiter identity determines your market value.Strategic content builds long-term trust and inbound opportunities. Highlights: [00:02:56] From sales to recruiting after redundancy[00:10:33] The 80/20 BD focus that doubled billings[00:23:49] Niching down for dominance[00:25:19] Hiring your first team member[00:39:28] Leveraging podcasting as a BD engine If you want to stop riding the feast-or-famine cycle and build consistent, scalable revenue, this is your must-listen episode. Events & Resources: AI Recruiting Summit 2025: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/Finish The Year Strong 2025: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/Subscribe to The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PAiG-nfXO04 Connect: Pree Sarkar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/preesarkar/Benjamin Mena Website: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ 🔥 Sponsor Reminder – Your Free AI Upgrade Get full access to both Inbox Agent and Notetaker—the AI tools top recruiters are using to win more business in less time. 📬 Inbox Agent: AI outreach that sounds exactly like you. 📝 Notetaker: Every call transcribed & summarized—automatically. 🎯 Claim your free trial now: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and leave a review to help more recruiters join the elite.

Are you a recruiter struggling to stand out in an oversaturated market? Ready to discover the hidden secret that consistently produces top billers and high-value placements? In this episode, Benjamin Mena dives deep with luxury recruiting icon, Rob Bowerman, uncovering the enormous advantage of niching down, and exactly how you can use it to elevate your recruiting game in any market. AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Rob Bowerman’s journey from a retail buying career to building the Bowerman Group, the go-to firm for luxury brand placements, shows just how transformative choosing the right niche can be. Listen as Rob reveals tactical strategies, candid career advice, and actionable mindset shifts that propelled him from industry outsider to a sought-after recruiting partner for brands like Chanel, Versace, and Louis Vuitton. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how luxury customer experience principles fueled Bowerman’s client/candidate journeys and personal branding. This is a can’t-miss masterclass for recruiters wanting to: Drive higher-value placements and win exclusive searchesBuild resilient recruiting businesses, even during market uncertaintyTransform candidate and client journeys into luxury-level experiencesCommand premium fees and consistently dominate their deskLearn how to carve out a reputation as the “only choice” in a crowded industry Press play now and unlock elite recruiting insights that you simply won’t hear anywhere else! Make smaller changes to your process—today—that will lead to outsized results in placements, revenue, and relationships. Key Takeaways Niching Down Is a Superpower: “You want to add an extraordinarily high level of value to your client, and I think you can only do that…by being a real legit expert.” (Rob Bowerman)Luxury Brand Principles = Recruiting Success: Mirror luxury client experiences in your recruiting process—refined communication, branded candidate journeys, and a premium level of attention set you apart.Refuse Weak Searches: Don’t waste energy convincing yourself a dubious search is “real.” Put your power into genuine opportunities where clients show commitment (contingency, exclusivity, engagement fees).Brand and Relationships Trump Transactional Mindsets: Long-term success is built by treating candidates and clients with respect, offering real feedback, and prioritizing relationships over quick wins.Leverage Community: Surround yourself with high performers. Joining professional communities like the Pinnacle Society can massively accelerate your learning and growth. ⏰ Timestamped Highlights: 2:56 – How Rob leveraged retail experience to break into luxury recruiting10:41 – The “aha moment” that kicked off his niche and firm19:32 – Building a luxury candidate/client journey32:13 – Commanding premium search fees and branding yourself “high value”50:04 – Hard lessons, failures, and the truth about candidate/client control Ready to become an elite recruiter? 👉 Listen now, rate, and subscribe on your favorite platform! 👇 Connect with Rob, and unlock premium resources below to supercharge your recruiting journey. Resource Links AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/3olG8F8371I Follow Rob Bowerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbowerman/ Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Level up. Niche down. Build your luxury recruiting brand—starting today!

Ever wondered how to build, scale, and sell a recruiting agency for $28 million? Host Benjamin Mena welcomes back Diane Prince, who shares the inside story of her multi-million dollar staffing agency exit. Discover why niches lead to riches, what buyers seek in acquisitions, and how to scale your recruiting business—no matter your starting point. Diane openly shares the playbook for successful agency exits, highlighting the power of specializing in a niche, building recurring revenue streams, and the realities post-acquisition. Avoid common pitfalls and leverage actionable insights to grow your recruiting desk or agency efficiently. Key Insights from This Episode: Diane’s roadmap to a $28M exit within just 6 years, including bouncing back after a failed deal post-9/11.Why a clear niche strategy commands top multiples and how to identify and dominate yours.Essential buyer considerations during acquisitions: solid bookkeeping, client diversity, account integration, and a robust leadership team.The post-exit reality check: common mistakes recruiters make and strategies to avoid the 'shiny object syndrome.'Proven scaling tactics: leveraging VAs, maintaining a robust sales pipeline, and creating compelling, problem-solving content. Episode Highlights: [07:27] Selling for Maximum Value: Solid bookkeeping, diverse client revenue, and deep client integration are critical. Start by hiring a skilled bookkeeper. [13:06] Navigating Life Post-Exit: Diane’s lessons on managing newfound wealth—taking strategic breaks, prudent investing, and pacing your next big move. [22:08] Mastering Your Niche: Keep it simple—select a market where you have strong connections, deep knowledge, and solve real problems through targeted content. [25:35] Surviving Market Downturns: Diversify your services within your niche to weather industry fluctuations and position yourself for rapid recovery. [37:06] Consistency in Sales is King: Never neglect business development. Utilize VAs to expand capacity and consistently build your pipeline. 5 Essential Takeaways: Own Your Niche: Specialists earn higher margins and valuations.Maintain Pristine Books: Clean financials maximize your firm's value.Prioritize Recurring Revenue: Stable cash flow protects your agency.Real-Problem Content Wins: Solve actual client challenges to dominate your market.Pivot Strategically: Explore adjacent opportunities if your niche slows down. Ready to Scale? Make 2025 your breakthrough recruiting year. Listen, subscribe, and connect with Benjamin & Diane to elevate your career. 🔗 Key Resources: Episode Sponsor: Pin – Your 24/7 Recruiting Assistant: https://www.pin.com/AI Recruiting Summit 2025: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/Finish The Year Strong 2025: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/Free PeopleGPT Trial: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dFree Talin AI Trial: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiterSubscribe to The Elite Recruiter Podcast Emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/75bWuhGpMJ0 Follow Diane Prince: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeprincejohnston/ Host Benjamin Mena: Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Are you struggling with setbacks in your recruiting career and searching for the ultimate bounce-back strategy? In this can’t-miss episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, discover how Cathy Stewart—who once faced the brink of burnout and failure—rebuilt her confidence, pipeline, and reputation to soar as one of America’s top-billing executive recruiters. Tune in and learn how you, too, can turn professional droughts into record-breaking recruiting success.   Host Benjamin Menna sits down with Cathy Stewart, a celebrated member of the Pinnacle Society and an expert in executive recruiting for the senior living space. Cathy’s journey is raw, relatable, and incredibly motivating—she shares in detail how she lost her two biggest clients almost overnight and was left with no job orders on the calendar. Instead of giving in, Cathy doubled down, refined her process, and developed a bulletproof playbook for resilience and growth. In this episode, you’ll uncover: The critical turning points that reshaped Cathy’s mindset and recruiting methodologyDaily “non-negotiables” and habits that fueled her recovery and consistent performanceHow DISC personality profiling helped her instantly build rapport with tough clients and candidatesPractical ways to navigate hiring slowdowns, fall-offs, and challenging markets with positivity and accountability   Envision transforming your toughest setbacks into launchpads for your best years in agency or executive recruiting. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned recruiter aiming for the next level, Cathy’s actionable playbook delivers everything you need: How rebuilding her desk “two candidates a day” ignited a full pipeline from scratchMastering metrics, habits, and self-accountability that drive elite-level billingsLeveraging gratitude and mindset shifts to stay motivated, consistent, and connectedBuilding a reputation for placements that last, and client partnerships that endure   Ready to shift from survival mode to thriving in any recruiting market? 👉 Listen now to “From Rock Bottom to Top Biller: Cathy Stewart’s Playbook for Elite Recruiting Success.” Draw inspiration from Cathy’s true story and practical tactics—then put her strategies to work in your own recruiting desk. Remember, top billers aren’t just made in good times—they’re forged in adversity. Subscribe to The Elite Recruiter Podcast for more recruiting best practices, or connect with Cathy Stewart on LinkedIn to continue learning from a true industry leader. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to Cathy Stewart’s story [05:00] Building resilience: Learning from setbacks [09:30] The “two candidate a day” system [15:00] Developing client relationships in a recruitment niche [22:00] Mindset, accountability, and staying positive [30:00] Habits of consistent top billers [40:00] Favorite resources & closing advice Listen and transform your recruiting results—no matter where you’re starting from! This episode was sponsored by Pin - Pin, your 24/7Recruiting Assistant https://www.pin.com/   AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/   Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial of Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/NPYqWeab9AI  Follow Cathy Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-stewart-338b871a/   With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Are you a recruiter wondering how to bounce back after a layoff and build a thriving solo business in today’s competitive market? In this episode of the Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Liam Haghighat, a recruiter who transformed career adversity into entrepreneurial success by launching a profitable solo and fractional recruiting business. If you’re facing uncertainty due to layoffs or simply dreaming about starting your own recruiting consultancy, this episode speaks directly to your challenges and aspirations. With thousands of recruiters finding themselves in flux amidst volatile hiring trends and AI-driven disruption, knowing how to secure income, attract clients, and stand out is not just desirable—it’s essential. Listen in to discover how you can: Craft an in-demand value proposition that sets you apart in the crowded recruiting landscape, using Liam’s battle-tested strategies for identifying your niche and target clients.Build a resilient business model from day one by leveraging fractional recruiting: why early-stage startups want your help, how to price your services, and how the flexible subscription/retainer model delivers stability in unpredictable times.Harness technology and content marketing for rapid client acquisition—explore the practical tools and sales processes that enabled Liam (an introvert!) to win business, boost credibility, and nurture a steady flow of inbound leads. Whether you’re launching a new venture, thinking about going solo, or just looking for smarter ways to future-proof your recruiting career, this conversation is loaded with actionable tips, tech hacks, and confidence-building advice to help you lay a strong foundation—financially and professionally.  Stop scrolling and hit play NOW to get the inspiration, clarity, and real-world know-how you need to start your own successful solo or fractional recruiting journey today!  AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial of Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter  Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/wFgyz620jLM  Follow Liam Haghighat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamhaghighat/ With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Are you a recruiter worried that AI will replace your desk, or excited about what the future holds for staffing sales—and want to know how top producers are already leveraging technology to win? This episode is brought to you by ASCEN, the modern, all-in-one Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll solution built specifically for staffing firms. In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena dives deep with special guest Mike Mello, a powerhouse staffing producer who’s walked away from over $100M in revenue to build a next-gen agency with AI at its core. If you’re in recruiting or staffing, you know the pressure: more competition, more tech, and the looming fear that automation might outpace your skillset. But what if the right mindset and strategy could turn these challenges into your biggest opportunity yet? This conversation is designed for today’s recruiters and sales leaders aiming to future-proof their desks and dominate their markets. Curious how you can cultivate a rock-solid sales foundation, embrace automation without losing your edge, and consistently outperform in an increasingly AI-driven world? This episode is your playbook. Listeners will walk away with: Proven, actionable sales strategies from a $100M producer who’s scaled accounts from scratch—discover what really works for winning and retaining top billing clients in the modern staffing arena.Exclusive insights into which AI tools and automation workflows drive real ROI (and which are pure hype), so you can confidently invest your time and energy where it counts.Practical advice on integrating powerful new tech—like Clay and Make—without sacrificing the human touch, all while building a resilient, goal-driven mindset to navigate any market shift. Ready to level up your recruiting game, cut through the AI buzz, and unlock elite sales results? Hit play now and discover how to crush your quotas and build a future-proof desk in the age of intelligent automation! This episode is brought to you by ASCEN, the modern, all-in-one Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll solution built specifically for staffing firms. ASCEN streamlines your entire back-office—from payroll and compliance to onboarding and invoicing—so you can focus on placing top talent and scaling your recruiting business. Learn more at https://www.ascen.com/  AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ga1HrBfzP7g  Follow Mike Mello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mello-7884b059/ With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/