

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

Feb 3, 2025 • 47min
Tax Secrets Every Recruiter Must Know to Save Thousands - An Interview with Michael Napolitano
Are you inadvertently costing your recruiting business thousands due to overlooked tax strategies?
In today's dynamic recruiting landscape, taxes can be the silent profit-drainer for even the most successful recruiter. This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast delves into the crucial yet often misunderstood realm of taxes and accounting for recruiters with tax specialist Michael Napolitano. As the tax man comes knocking each year, understanding where you might be losing money or missing out on opportunities can be the key to transforming your 2025 into a year of abundance. In an era where recruiters need to leverage every advantage, having a grasp on tax compliance and smart financial operations can be a game-changer.
Uncover Common Mistakes: Discover the common pitfalls many recruiters face with tax write-offs and compliance, from luxury car deductions to misclassified 1099s, and learn how to avoid these costly errors.Compliance Strategies: Gain insights into multi-state compliance issues, particularly if your recruits cross state lines, ensuring you're not inadvertently on the wrong side of tax laws.Value Enhancement: Learn how properly managed financials can significantly impact your recruiting firm's valuation, whether you're in executive search or considering expanding into temporary staffing.
Tune in to this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast to unlock the financial wisdom and strategies that could save your recruiting firm thousands and set you on the path to a prosperous 2025.
Thank you to our sponsor Talin.ai - https://trytalin.zapier.app/ben
Rock The Year – Recruiter Growth Summit March 2025: https://rock-the-year.heysummit.com/
Replays for the BD and Sales Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
YouTube: https://youtu.be/cODfAo3dN3o
Follow Michael Napolitano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-napolitano-38b5468/
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/

Jan 30, 2025 • 50min
Balancing Acts: Running a Recruiting Firm and Launching a Tech Startup with Brian Gabay
Are you curious how a recruiter can successfully balance running a firm while launching a tech startup?
In this highly engaging episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena dives into the exciting world of recruiting and entrepreneurship with guest Brian Gabay. Brian, who has been in the recruiting industry for over 12 years and founded his own firm, shares his inspiring journey of how he managed to juggle his core business responsibilities while kicking off a tech startup aimed at solving a major pain point in recruiting. If you're in the recruiting industry and have a tech idea simmering in the back of your mind, this episode offers valuable insights you won't want to miss.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Strategic Delegation: One major highlight from the episode is the importance of strategic delegation. Brian discusses how he built a functional and diligent team that not only sustains his recruiting firm but also empowers him to focus on launching his tech startup. Learn how delegation can be a game-changer and hear tips on building a reliable team.Leveraging Technology: Brian introduces his tech startup, Arrange, which simplifies the often cumbersome process of interview scheduling. He details how this solution has saved his firm time and increased efficiency, providing listeners with a firsthand look at how embracing tech can revolutionize recruiting operations.Perseverance and Innovation: Throughout his journey, Brian faced several hurdles, including having to pause his business due to unforeseen circumstances. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Hear how he overcame challenges, kept his vision alive, and saw his tech idea through to fruition.
This episode is packed with actionable insights and real-life examples of balancing multiple business ventures without compromising on core responsibilities. Tune in to get inspired and gather essential tips for managing your recruiting firm while daring to innovate.
Don’t miss out on Brian Gabay's invaluable lessons and tips for balancing a recruiting business with a tech startup. Click play to listen now and take your recruiting game to the next level!
Thank you to our sponsor Talin.ai - https://trytalin.zapier.app/ben
Rock The Year – Recruiter Growth Summit March 2025: https://rock-the-year.heysummit.com/
Replays for the BD and Sales Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
YouTube: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangabay/
Follow Brian Gabay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangabay/
Website: www.letsarrange.io
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/

Jan 27, 2025 • 45min
The Future Proof Recruiter: Mike Wolford’s Guide to Thriving with AI
Mike Wolford, an Account Manager at Revealio Labs and AI applications expert in recruiting, shares his journey from entrepreneurship to recruitment. He discusses how AI can streamline processes like interviews and resume screenings, allowing recruiters to focus on strategic tasks. Wolford emphasizes the importance of data fluency in making impactful decisions and adapting to the evolving job market. He also addresses the risks and rewards of AI, encouraging continuous learning to thrive in the recruitment industry.

Jan 23, 2025 • 51min
How to Make More Placements Without Cold Calling with Terry Edwards
Feeling burned out from endless cold calls that lead nowhere? What if you could secure $600k in business annually without making a single cold call? Tune in to uncover the secrets!
For recruiters, finding leads and getting positions to work on is often the most challenging part of the job. If you’ve been struggling with the traditional method of cold calling and not seeing the desired results, this episode is a must-listen. Terry Edwards joins host Benjamin Mena to reveal innovative and proven strategies that can help you make more placements without the stress of cold calls.
Unlock Effective Marketing Tactics: Learn diverse and impactful marketing strategies that go beyond the typical cold call. Terry discusses utilizing direct mail, email marketing, and even maintaining a consistent podcast to attract hiring managers. Ever thought about the power of physical mail in this digital age? Terry explains why it works.Mindset Shifts for Success: Discover why the right mindset is crucial for your success in recruitment. Terry shares invaluable insights on how changing your perception and boosting your self-worth can dramatically alter your results.Practical Steps for Immediate Implementation: Terry provides actionable advice on segmenting your target market, expanding your prospect list, and leveraging multi-channel marketing effectively. From LinkedIn to Facebook, understand where your hiring managers are and how to reach them.
Ready to revolutionize your recruiting game and leave cold calling behind? Listen to this episode now and start implementing strategies that will help you make more placements and change more lives in 2025!
Thank you to our sponsor Talin.ai - https://trytalin.zapier.app/ben
Rock The Year – Recruiter Growth Summit: https://rock-the-year.heysummit.com/
Replays for the BD and Sales Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
YouTube: https://youtu.be/1md2LJ2gLzk
Follow Terry Edwards on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renegaderecruiter/
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/

Jan 20, 2025 • 50min
Extreme Ownership in Recruiting: Success Guide with Brad Wilson
How do you thrive as a recruiter amid market shifts and uncertainties? Learn from an expert who’s mastered the art of adaptation.
Rock The Year – Recruiter Growth Summit: https://rock-the-year.heysummit.com/
Replays for the BD and Sales Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
The recruiting world is ever-changing, especially in niche sectors like government contracting. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or just getting started, the ability to adapt to market fluctuations is crucial for success. This episode dives into Brad Wilson's journey, shedding light on the strategies he used to pivot and excel during significant market shifts. His experiences and insights are invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their recruiting strategies and secure consistent wins.
Navigating Market Shifts: Discover how Brad Wilson successfully adapted his recruiting methods amidst drastic market changes. His approach will provide you with practical strategies to realign your processes and stay ahead of the curve.Leveraging Technology and AI: Uncover the benefits and limitations of using AI and other tech tools in recruiting. Brad’s insights will help you streamline your operations and make more informed decisions about the tools you incorporate into your workflow.Focus on Key Metrics: Learn about the importance of identifying and consistently tracking key performance metrics. Brad shares how maintaining these metrics has not only guided his daily activities but also driven his long-term success.
Tune in to this episode now to harness the power of resilience and strategic adaptation in recruiting, and apply these expert insights to navigate your own market challenges successfully!
Rock The Year – Recruiter Growth Summit: https://rock-the-year.heysummit.com/
Replays for the BD and Sales Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ym0_8-9PQDk
Follow Brad Wilson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-wilson-stem-solutions/
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/

Jan 9, 2025 • 54min
Million-Dollar Momentum: Breaking the $500K Plateau to Reach $1.5 Million with Justis Pederson
Breaking Through Barriers in Recruitment: Million-Dollar Momentum with Justis Pederson
Are you stuck in your recruitment career, yearning to break through that $500K income plateau and catapult yourself to $1.5 million and beyond?
BD and Sales Summit Registration: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
Rock The Year – Recruiter Growth Summit: https://rock-the-year.heysummit.com/
In this episode of "The Elite Recruiter Podcast," Host Benjamin Mena dives deep with Justis Pederson about shattering career ceilings and transforming personal struggles into professional triumphs. Whether you're struggling with stagnant growth or searching for innovative strategies to redefine your recruitment practice, this episode has vital insights. Justis’s journey from the grip of alcoholism to a successful digital-led business transformation echoes the challenges many recruiters face today, making his story incredibly relatable and inspiring.
Vulnerability and Mastering Sobriety: Listeners will discover how opening up about personal battles, like Justis's journey to sobriety, can unexpectedly enhance your professional clarity and performance. Sobriety not only propelled Justis toward weight loss and spiritual growth but also sharpened his business focus.Digital Transformation and Specialized Recruiting: The episode elaborates on the significant impact of digital strategies and specialized industry focus for attracting inbound leads. Discover how Justis and his wife transitioned their company’s approach from cold calling to leveraging content creation, which led to an exponential business growth from $500,000 to $1.5 million annually.Adopting Resilience and Leveraging Tools: Justis’s story is a testament to resilience, showcasing how overcoming fears and embracing digital tools can revolutionize your recruiting practice. Learn about "Warmly," an effective lead tracking tool that brought substantial ROI and how specialized recruitment focused on niches like the construction industry can set you apart.
Warmly: https://warmly.ai?ref=recruiter
Tune into this transformative episode now to uncover how you too can break through professional barriers and elevate your recruitment business to new heights.
Play the episode and start your journey toward recruitment excellence today!
Want to check out Finish The Year Strong Summit Replays? - https://finish-the-year-strong.heysummit.com/
Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z052rTe_jmo
Follow Justis Pederson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justis-pederson-a3b091a4/
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/

14 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 58min
$2.4 Million Year: Business Development Mastery with Mike Anderson
Join Mike Anderson, a recruiting powerhouse who raked in $2.4 million annually, as he shares his journey from chaos to clarity. He discusses the transformative power of sobriety and the importance of building unshakable, authentic relationships. Mike dives into creative recruiting strategies, including using candidate clones, and emphasizes how integrity can drive business success. His insights on embracing unexpected opportunities and nurturing connections offer invaluable lessons for anyone in the recruiting field.

Dec 23, 2024 • 56min
Be a Bold, Unorthodox, and Unstoppable Recruiter with Shaun Hervey
Ever wondered how thinking outside the box can transform your recruiting career and help you land high-profile contracts?
BD and Sales Summit Registration: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
In the fast-paced world of recruitment, sticking to conventional methods can leave you struggling to stand out and connect with top talent. Recruiters often face the challenge of breaking through the noise, engaging candidates meaningfully, and building lasting business relationships. This episode dives deep into these issues and more, as Shaun Hervey shares his bold and unconventional journey from selling SkyMiles at an airport kiosk to becoming a pioneering force in the recruitment industry with his own firm, Arkham Talent.
Transformative Insights: Discover how Shaun transitioned from door-to-door sales to a flourishing recruiting career, mastering both the sales and recruiting sides of the business. Hear his compelling story of landing a game-changing contract with Snapple through sheer persistence and dedication.Content Creation Mastery: Learn the secrets behind Shaun's innovative use of social media platforms like TikTok. Understand how his engaging, commercial-style videos led to tangible job placements and how you can apply similar strategies to enhance your recruitment efforts.Networking and Genuine Connections: Explore the pivotal role of maintaining genuine relationships in recruitment. Shaun shares his methods for leveraging personal and professional networks to secure business opportunities and the critical importance of knowing when to walk away from non-productive client engagements.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your recruitment strategy—click play now to listen to Shaun Hervey's expert tips on becoming a bold, unorthodox, and unstoppable recruiter, only on "The Elite Recruiter Podcast."
BD and Sales Summit Registration: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
Join The Elite Recruiter Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1D75ReiFKo/
Want to check out Finish The Year Strong Summit Replays? - https://finish-the-year-strong.heysummit.com/
Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
YouTube: https://youtu.be/aGD3lFM6f1w
Follow Shaun Hervey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunhervey/
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/

Dec 19, 2024 • 57min
Secrets to Scaling: Mike Williams on Recruiting Success, Startup Challenges, and Building a Rockstar Team
Curious how top recruiters transform from solo operators into leaders of thriving teams? Want to uncover the secrets that can help you scale your own recruiting business?
BD and Sales Summit Registration: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
In this insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, Benjamin Mena sits down with Mike Williams to delve deep into the tactical and strategic moves that propelled his recruiting business from a single-person operation to a flourishing company. As many recruiters face the daunting prospect of expanding their operations, Mike provides crucial insights into overcoming these barriers. This episode targets anyone looking to grow their recruitment agency, tackling everything from initial hiring fears, training new recruits effectively, to managing a growing team while maintaining high personal billings.
Navigating Initial Hiring Hurdles: Mike Williams sheds light on the critical steps he took to address the fears and practical issues of hiring his first employee. He discusses the importance of saving a financial cushion, the complexities of non-compete clauses, and how to establish foundational processes like commission plans and payroll systems to support business growth.Innovative Training Techniques: One of the standout insights Mike shares is the "on the hip training" method. Inspired by industry veteran Aaron Opalewski, this approach involves new hires listening and learning directly from seasoned recruiters. This hands-on mentoring is crucial for quick skill acquisition and adapting to the fast-paced recruiting environment.Cultivating Trust and a Positive Culture: Mike emphasizes the necessity of fostering trust within your team by leading with transparency and consistency. He explains the significant impact of committing to your promises, which not only motivates employees but also establishes a solid and cohesive team culture that propels the whole business forward.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and transformative strategies from Mike Williams. Listen now to uncover how you can overcome early-stage hurdles, implement effective training, and build a highly successful recruiting team!
BD and Sales Summit Registration: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
Join The Elite Recruiter Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1D75ReiFKo/
Want to check out Finish The Year Strong Summit Replays? - https://finish-the-year-strong.heysummit.com/
Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JJ5wOiMsWdI
Follow Mike Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewilliamscarnegiesearch/
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/

Dec 16, 2024 • 57min
Zero to $41 Million in Five Years: Building Elite Recruiters with $800K Desks featuring Adrian Byra
Are you wondering how a recruitment firm can skyrocket from zero to $41 million in just five years while maintaining an average desk value of $800K?
BD and Sales Summit Registration: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
In a rapidly evolving recruitment industry, the challenge of balancing high performance with sustainable growth is more relevant than ever. In this captivating episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we delve into the success story of Adrian Byra and his extraordinary journey. If you're aiming to forge a recruitment team that excels, this episode is packed with actionable insights, from process optimization to advanced automation, each designed to tackle the common pitfalls recruiters face today.
Developing Foolproof Systems: Learn the power of creating foolproof systems to organize and map data effectively, ensuring your team can operate seamlessly and focus on core recruitment activities like phone calls and client meetings.Task Automation and AI Utilization: Discover how evaluating tasks for potential automation or outsourcing can liberate your recruiters from mundane administrative duties, allowing more time for impactful recruitment activities and increasing overall productivity.Creating a Culture of Consistent Growth: Understand the importance of continuous improvement through weekly sessions aimed at identifying and eliminating distractions. Learn how aligning individual aspirations with company goals can lead to mutual growth and exceptional performance.
Don't miss out on the secrets to transforming your recruitment team into elite performers—tune into this valuable episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast now and start your journey towards unparalleled success in the recruitment industry!
BD and Sales Summit Registration: https://bd-sales-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/
Join The Elite Recruiter Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1D75ReiFKo/
Want to check out Finish The Year Strong Summit Replays? - https://finish-the-year-strong.heysummit.com/
Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
YouTube: https://youtu.be/CdJGfrb4RsY
Adrian Byra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianbyra/
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/


