Business Development Episodes

1. Episode Hook Recruiters don’t have a talent problem right now. They have a client acquisition problem—and most are fixing it the wrong way. 2. Why This Episode Matters The last 18–24 months forced recruiters back into real business development. In this episode, Sharon Bondurant breaks down the simple, overlooked strategies that consistently win clients—even in tough markets—without burning out or hiding behind tools. If you want more job orders, more control, and more predictable revenue ...

1. Episode Hook The old recruiting playbook is breaking. If your business development looks the same as it did 2–3 years ago, you’re already falling behind. 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 2. Why This Episode Matters AI is reshaping recruiting faster than most agencies are prepared for. In this episode, you’ll learn how elite recruiters are adapting their business development, positioning, and client strategy to win in 2026 — not just survive...

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with top recruiter and Pinnacle Society member Katharine Wilcox to reveal the secrets behind why the most successful recruiters win clients—without ever needing to “sell.” From her beginnings in the cutthroat world of Hollywood talent agencies to building a thriving recruiting business in Atlanta, Katharine Wilcox shares her journey, lessons learned, and proven strategies for building lasting business relationships. You’ll hear how cultivating genuine connections, hustling with relentless focus, and treating everyone as a potential client have powered her two-decade career—along with her advice for recruiters who feel stuck or want to take things to the next level. Learn why authenticity and curiosity trump gimmicks, and how approaching recruiting as a true talent agent transforms your reputation and results. If you want to master business development, level up your time mana…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Zack Gallinger, owner of TalentHero Media and a true expert in digital marketing for recruiters. With over a decade in the industry, Zack Gallinger unpacks what’s changing in AI-driven recruitment marketing, why old tactics aren’t working like they used to, and what you need to do to win new business in today’s landscape. Together, Benjamin Mena and Zack Gallinger dive into best practices for leveraging LinkedIn, SEO, and email marketing, and they get real about what’s actually generating results for recruiting firms right now. From controversial LinkedIn content strategies to Google algorithm changes, plus hard numbers on budgets and timelines, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. If you’ve been struggling to land inbound leads, wondering how AI is shifting the recruiting landscape, or just looking for the next marketing move, you’ll want to catch every minute of this …

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena is joined by Conor Kline, Head of Revenue at Pin, for a no-nonsense playbook on outbound recruiting, discovery, and closing more deals. Most recruiters never receive formal sales training—they pick up bits and pieces from colleagues, podcasts, and by winging it. Conor Kline brings his expertise from years of selling into one of the toughest markets: the recruiting industry itself. Together, they dive into why curiosity and structured processes are what separate average recruiters from elite performers. From hyper-targeting your ideal client, to creative outreach strategies that cut through the noise, to mastering the all-important discovery call using the MEDDIC sales framework, this conversation is loaded with actionable advice to help you build a more disciplined, scalable, and ultimately successful desk. Whether you’re looking to step up your business development, improve your outbound messaging,…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Kelsey Boyd to dive into the hidden “operating systems” that power high-performing recruiting firms. Kelsey Boyd, whose career journey took her from orchestrating playground games to leading digital and operational transformation at a major staffing agency, shares her first-hand experience of turning organizational chaos into clarity and growth. Together, they unpack what it takes to break through the plateaus that so many recruiting leaders face, the importance of embracing turbulence during times of change, and what practical frameworks—like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)—can do for solo recruiters all the way up to firms with dozens of employees. Along the way, you’ll hear how Kelsey Boyd navigated her own pivot from marketing into operational leadership, why consistency and curiosity are the keys to recruiter success, and how you can identify (or become!) the “integrator” you…

Welcome to this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we dive into the incredible journey of growing a recruiting and staffing firm from zero to an astounding $300 million in revenue—and ultimately, a successful exit. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with guest Jon Davis, a true “staffing geek” with over 32 years in the industry, who shares how he went from a mattress-on-the-car move into physician recruiting to leading a powerhouse tech staffing firm. In this conversation, you’ll hear about the real challenges, pivots, and strategies that fueled explosive growth, including the transition from direct placement to focusing on contract staffing and recurring revenue—the key ingredient in making a firm attractive to buyers. Jon Davis opens up about building strong relationships, leveraging technology smartly, and creating processes that sustain quality even in boom times. Whether you’re a desk-level recruiter, a business owner, or someone dreaming of a big exit, you’ll get act…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Derek Pittak for an in-depth, step-by-step exploration of building a 7-figure recruiting firm that operates smoothly—even without you at the helm. This is Part 2 of their EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) deep dive, where Derek Pittak demystifies the EOS playbook, revealing the strategies and tools that top-performing recruiting agencies use to streamline processes, boost accountability, and keep teams laser-focused on growth. From the critical importance of real process documentation and training, to breaking down the differences between rocks, scorecards, and to-dos, Benjamin Mena and Derek Pittak cover it all. You’ll also hear how to clarify your company’s vision and keep your team aligned, why 90-day planning cycles matter, and the real-life challenges—and successes—of implementing EOS in staffing and recruiting. Whether you’re running a boutique search firm or scaling a high…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Derek Pittak, a seasoned entrepreneur and certified EOS implementer who’s helped over 40 staffing companies transform their chaos into scalable clarity. We dive into Derek Pittak’s unconventional journey from military and banking to running a $125 million staffing portfolio—and how he discovered the power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to unite cultures, streamline processes, and take recruiting businesses to the next level. If you’ve ever wondered what EOS is, why everyone talks about “traction,” or how these concepts actually apply to recruiting firms (not just companies selling widgets!), this episode pulls back the curtain. Derek Pittak breaks down how EOS creates consistency, accountability, and clarity—making it possible to build a seven-figure recruiting firm that runs without you. Whether you're leading a multi-office staffing firm or just starting out with a few …

Recruiting can feel like total chaos—constant fires, endless admin, and a million moving parts. But what if there were a simple system that top firms use to triple revenue, double profitability, and finally calm the madness? That’s what you’ll learn in this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast with host Benjamin Mena and EOS Implementer & former Executive Recruiter Jackie Kibler. Jackie reveals how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—the framework behind Traction—can transform your de...

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Gregory Fischer, a recruitment agency founder who built his company from the ground up to an impressive $4 million in gross margin and $1.4 million EBITDA—only to make the bold move to walk away from it all. Greg shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey: from leaving a career in fitness, grappling with dreams that didn’t pan out, and the pivotal moment he took a leap into recruiting. Together, they explore key lessons on business partnerships, the sometimes overlooked pain of burnout, and what it really takes to find fulfillment in your work. Plus, Greg dives deep into the realities of offshoring and how his team leveraged global talent to power epic growth—after more than a few failed attempts. The conversation gets candid about misconceptions around offshore teams, why integrating people fully matters, and how AI and offshoring actually work hand-in-hand to future-proof your recruiti…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! This week, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Alexis Albright Meschi, a leader in marketing for recruiters, for a candid and insightful conversation about building an authentic brand, engaged community, and thriving client base on LinkedIn. Are you still just posting jobs and hoping for the best? Alexis reveals why traditional recruiter marketing mindsets are holding the industry back—and shares actionable strategies for moving past simple job postings to real relationship-building and brand growth. You’ll learn why human connection is the cornerstone of successful recruiting content, how to optimize your LinkedIn profile (hint: it’s not just a resume!), and the importance of serving, leading, and connecting within your network. From practical examples of meaningful content to leveraging AI as a tool (not a shortcut), Alexis and Benjamin unpack what it takes to truly stand out—and why consistency and a focus on your deeper miss…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Zack Cress—a seasoned recruiter who spent 14 years climbing the ranks at a large corporate agency before taking the leap to start his own recruiting firm. Together, they dive deep into the decision-making process behind leaving agency life: when to stay put, when to switch companies, and what it really takes to launch your own recruiting business from scratch. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current role, contemplating joining a smaller agency, or considering building something of your own, Zack shares the lessons he learned through years of promotions, relocations, and ultimately, entrepreneurship. You’ll get practical insights on business development, choosing the right technology, navigating compliance and bookkeeping, finding and structuring the right partnership, and building a support network to fuel your success. Zack also touches on the importance of risk tolerance, setting up sa…

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 yo...

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 P...

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Pree Sarkar for an in-depth conversation on going "From Survival to Seven Figures." Pree shares his remarkable journey from being laid off from his dream tech sales job in Australia—with a young family and a new mortgage—to building a million-dollar (and beyond) recruitment desk from scratch. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts, processes, and strategic decisions that set top billers apart, including letting go of what doesn’t serve your goals, mastering business development, and scaling up through smart delegation and automation. Pree breaks down his transition from scrambling to put food on the table to intentionally building a sustainable and scalable recruiting business, revealing the key stages along the way: survival, sustainability, and ultimately, scalable success. He also dives into how he leveraged his background in tech sales, the importance of finding your niche, and why focusing on high-va…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Diane Prince, a powerhouse entrepreneur who built and sold her staffing company for an incredible $28 million. Diane shares the real story behind living the dream so many recruiters chase—from building a niche-focused agency and scaling to eight-figure exits, to the emotional highs and lows that come after the sale. She opens up about what it actually felt like to experience a life-changing payday, the lessons learned from life after the exit, and why she jumped back into business after her “retirement” in Malibu. You’ll hear practical advice on everything from finding (and owning) your recruiting niche, to leveraging virtual assistants for scale, and avoiding common pitfalls that hold recruiters back. Whether you’re aiming for your own big exit or just looking for ways to stand out in the recruiting game, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a candid look at succes…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this eye-opening conversation, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Steven Farrell—Director of Sales at a leading light industrial staffing firm, co-founder of a CDL staffing company, and host of The Staffing Playbook podcast. Steven shares his extraordinary journey from leading massive retail teams to becoming a powerhouse in the staffing industry, where he’s helped generate tens of millions in revenue—even as the broader recruiting world struggles with downturns. Prepare to get inspired as Steven reveals the creative, out-of-the-box strategies that drove his team's growth during even the toughest market conditions—think viral virtual job fairs, data-driven sales tactics, and quarterly donut drops that generated real client engagement. Discover how Steven ditched the outdated concept of “work-life balance” for sustainable “work-life harmony,” why aligning sales, marketing, and operations is the key to thriving, and what it…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena is joined by returning guest Kelli Schutrop—a marketing and sales powerhouse with over 15 years of experience in the staffing industry. This episode dives deep into how recruiters can leverage LinkedIn thought leadership to drive millions in inbound business. Kelli shares her journey from feeling hesitant about “sales” to pioneering a strategy centered on expert visibility and practical personal branding. Through real-world examples and success stories, including insights from industry pros like Amy Volas, Kelli breaks down the steps to build authentic connections, position yourself as a go-to expert, and stay ahead in an industry where traditional sales tactics often lag behind. You’ll also hear practical advice on overcoming the fear of posting content, the right way (and wrong way) to use AI on LinkedIn, and why being relatable, credible, and insightful is more valuable than ever. Whether you…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with the inspiring Aida C. Rodriguez, founder of Ascension Global Staffing and Executive Search. From launching her legal recruiting firm out of her living room in the middle of the pandemic to hitting $6 million in revenue and landing a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, Aida shares the real behind-the-scenes story of assembling an all-women powerhouse team. Tune in as Aida opens up about what it takes to build a successful firm in uncertain times, her unique approach to training and leading her "brunch crew," the vital role of technology, navigating setbacks, and why thinking big—and building others up—has been the secret to her success. Whether you’re looking for firsthand startup wisdom or motivation to chase your own audacious goals, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Are you struggling to bounce back from setbacks in your recruiting career, wondering how top recruiters cultivate the resilience to thrive no matter what challenges come their way? In today’s recruiting landscape, high-pressure environments, economic fluctuations, and constant rejection can lead to burnout or even make you second-guess your place in the industry. If you're looking to build a long-lasting career, you've probably realized that mastering resilience isn't just a “nice to have”—it’s ...

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Zach Keen, founder of Keen Search and Staffing, to unravel the real story behind launching and scaling a successful recruiting agency—especially after facing a layoff. In this powerful conversation, Zach shares his journey from being unexpectedly let go to building a thriving business in just over a year, all while balancing life as a father of three. We dive into how he leveraged industry experience, sales savvy, and investor mentorship to get his agency off the ground, and why focusing on authenticity and a strong local market presence helped him carve out a niche in a competitive field. Zach gets candid about the challenges—and rewards—of taking the leap into entrepreneurship, what it really takes to hire the right recruiters, and how building the right systems can set your team up for success. Plus, hear his advice for new recruiters just starting out, as well as seasoned pros…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena is joined by powerhouse recruiter Rich Rosen, who just had his biggest billing month ever—raking in a jaw-dropping $300,000. Despite a market many say is “soft,” Rich is here to show you exactly how the top recruiters are still crushing it. Together, Ben and Rich break down the specific steps, mindsets, and strategies that allowed Rich to defy market trends and dominate his niche—including the grind of consistent phone time, embracing AI as a recruitment sidekick, and harnessing the incredible impact of strategic LinkedIn content. From building authentic client relationships to balancing family life with high-performance recruiting, this episode is packed with no-nonsense advice, actionable takeaways, and a hefty dose of motivation for anyone serious about making 2025 their best year yet. If you’re ready to ditch the excuses, level up your results, and learn the secrets behind a record-breaking m…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Trinette Cunningham, President and CEO of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), to uncover the latest trends, legislation, and strategies shaping the recruiting world. Trinette brings over a decade of experience in association management and shares her candid journey into the recruiting industry, including the comical story of her own interview process with NAPS. Together, they dive deep into the importance of professional certifications for recruiters, the critical need to stay informed about changing laws and best practices, and why networking and mentorship remain game-changers in a rapidly evolving industry. You’ll also get the inside scoop on NAPS’ annual conference, how AI and mental health are impacting the landscape, and practical, next-level advice for both new and seasoned recruiters. Whether you’re just starting your recruiting career or you’ve been in the game …