

The Elite Recruiter Podcast
Benjamin Mena
The Elite Recruiter Podcast is where top recruiters go to get better.
Hosted by executive recruiter Benjamin Mena, this show dives deep into the stories, strategies, and mindsets of the most successful people in the industry — from $1M solo producers to 8-figure agency founders.
Each episode delivers real, tactical insights for high-performance recruiting:
How elite recruiters build and scaleTools, tech stacks, and sourcing strategiesDaily habits and workflows that drive million-dollar desksLessons from failure, breakthrough wins, and mindset shiftsWhat the best are doing next — and how they’re changing the game
If you’re in agency recruiting, staffing, or executive search — this is your new secret weapon.
No fluff. No recycled advice. Just the unfiltered playbook of the top 1%.
🎧 Subscribe now — and start leveling up like an elite.
Hosted by executive recruiter Benjamin Mena, this show dives deep into the stories, strategies, and mindsets of the most successful people in the industry — from $1M solo producers to 8-figure agency founders.
Each episode delivers real, tactical insights for high-performance recruiting:
How elite recruiters build and scaleTools, tech stacks, and sourcing strategiesDaily habits and workflows that drive million-dollar desksLessons from failure, breakthrough wins, and mindset shiftsWhat the best are doing next — and how they’re changing the game
If you’re in agency recruiting, staffing, or executive search — this is your new secret weapon.
No fluff. No recycled advice. Just the unfiltered playbook of the top 1%.
🎧 Subscribe now — and start leveling up like an elite.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 9, 2024 • 45min
Mastering Recruitment Relationships with Kevin Kirkpatrick
Are you struggling to strike the perfect balance between being a top-notch recruiter and a brand builder in your field? Do the challenges of mastering recruitment relationships, client communication, and personal branding in the competitive medical industry seem daunting? If you're nodding along, then this episode of "The Elite Recruiter Podcast" with esteemed guest Kevin Kirkpatrick is crafted just for you.
Recruitment professionals will find this episode particularly resonant as Kevin shares his transformative journey from a call center recruiter to a renowned figure in medical and tech recruitment. He unveils the underlying struggles, strategic communication methods, and the building of relationship collateral that have defined his success. This discussion is tailored to echo the current climate of the recruitment industry and addresses the needs of recruiters who aim to leave a lasting impression in their field.
Listeners will gain invaluable insights on:
1. Advanced techniques for cultivating deep, lasting relationships within the recruitment industry, ensuring every call or interaction opens a gateway to opportunities.
2. Tried-and-true communication strategies that not only facilitate long recruitment cycles but also keep clients engaged and informed, fostering trust.
3. A blend of recruiting with consulting, a hybrid role that has become increasingly significant in enhancing value and driving a substantial portion of revenue.
In addition, Kevin delves into the practical side of utilizing digital tools for both nurturing relationships and personal brand development, offering tangible takeaways for listeners to implement. He also shares the personal growth he experienced from his 'aha' moments, like his shift from seeing competition to embracing collaboration among peers.
Indulge in a conversation that's teeming with savvy tips and heartfelt advice that could catapult your recruitment career to the next level. Dive into this episode right now and embark on a journey that might just make 2024 your most accomplished year yet. Embark on this journey by pressing play, and equip yourself with the knowledge that can revolutionize your role in the recruitment landscape.
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Kevin Kirkpatrick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjkirkpatrick/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/9gwr69f5g7U
With
your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/
Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
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Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 4min
$0 to $2.5 Million in 2 years with Mike Williams
Have you ever wondered how some recruiters manage to skyrocket their businesses to multimillion-dollar success stories in just a couple of years?
Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or just starting, finding the right niche, creating a compelling brand, and scaling a business without losing sight of personal goals are challenges we all face. This episode delves into the journey of Mike Williams, who conquered these obstacles, growing his recruitment company, Carnegie Search, from $0 to $2.5 million in revenue in two short years. Discover industry insights and personal growth tactics that are crucial for anyone looking to make their mark in the competitive world of recruitment.
1. Learn Mike Williams’ strategy for specializing in a niche market and why turning down certain work can actually turbocharge your business growth.
2. Gain firsthand knowledge on how to build and maintain a high-performing team in the recruiting industry, ensuring continuous personal and professional development for you and your staff.
3. Obtain invaluable advice on managing the delicate balance between professional aspirations and personal responsibilities, a key to maintaining momentum in your career while ensuring life's other roles aren't neglected.
Unlock the secrets to rapid business growth in the recruitment industry by listening to Mike Williams' inspiring story in our latest episode—transform these insights into fuel for your own success journey.
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Mike Williams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewilliamscarnegiesearch/
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With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/
Benjamin
Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
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Mar 25, 2024 • 47min
Mastering the Art of Recruiting with Steve Finkel - Part 2
Are you struggling to level up your recruitment game despite years of experience? Discover the advanced techniques that can transform your process and results.
In a high-stakes industry like recruiting, resting on your laurels is not an option. The landscape is evolving, with technology, market dynamics, and client expectations in constant flux. This episode delivers insightful strategies directly from the recruitment guru, Steve Finkel. Whether you are facing challenges in obtaining candidate referrals, making your marketing calls count, or simply keeping up with the cutting edge of recruiting tactics, this conversation with Steve Finkel will guide you to refine your approach and enhance your outcomes.
1. Learn from the depth of knowledge of Steve Finkel, with actionable advice to dramatically improve the success of your recruiting calls and client engagement techniques.
2. Gain access to proven strategies that break down complex sales and recruiting methodologies into manageable, trainable segments for constant improvement in your craft.
3. Embrace the wisdom of a seasoned expert to navigate through economic uncertainties and stand out in the recruiting industry by adding personalized value that technology and automation cannot replicate.
Hit play on this episode now to absorb Steve Finkel's powerhouse tactics and make this your best year yet in the high-impact world of recruiting.
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Steve Finkel Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-finkel-9b4ba37/
Steve Finkel’s Website: https://www.stevefinkel.com/
YouTube:
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:
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Benjamin Mena TikTok:
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Mar 25, 2024 • 54min
Mastering the Art of Recruiting with Steve Finkel - Part 1
Mastering the Art of Recruiting with Steve Finkel - Part 1
Are you struggling to level up your recruitment game despite years of experience? Discover the advanced techniques that can transform your process and results.
In a high-stakes industry like recruiting, resting on your laurels is not an option. The landscape is evolving, with technology, market dynamics, and client expectations in constant flux. This episode delivers insightful strategies directly from the recruitment guru, Steve Finkel. Whether you are facing challenges in obtaining candidate referrals, making your marketing calls count, or simply keeping up with the cutting edge of recruiting tactics, this conversation with Steve Finkel will guide you to refine your approach and enhance your outcomes.
1. Learn from the depth of knowledge of Steve Finkel, with actionable advice to dramatically improve the success of your recruiting calls and client engagement techniques.
2. Gain access to proven strategies that break down complex sales and recruiting methodologies into manageable, trainable segments for constant improvement in your craft.
3. Embrace the wisdom of a seasoned expert to navigate through economic uncertainties and stand out in the recruiting industry by adding personalized value that technology and automation cannot replicate.
Hit play on this episode now to absorb Steve Finkel's powerhouse tactics and make this your best year yet in the high-impact world of recruiting.
Join The Elite Recruiter Community:
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Steve Finkel Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-finkel-9b4ba37/
Steve Finkel’s Website: https://www.stevefinkel.com/
YouTube:
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:
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Benjamin Mena TikTok:
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Mar 21, 2024 • 48min
Building High-Performance Sales Teams with Dean Kozora
Are you struggling to build a sales team that consistently hits its targets and continues to grow?
In the highly competitive world of sales, building a high-performance team is crucial to staying ahead. If you're a recruitment leader or sales manager, you know your team's success hinges on more than just hiring; it's about training, onboarding, and creating a culture of excellence. This episode taps into the transformational insights of sales maestro Dean Kozora, who delves into the modern strategies that will reshape your approach to assembling and empowering a winning sales force.
1. **Revamped Onboarding Techniques:** Learn from Dean Kozora's approach to onboarding that ensures sales reps are not only well-versed with your company's operations but are primed for peak performance from day one.
2. **Cultivating a High-Performance Culture:** Discover the subtleties of fostering a culture where high standards are the norm, and how to maintain this culture with empathetic yet firm leadership.
3. **Tailored Coaching and Tracking Success:** Uncover the nuances of individualized coaching, the significance of tracking the right metrics, and how these elements contribute to the predictability and scalability of your sales operations.
Unlock the secrets to a top-tier sales force by listening to Dean Kozora's expert insights on the latest episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast—Just what your sales team might be missing.
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Dean Kozora Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/dean.kozora.90
Sales Management Unleashed Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZRBsyuiuJBgXdhNzZYuzX?si=aaf8aa1d929243b0
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/MIaO23zu18g
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:
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Benjamin Mena TikTok:
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Mar 20, 2024 • 34min
Tax Strategies for Recruiters with Grant Dougherty
Are you a recruiter navigating the murky world of taxes, unsure how you can maximize your savings and invest smartly? Get the insider scoop on tax strategies that could revolutionize your finance game!
Taxes can feel like a labyrinth, especially when your focus is on recruiting top talent and growing your business. Understanding the tax impact on your income, investments, and lifestyle is not just beneficial—it's essential. This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast is your torch in the tax labyrinth, guiding you to potential savings and smarter investment decisions that align with your goals as a recruiting professional.
Dive deep into practical tax strategies tailored for recruiters with our special guest, tax guru Grant Dougherty. First, you'll learn the secrets to understanding and minimizing your self-employment tax liabilities. Secondly, we'll explore the benefits of retirement accounts like the solo 401(k) and Sep IRA, and how they can serve as significant tax deductions, muscle up your long-term financial health, and secure your future. And thirdly, Grant will walk you through common tax pitfalls to avoid and how investing in areas like real estate can provide even more incentives, ensuring your business thrives and your personal finances flourish.
Don't miss out on these valuable insights! Press play now to start shaping a tax-savvy future that empowers both your recruiting business and personal wealth.
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Grant Dougherty Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/doughertytaxsolutions/
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Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
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Mar 18, 2024 • 29min
Mastering Video Personalization in Recruiting with Bethany Stachenfeld
Are you struggling to make your recruiting messages stand out in a crowded market of AI-generated emails?
In the recruitment world, your ability to connect personally with candidates can be the difference between attracting top talent and being just another unread email. As we venture into 2024, bridging the gap between personalization and efficiency becomes critical. "Mastering Video Personalization in Recruiting with Bethany Stachenfeld" is an essential listen that delves into how recruiters can leverage video to make genuine connections at scale, ensuring that your message not only reaches your prospects but resonates with them.
- **Discover Innovative Video Personalization:** Learn how SendSpark AI integrates with various platforms, allowing you to create personalized videos quickly and efficiently.
- **Insights from a Leading Expert:** Bethany Stachenfeld, CEO of Sendspark, reveals her strategies for using video to enhance personal connections in recruiting, ensuring your candidates feel valued and heard.
- **Actionable Strategies:** Benjamin Mena and Bethany offer actionable advice on incorporating video into your recruiting process. They reveal why video should be your second touch in a sales sequence and how to use it for cold outreach success.
Unlock the secrets to standing out and making meaningful connections with candidates—hit play and transform your recruiting strategy today with The Elite Recruiter Podcast.
Recruiter Growth Summit Replays: https://your-best-year-yet.heysummit.com/?open_sidebar=browse_tickets
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Bethany Stachenfeld LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-stachenfeld/
Sendspark: https://sendspark.com?via=ben68
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Benjamin
Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
Benjamin Mena Instagram:
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Mar 14, 2024 • 44min
Staffing Simplified: From the Kitchen Table to Inc. 5000 with Jason Bivins
Are you curious about how a simple idea can transform into a monumental success story in the competitive world of staffing? Dive into the remarkable journey from the kitchen table to Inc. 5000 with Jason Bivins.
In today's fast-paced business environment, seamlessly navigating the complexities of staffing and recruiting stands as a crucial element for growth and success. Whether you're an established recruiter, a business owner seeking insight into effective hiring practices, or an entrepreneur considering a venture into the staffing industry, this episode holds valuable lessons and strategies that align with your goals.
1. Discover the accidental pathway Jason Bivins took from real estate collapse to reinventing his career in staffing – insights that may guide you through your own industry pivots and inspire resilience.
2. Learn about the strategic partnership and financial tactics, including receivables financing, that propelled Great Hire to its rapid growth – empowering you to manage your cash flow and scale your business without being hindered by financial constraints.
3. Gain firsthand advice on prospecting, networking, and harnessing personal authenticity to win clients and thrive in staffing – valuable for anyone looking to simplify business development and build stronger client relationships.
Tap into the world of elite recruiting by playing this inspiring episode and uncover the secrets to staffing success with the experienced guidance of Jason Bivins.
Recruiter Growth Summit Replays: https://your-best-year-yet.heysummit.com/?open_sidebar=browse_tickets
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Bivins LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonabivins/
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Benjamin
Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
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Mena Instagram:
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Mena TikTok:
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Mar 12, 2024 • 48min
The 3 Pillars of AI In Recruiting with Khaled Hussein
Are you ready to harness the revolutionary power of AI in recruiting to stay ahead in 2024? Discover how AI is reshaping the recruitment landscape in this transformative episode.
In an industry where efficiency and precision are paramount, AI's introduction into recruiting presents a pivotal opportunity for career growth and success. This episode uncovers the practical ways in which AI can enhance your recruitment strategies while offering insider knowledge on how to avoid the pitfalls that come with adapting to new technologies.
1. Unpack AI's role in the evolution of recruiting, from automatic candidate recommendation systems to the sophisticated natural language sourcing and intelligent outreach tools, and find out how it boosts productivity.
2. Learn of the nuanced ways AI can complement rather than replace human recruiters, with insights into how it refines your process, allowing for deeper human connections and smarter, faster results.
3. Gain actionable advice tailored to both newcomer and veteran recruiters on creating a competitive edge in the market through niche specialization, sincerity in outreach, and embracing AI.
Unlock the secrets to becoming an Elite Recruiter by leveraging AI – hit play on "The 3 Pillars of AI In Recruiting Edge with Khaled Hussein" for a transformative listen that could redefine your recruiting approach.
Recruiter Growth Summit Replays: https://your-best-year-yet.heysummit.com/?open_sidebar=browse_tickets
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Khaled Hussein LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsogkhaled/
Betterleap: https://betterleap.com/
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Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
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Mar 6, 2024 • 44min
The Art of Retained Search with Louise Archer
As passionate recruiters seeking to elevate our craft, staying ahead means constantly adapting to new methods. Whether you're stuck in the trenches of the contingent model or looking to refine your retained search techniques, this episode serves as a catalyst for change that can lead to more predictable revenue and stronger relationships.
By tuning in, you will discover the secrets to:
1. Mastering the financial commitment from clients that yield a rigorous search process and safeguard your efforts.
2. Converting contingent work to retained work, leading to a snowball effect on winning more retained searches and nurturing enduring connections.
3. Outperforming large executive firms by leveraging the bespoke nature of boutique agencies to offer personalized services and more flexible pricing.
This episode is packed with gold nuggets, from Louise's authentic approach to recruiting to the strategic insights that can revamp your agency's approach. If you're ready to harness a new level of excellence in recruiting, simply press play and let 'The Art of Retained Search with Louise Archer' revolutionize how you think about and operate within the recruiting industry.
Recruiter Growth Summit: https://your-best-year-yet.heysummit.com/
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Louise
Archer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/
Retrained
Search Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nll8U9Oc1R1dJOSjaPp7e?si=f255de432c30401c
YouTube:
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Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
Benjamin Mena Instagram:
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