$100M Staffing Producer Quits at the Top — Mike Mello Reveals the AI Playbook to Crush Sales & Future-Proof Your Desk

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/

Are you ready to learn what it really takes to make a million-dollar comeback—even when life throws its toughest challenges at you? In this powerful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with renowned recruiter Rich Bradley, who opens up about his journey through 43 years in the business, his battle with cancer, and what it took to rebuild after a life-changing diagnosis. For recruiters, agency owners, and professionals facing setbacks or searching for the next big leap, this episode is for anyone who knows how quickly a thriving career can get shaken by adversity. We all know the recruiting industry can be relentless—one moment you’re at the top, the next, a personal or health crisis can threaten everything you’ve built. What’s not often shared are the practical strategies and resilient mindsets that help top billers not just survive, but return stronger. Whether you’re struggling to get back on your feet or looking for ways to level up, Rich’s story is packed with actionable insights for turning setbacks into setups for success. Listen in to discover: The exact strategies Rich used to keep his business running while dealing with major health challenges and how he ramped his desk back up post-recovery.Why relentless positivity, strict metrics, and having the right support network are game-changers for recruiters wanting to beat the odds and maintain elite performance.Real-world advice for balancing ambition, personal well-being, and long-term career satisfaction—so you can avoid burnout and keep loving the work you do. Don’t miss out on this episode that will inspire you to push through barriers—press play to learn how to stay at the top of your recruiting game regardless of what life throws your way!  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/yDgdEWdkkc0  Follow Rich Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbradley/  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 ready to defy the downturn and grow your recruiting business while the rest of the industry struggles? With the staffing and recruiting world facing its toughest challenges in years, many agencies are treading water or worse—shrinking. But what if you could unlock tactics and mindset shifts to not just survive, but thrive when everyone else is falling behind? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast dives deep into exactly that, bringing you proven strategies from Steven Farrell—an executive who has generated tens of millions in staffing revenue, even as the industry contracts. This episode is brought to you by ASCEN - https://www.ascen.com/  If you’re a recruiter or staffing leader, you know the pain: rising client demands, declining job orders, and the pressure to hit targets with fewer resources. The stakes have never been higher, but the opportunity for bold, out-of-the-box growth is real—if you know where to look. Steven shares how to align your sales, marketing, and operations for maximum impact, turn one-off clients into long-term partners, and build true work-life harmony amid relentless change.   By listening, you’ll discover: How to niche down and zero in on ideal customers—so you work smarter, not harder, even in a tough market.Creative, actionable recruiting tactics—from viral virtual job fairs to “shock and awe” sales kits—that break through the noise and deliver real results.The step-by-step blueprint to aligning sales, ops, and marketing as a seamless, frictionless team, powering consistent revenue growth no matter the industry climate.   Looking for a genuine edge to crush your goals in 2025? Hit play now to learn how the best in staffing are winning when everyone else is struggling—you don’t want to miss these game-changing insights! 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/mOE2tM7HIJQ   Follow Steven Farrell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrellsteven/  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 still relying on cold calls and traditional sales to grow your recruiting business while others are closing million-dollar deals through inbound leads on LinkedIn? With the rapid evolution of recruiting, it’s become clear that personal branding and thought leadership on LinkedIn drive real results—filling desks with inbound business, enhancing credibility, and helping recruiters stand out in a crowded market. In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes back industry expert Kelli Schutrop to break down the secrets of using LinkedIn to generate high-quality, inbound business—without feeling salesy or artificial. 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/ Here’s what you’ll discover: Actionable ways to overcome the fear of posting on LinkedIn and build a consistent, authentic personal brand that attracts clients and candidates instead of just chasing them.The key strategies behind expert visibility: real examples from top recruiters who have moved millions of dollars in inbound business by sharing genuine insights, engaging with their community, and showing up for their audience.How to master the balance between using AI for efficiency and remaining authentically human—so your content connects, rather than repels. Whether you’re an agency owner, a solo recruiter, or looking to modernize your team’s approach, this episode unpacks what works right now on LinkedIn, why thought leadership trumps spammy automation, and how you can build a network that delivers opportunities instead of dead ends. Ready to change how you’re discovered by top clients and candidates? Tune in now for proven LinkedIn playbook secrets you can use today to grow your recruiting business! 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/6Gop4-K0iWs Follow Kelli Schutrop on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellischutrop/    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 ready to discover how one bold leap of faith can launch your recruiting career to six figures—even if you’re a military spouse or starting from scratch? Many recruiters—and especially military spouses—struggle to build a stable, thriving career that can move with them, offer financial independence, and allow personal fulfillment. In today’s competitive landscape, the ability to start and build a successful recruiting agency from anywhere is a game-changer. If you’re seeking freedom, flexibility, and real impact, you’ll want the proven secrets and real-life inspiration this episode delivers. In this lively episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, Kelly (Dockrell) Brown joins host Benjamin Mena to pull back the curtain on how she transitioned from running the streets of Miami in outside sales to founding a highly successful recruiting agency as a military spouse. You’ll hear how Kelly, with zero recruiting background and in the midst of major life changes—including a cross-country move, writing a book, and becoming a newlywed—overcame doubt, technical hurdles, and emotional setbacks to create a business that now thrives (and gave her purpose beyond supporting her husband’s Air Force journey). Tune in to get: Concrete strategies for launching and scaling your own recruiting agency, even if you’re juggling a demanding life or career uncertainty—plus, Kelly’s insights for military spouses and anyone seeking location independence.Lessons in resilience, faith, and mindset shifts that empower you to push past failure, bad tech investments, and slow starts, transforming frustration into six-figure wins.Actionable tips for leveraging LinkedIn, building your brand, and crafting outreach that actually lands clients—even in competitive or challenging markets. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to turn uncertainty into opportunity, achieve career freedom, and finally claim the professional and personal life you deserve—listen now to unlock Kelly’s step-by-step playbook for recruiting success!  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/a2U98S5tL5Y Follow Kelly (Dockrell) Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellydockrell/    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 ready to discover the secrets behind going from zero to $100 million in eight years—while future-proofing your recruiting business with AI? If you’re in recruiting or staffing, you already know how fierce the competition is, the struggle to build high-performing teams, and the pressure to adapt as AI transforms the industry. But what if you could learn directly from someone who’s led the charge—scaling a bootstrapped firm to massive revenues and pioneering new AI-driven approaches to recruiting? 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, Benjamin Mena sits down with returning guest Roheel Ahmad, co-founder of Full Size Barns and the visionary behind Imagine AI. Together, they dive into the exact strategies, mindsets, and innovations that took Roheel’s business from a basement startup to a global powerhouse—without a dime of investor money. Roheel reveals how equity-sharing, forward-thinking structures, and relentless innovation helped them develop big billers internally and disrupt the recruiting status quo. Listen and you’ll discover: How AI is changing recruiting—for the better—so you can free up hours every day, focus on high-value relationships, and deliver outstanding results.Proven culture and mindset hacks that powered Full Size Barns through economic downturns, fierce competition, and international expansion (including practical steps for firm owners and recruiters at any level).Real-world examples of how internal innovation and next-generation tech like Imagine AI give you the edge, enabling you to develop your team, delight clients, and crush growth targets—without replacing the human touch. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear how Roheel Ahmad and his team built a $100M legacy, plus gain actionable insights to accelerate your own recruiting career or company. 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/rk6am9OgRrE Follow Roheel Ahmad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roheelahmad/  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 ready to discover how a group of determined women transformed a living room startup into a $6 million legal recruiting powerhouse — all during a global crisis?  In this episode of the Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Aida C. Rodriguez, the founder of Ascension Global Staffing and Executive Search. Together, they unpack how building a winning team, especially in the high-stakes world of legal recruiting, can lead to extraordinary business growth—even when starting with just an Excel sheet and a lot of perseverance. If you’re a recruiter, entrepreneur, or leader with dreams of scaling up, this episode will show you what’s possible, even in the face of uncertainty. As the recruiting landscape becomes more competitive, many agency owners and aspiring firm-builders struggle to stand out, pivot in difficult markets, and keep their teams motivated. The journey of Aida and her all-women team tackles this head-on, providing real-world solutions to the challenges of launching and growing a successful recruiting firm from the ground up—especially when resources are limited and the market is in flux. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights, including: Proven strategies for launching and scaling a recruiting business during tough economic times, starting with minimal resources.Building and leading highly motivated, diverse teams that thrive on healthy competition, camaraderie, and shared dreams.The power of adaptability—how to pivot your business development, embrace technology and automation, and never let perfectionism stop your progress.   If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration mixed with practical guidance to fuel your recruiting ambitions, hit play now and see how you can turn your own “brunch crew” into a thriving placement empire!  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: Follow Aida C. Rodriguez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidacrodriguezascension/    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 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 essential. This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, featuring Jonathan Z. Cohen, delivers actionable frameworks and firsthand stories designed for recruiters who want to overcome obstacles, future-proof their mindset, and discover a greater sense of value in their work. You’ll learn powerful strategies such as how to “manage suffering strategically”–breaking big goals down into small, achievable steps to make even the toughest obstacles feel manageable. Find out how to iterate and improve your daily processes so career setbacks become stepping stones, not roadblocks. You'll also discover the crucial link between the stories you tell yourself, building evidence of your value, and transforming imposter syndrome into career-defining confidence. Listeners will walk away with: Proven techniques for reframing setbacks and leveraging them as opportunities for growth and long-term resilience.A practical method for auditing your day-to-day work to unlock your true value as a recruiter and communicate it powerfully.Mindset shifts and daily practices to eliminate burnout, boost motivation, and create lasting momentum in your career. Ready to equip yourself with the tools and mindset that top recruiters use to forge ahead—no matter how tough things get? Press play now and start building the foundation for a resilient, successful recruiting career!  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/LKFISbQJqbc Follow Jonathan Cohen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-z-cohen/    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 dreaming of building a wildly profitable desk while traveling the world as a digital nomad—but not sure where to start?  The latest episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast uncovers the real strategies behind remote recruiting success, featuring Ashley Woods, who built a $10M+ desk while exploring 45 countries. If you've ever felt chained to your desk, burned out by endless tasks, or uncertain how to scale and streamline your recruiting business, this conversation is your blueprint for freedom and high achievement.  The desire for location independence and time-rich living is more relevant than ever for recruiters and staffing professionals—and yet, distractions, lack of systems, and fear of lost productivity keep most from taking the leap. Ashley’s journey proves you don’t have to sacrifice growth or client relationships to win in recruiting from anywhere.  In this episode, you'll discover: Proven methods to build efficiency-focused systems so you can work from anywhere in the world and still crush your revenue goals.How to design a clear vision and daily structure to overcome distractions, maintain motivation, and consistently deliver results—no matter your timezone.Tactical advice on outsourcing, automating your workflow, and developing strong habits that let you enjoy the nomad lifestyle without losing momentum.  Ready to create a recruiting desk that funds your dreams and frees your time? Listen now to hear actionable tips, stories, and motivation so you can start building your own time-rich, high-performing recruiting business today! 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 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/rdC6C9c1Tms Follow Ashely Woods on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjcwoods/    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 ready for the future of recruiting, or will you wake up wondering what just happened as AI and automation transform the industry overnight? As recruiters, leaders, and agency owners, we all strive to stay ahead—yet keeping up with evolving tech like AI and automation can feel overwhelming. In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena and tech-forward guest Sam Kuehnle dive deep into what it means to build a future-proof recruiting tech stack. From the frustrations of outdated CRMs and applicant tracking systems to hard-earned lessons about AI-driven talent pipelining, this episode tackles the real issues recruiters face: information overload, shrinking margins of differentiation, and the pressure to deliver more, faster. Listeners will discover how leading recruiters are leveraging proactive talent pipelines to avoid starting every search from scratch, freeing their time to refocus on what really matters—relationships and results. You’ll learn actionable strategies for cleaning up your data (without breaking the bank), why agencies need to experiment with automation now, and what the recruiting firm tech stack of tomorrow should look like. Plus, hear candid advice on when to niche down, how to stand out as AI levels the playing field, and the best ways to balance cost and tools as you build your competitive edge. By tuning in, you will gain: Proven tactics for leveraging AI and automation to save hours each week and spend more time building meaningful relationshipsInsider insights into the recruiting tech stack of the future, including must-have tools and how to make them work together seamlesslyPractical advice on proactive pipelining and CRM best practices to retain your competitive advantage as tech evolves Don’t fall behind—press play now to learn how you can stay ahead of industry changes and build a tech-enabled recruiting business that stands out in 2025 and beyond. 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/iB7TTpGbwNI Follow Sam Kuehnle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkuehnle/  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/