The Pinnacle Take

What does it take to thrive when the recruiting industry throws every obstacle your way? In this impactful episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Bodie Nowak sits down with industry powerhouse Benjamin Mena for a candid deep dive into building an elite recruitment business rooted in grit, resilience, and self-mastery. From Benjamin Mena's early days of struggle—billing just $11,250 in a recess...

Most recruiters who last three decades stop working the desk. David Fishman never did. Thirty years in, no college degree, still personally in the deals every single day — and still convinced he hasn't figured it out yet. That restlessness is the whole story of this episode.   David came up the hard way: eight years in the Coast Guard, an injury that pushed him out, then selling industrial batteri...

What does it really take to turn rock bottom into record-breaking success in the recruiting world? In this inspiring episode of The Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with the phenomenal Kimberly Laipple to uncover her journey from food bank lines and foreclosure to becoming president of Scientific Search and a $1.4M biller. This is a MUST-LISTEN for recruiters seeking a proven, r...

Are you standing at a crossroads in your recruiting career, wondering if now’s the time to take a leap into your next chapter? In this inspiring episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry powerhouse Holly Dary, founding partner at Tarvos Talent and member of the Pinnacle Society, to unpack her journey from a successful corporate recruiter to launching her own...

Are you a recruiter feeling stretched too thin or stuck in a broad market? Ready to transform your business, go deeper into your niche, and maximize your value? In this insightful episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Andrea (Annie) Colabella, founder of the Kardea Group, to share how niching down in the investment management sector—and shifting from contingent to retai...

Are you ready to break through plateaus and build a recruitment business that truly scales? In this episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with aerospace and defense recruiting powerhouse Katherine Jerald to unveil the real story behind her first-year billings of $885K, including the secrets to landing a $261K direct message deal on LinkedIn and thriving in the lucrativ...

Want to unlock the secrets behind leading a high-performance recruiting team and consistently breaking seven figures in placement fees? This episode is your blueprint. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with David Bradley – Pinnacle Society standard bearer, $20M+ biller, and leader of a 60-person firm – for a no-holds-barred conversation on scaling, consistency, and cultural leadership in recruiting. If...

Why Top VCs Call This Recruiter First: The Power of Niche Mastery with Norman Volsky Are you striving to become the go-to recruiter in your niche—or even dreaming of playing an insider role in the next billion-dollar startup? In this dynamic episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Norman Volsky, a recruiting powerhouse and venture partner, to uncover the secrets beh...

Feeling frustrated by a slow job market or struggling to stand out among recruiters? In this must-listen episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with elite recruiter Rich Rosen, who unpacks how he shattered his own records—landing his biggest billing month ever after decades in the business. Tune in as Rich Rosen pulls back the curtain on the essential mindset, habits, a...

Ready to level up your recruiting career and finally unlock the secrets to scaling a seven-figure desk? In this high-impact episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, Benjamin Mena sits down with elite recruiter Pree Sarkar, who shares his candid, step-by-step blueprint for turning survival mode into a million-dollar practice. They dive deep into the personal and professional identity shifts, strategic...

Are you a recruiter looking to break through the noise, build true expertise, and stand out in a crowded industry? Discover the underrated power of niching down in this must-listen episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with luxury recruitment expert and Pinnacle Society member Rob Bowerman, who shares the inside story of how focusing on consumer luxury brands propelled...

Are you a recruiter feeling trapped by stagnant billings and relentless burnout? Looking for proven tactics to break through your plateau and reignite your passion for the business? This episode of The Pinnacle Take Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Mena, welcomes powerhouse guest Justis Pederson, president and CEO of The Peterson Group, as he unpacks his transformational journey from plateaued recruite...

What does it take to not only survive, but thrive when the recruiting market is turned upside down? In this eye-opening episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with veteran recruiter and Pinnacle Society member Sean Rigsby, who shares his 30+ years of lessons in building a resilient desk—even when faced with market downturns, political chaos, and sudden industry shifts....

Ready to break free from the recruiting hamster wheel and discover the strategies top billers use to scale their success? In this eye-opening episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Michael Silverstein, a powerhouse recruiter consistently one of the top in the industry. Michael reveals how he leveraged his toughest years—starting in 2008’s economic downturn—to build...

Are you ready to unlock the keys to consistent top billing and transform your approach to business development in recruiting? In this powerful episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with distinguished Pinnacle Society member Katharine Wilcox. From her start in Hollywood’s talent agency world to running a thriving Atlanta-based executive search firm, Katharine shares how...

Curious what it takes to rise to the top and stay there for decades in the world of recruiting? In this must-listen episode of The Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Michael Goldman, one of the founding members of the Pinnacle Society and a legend in recruiting with over 45 years’ experience. Michael shares how a surprise encounter in a New Jersey bar launched a career that's seen...

Have you ever wondered why some recruiters consistently hit top biller status while others get stuck chasing the latest tech trends and still fall short? In today’s recruitment landscape, it’s easy to get lost in the flood of new tools, platforms, and “silver bullet” solutions vying for your attention. But what if the secret to lasting success isn’t in complexity, but in mastering the basics and f...

Are you a recruiter looking to break through plateaued results, build deeper client relationships, or future-proof your success in an evolving industry? In this standout episode of The Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with recruiting icon and Pinnacle Society member Cari Kraft. Together, they unpack Cari’s proven journey from accidental recruiter to top biller and esteemed agenc...

What does it take to rebound after life throws you a curveball? In this inspiring episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes veteran recruiter Rich Bradley, whose remarkable story blends perseverance, career excellence, and profound personal challenges. With over 43 years of recruiting experience and a legacy as a million-dollar biller, Rich opens up about his journey from l...

Feeling overwhelmed in your recruiting career? Need actionable wisdom to embrace resilience and discipline? In this transformative episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, our host Benjamin Mena sits down with veteran recruiter Cathy Stewart, who shares her compelling journey from facing professional setbacks to becoming one of the top billers in the United States. Cathy’s recruitment adventure, whic...

Step into the future of recruiting with this transformative episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast. Join host Benjamin Mena as he welcomes Fernando Espinosa, a renowned recruiter with 30 years of experience across the Americas, who shares a revolutionary approach to talent management. This episode uncovers the secrets behind Espinosa's innovative methodology - Talent Meta Management - and how it's r...

Are you seeking to elevate your recruiting practice and secure enduring success in the industry? Discover the transition from contingent to retained recruiting that can redefine your professional journey. In this episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, our host Benjamin Mena is joined by distinguished recruiter Sharon Hulce, who shares her exceptional strategy behind managing a $1.4 million desk whi...

Cracking the Code of Business Development with Michael Cioffi and Guy Gomis   Are you eager to tap into the secrets of successful business development in the recruiting industry? Want to learn from top Pinnacle Society members who have mastered the craft? In this dynamic episode of The Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena is joined by the latest Pinnacle Society inductees, Michael Cioffi and...

Are you tired of the inefficiencies in contingent recruiting and seeking a more effective approach to attract top talent? In the world of recruitment, professionals often grapple with the chaos and unpredictability of the contingent model. This episode of The Pinnacle Take Podcast addresses this very challenge. Host Benjamin Mena and guest Kris Holmes delve into the merits of transitioning to an e...

Are you navigating the challenges of IT recruitment in today's competitive and ever-changing market? Seeking practical solutions from industry veterans who combine empathy with success? In this inspiring episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, our host Benjamin Mena delves into the heart of technical recruiting with celebrated expert Kim Knoll. With over 23 years in the industry and a key role withi...