Digital Recruiter Podcast

#68- Jacob Price on Smart Recruiting, Automation, and the Long Game

EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode recorded live from the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit in Las Vegas, Clark Wilcox is joined by Jacob Price, Head of Customer Success at pin.com. They dive deep into what pin.com is really solving for: giving recruiters a smarter, AI-driven top-of-funnel tool that surfaces candidates faster, automates outreach across channels, and improves messaging with real-time insights. Jacob breaks down how the tool evolved from the team behind Interstellar, and how it's designed to go beyond data by helping recruiters actually get better at their jobs.
The conversation isn’t just about tech, it’s about the people using it. Jacob and Clark explore why the best results come from recruiters who actively train the AI and sharpen their messaging. They break down tactical strategies for improving outbound emails, writing better follow-ups, and using soft CTAs to generate conversations instead of pushing for hard sells. Whether you're recruiting or selling, they underline the importance of iterating, tracking what works, and playing the long game.
This episode is a goldmine for anyone serious about modern recruiting. From using automation responsibly to learning how to sound human at scale, Jacob offers real talk and actionable advice. If you're tired of cold outreach that falls flat and want to scale trust, not just volume, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.You can find Jacob at www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-price-05a6562b Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletterFor more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter
 

#67- Ross Mayfield on Storytelling, AI, and Standing Out in a Noisy Market

Episode Summary
Live from the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit in Las Vegas, Clark Wilcox sits down with copywriter and longtime collaborator Ross Mayfield to unpack what’s really happening in the recruiting and content space. From AI buzz to timeless fundamentals, they reflect on the key conversations happening at the conference and what they mean for agency recruiters navigating today’s shifting landscape.Ross explains why small agency recruiters often have the upper hand over large corporate teams when it comes to speed, creativity, and authentic communication. He and Clark dive into how AI can support your work, but only if your messaging is already strong. They discuss how to move beyond automation and create content, messages, and brand stories that connect with the right audience.This episode delivers real insights on what kind of content actually works, how to write it, and why storytelling and consistency make all the difference. Whether you’re growing your business, building your online presence, or just trying to cut through the noise, this conversation offers practical advice to sharpen your approach.
You can find Ross on LinkedIn or at www.rossmayfield.comStop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming.  Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp
Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter
For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

#66- Screening Candidates 24/7 with AI with Sahil Seth

Episode Summary
In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark sits down with Sahil Seth, CEO and co-founder of HirePluto, a voice AI copilot that helps recruiters screen candidates 24/7, so you’re not stuck playing catch-up Monday morning. Sahil shares how the platform handles outreach, follow-ups, and full AI-powered phone screens, delivering pre-qualified candidates straight to your desk. It’s built to save you time, eliminate drop-off, and give your team a real edge, especially in high-volume or off-hour recruiting.
They dive into how AI isn’t replacing recruiters, it’s freeing them. Instead of burning time on repetitive screens, smart agencies are reinvesting that bandwidth into stronger client conversations, better job intakes, and sourcing tough-to-fill roles. Sahil and Clark explore how AI can support, not replace, the human element that still drives placements, revenue, and long-term trust.
From real-world case studies to Sahil’s journey building HirePluto, the conversation blends tech strategy with day-to-day recruiting realities. If you want to stay sharp, stand out, and scale smarter, this episode shows how modern recruiters are leveraging AI to do more of the work they actually enjoy.
Sahil’s Bio
Sahil is a visionary HRtech entrepreneur. After building and exiting his first HRtech company, he honed his expertise at Bain before channeling his passion into his next venture. A proud Northwestern graduate, Sahil now serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of hirepluto.
HirePluto is revolutionizing talent acquisition as a voice AI copilot that handles everything from the initial touchpoint with candidates to handing off a qualified applicant to a recruiter. By leveraging advanced Voice AI technology to interview candidates, hirepluto streamlines hiring and delivers unparalleled efficiency. In collaboration with premier global organizations and bolstered by partnerships with innovators such as Bullhorn and Avature, hirepluto sets the standard for enterprise-level HR solutions.
Sahil is committed to driving innovation in human resources and building high-performing, diverse teams. 
You can find Sahil on LinkedIn or at sahil@hirepluto.com Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming.  Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcampGet the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter
For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter  

#65- The Keys to building a 12 Million Dollar Agency with Jeremy Jenson

Episode Summary
In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark sits down with Jeremy Jenson, the founder and CEO of Encore Search Partners. Jeremy shares how he built a high performing executive search firm that now brings in over twelve million dollars a year in revenue. With a team of more than forty employees and a focus on direct hire only, Encore operates at a high level by combining lead generation expertise with a sharp focus on professionalism, storytelling, and industry specialization.
Jeremy explains why Encore stopped hiring experienced recruiters from other firms and started developing talent from the ground up. He outlines the systems that support this approach, including clear metrics, niche vertical targeting, and a coaching culture built around core values. From saving deals through strategic empathy to managing high volume opportunity pipelines, Jeremy breaks down what it really takes to lead a profitable and scalable recruiting business.
The conversation also explores what it means to show up authentically in both business and life. Jeremy talks about sharing his past openly, celebrating his fortieth birthday with a roast, and even meeting his fiancée through a carefully crafted LinkedIn search. His belief in being real, consistent, and focused on long term impact is what drives his content and leadership style. For recruiters and firm owners looking to build something that lasts, this episode offers real lessons with none of the fluff.
Jeremy’s Bio
Jeremy Jenson is the Founder & CEO of Encore Search Partners. Jeremy is a subject matter expert on The Entrepreneurial Operating System, and prides himself on building Houston’s largest privately-held Executive Search firm on the back of his seven Core Values: Excellence, Resilience, Gratitude, Professionalism, Coachable, Meticulous, and Competitive. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends & his 3 sons. He is also a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global co-op of over 17,000 entrepreneurs, worldwide.
 
You can find Jeremy on LinkedIn or at https://encoresearch.com/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming.  Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcampGet the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter
For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter  

#64- How Isaac Bowen Turned LinkedIn Into His Most Reliable BD Channel

Episode Summary
In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark is joined by Isaac Bowen, the founder of Benchmark Search Group. Isaac shares how he built a thriving solo recruiting practice focused on the construction industry, placing top-tier talent across Northern Colorado and Las Vegas. With over a decade of experience and a deep respect for blue-collar trades, Isaac has become the go-to partner for general contractors and federal contractors looking to fill urgent, business-critical roles. His journey from working in his family’s staffing firm to launching his own direct-hire agency is packed with grit, intention, and a clear love for the craft of recruiting.
Isaac opens up about how working with Clark has helped him take his business to the next level. Through Clark’s coaching, content creation support, and systems guidance, Isaac has been able to develop a strong digital presence that now attracts candidates and clients alike. Together, they’ve built out a consistent branding strategy that warms up outbound outreach, refines his messaging, and positions Isaac as a subject-matter authority in a tough, candidate-driven market. Isaac credits Clark with helping him structure his business development ecosystem in a way that lets him focus on his strengths: having high-impact conversations and building lasting relationships.
The episode is a deep dive into not just how to win clients, but how to win the right clients. Isaac shares how he vets companies he’s proud to represent, balances automation with personal touch, and creates a high-efficiency desk that still leads with heart. His systems are tight, his values are clear, and his growth reflects the intentional work he and Clark have done behind the scenes. For recruiters looking to elevate their desk, their mindset, and their brand, this episode is a real-world blueprint of what’s possible when you combine hard-earned recruiting skill with modern marketing and mentorship.
Isaac’s Bio
He’s been in and around the recruiting world since 2015, and chose to focus exclusively on the construction industry in 2021. You won’t find a better group of people doing more important work than those in Construction. This incredible industry has also only required him to wear a suit to a meeting once—and he’d be perfectly happy keeping it that way.
Recruiting is inherently grey and intangible, with much that’s beyond your control. Because of that, he finds a lot of solace in hobbies that are black-and-white, tangible, and firmly within his control.
His most recent obsession? Building and riding vintage stand-up jetskis. He spent years mountain biking, but it turns out water hurts a lot less than rocks.
In September of 2025, he’ll be marrying his beautiful fiancée, Tina, who insists that their two dogs and cat must all be part of the ceremony. He disagrees—which likely means you’ll see all their pets in the wedding photos!
All jokes aside, he truly loves what he does and considers it an honor to serve the people they have the privilege to work with.
 
You can find Isaac on LinkedIn or at https://bmsearchgroup.com/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming.  Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcampGet the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter
For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter  

#63- Reimagining the Recruiter Marketplace with Darren Koontz

Episode Summary
In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark sits down once again with agency leader and recruiting innovator Darren Koontz, marking him as the first-ever two-time guest on the show. And for good reason.
Together, they dig into the evolving challenges of today’s recruitment landscape, from broken split models to the burnout caused by overhyped tech and explore what it really takes to build a system that works for real recruiters and growth-minded companies in 2025.
At the center of the conversation is Darren’s newest project, Onyx Labs, a new marketplace aiming to make recruiter collaboration more effective, transparent, and trustworthy. But the episode goes beyond platform talk. Clark keeps the focus on what actually drives success: clarity of process, smart positioning, strong candidate relationships, and staying consistent with content that attracts the right people.
Whether you’re a solo recruiter trying to build predictable revenue, an agency owner refining your top-of-funnel, or a hiring manager looking to partner with recruiters who actually get it, this conversation delivers high-level insights and tactical clarity.
Darren’s Bio
I'm hyper-focused on doing two things well..
1) Empower companies to hire the best people as quickly as possible
2) Maximize the earning potential for all recruiters we work with
My challenge to everyone, think outside-the-box, go against the grain, use logic - it's an underutilized talent we all have.
You can find Darren on LinkedIn or https://www.getonyxlabs.com/ 
Join myself and Josh at the ERE Summit for cutting-edge recruiting strategies, how to leverage AI and leadership insights.
Save 10% on your ticket with code CLARKRIS.
Virtual and in person tickets available.
 
Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming.  Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp
 
Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter
For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

#62- The Importance of In Person Meetups with ERE's Director of Content & Marketing Joshua Jones

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Digital Recruiter Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Jones, Director of Content Marketing & Development at ERE, to talk about what the best talent acquisition leaders are doing to stay ahead—and why in-person learning and real community still matter in a digital-first world.
Joshua shares his personal journey from recruiting in the property management and construction industries to building one of the most engaged learning platforms in the TA space through ERE and SourceCon. He walks us through his “aha” moment as a recruiter—how a late-night breakthrough with Texas school bond funding helped him fill roles no one else could—and what that taught him about sourcing, urgency, and the power of curiosity in recruiting.
We also dive deep into the upcoming ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit in Las Vegas (April 29-30), where Joshua and his team are bringing together forward-thinking recruiters, TA leaders, and employer brand pros from the world’s top companies. We talk about what makes this event different: no fluff, no pay-to-play keynotes, and a BS-free environment focused on real learning, tactical innovation, and relationship building.
Joshua emphasizes how today’s best recruiters are both artists and operators—and why the best ROI doesn't come from tech stacks alone, but from sharpening your skills, expanding your network, and staying adaptable. From the value of sourcing communities to lessons learned building content that actually drives change, this conversation is a masterclass in what it takes to succeed in recruiting today.
If you’re serious about elevating your recruiting career, staying future-ready, and learning from the best minds in the industry—this episode is a must-listen. Whether you’re agency, in-house, or somewhere in between, there’s something here for you.
 
Joshua’s Bio
Great recruiting doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The best talent acquisition leaders are always learning, adapting, and connecting with others who push them to innovate and think differently.
That’s exactly what we create at ERE - an engaged, solutions-driven community for recruiters, sourcers, and employer branding experts who want to stay ahead of the curve.
As the Director of Content Marketing & Development, I create spaces where top talent acquisition professionals connect - whether through conferences, webinars, or thought leadership events. These go beyond networking. They foster meaningful conversations, real learning, and actionable strategies that drive impact.
I collaborate with companies and recruiting teams that prioritize growth and development while also engaging directly with practitioners - senior recruiters, sourcers, and TA operations leaders - who seek fresh strategies to stay ahead in an evolving hiring landscape.
This year, ERE’s flagship event in Las Vegas on April 29th and 30th is bringing together top TA professionals from Fortune 500 and growing SMBs. If you want to learn from the best, challenge outdated practices, and walk away with actionable insights, this is where you need to be.
You can find Joshua on LinkedIn or at https://www.eremedia.com/ Join myself and Josh at the ERE Summit for cutting-edge recruiting strategies, how to leverage AI and leadership insights.
Save 10% on your ticket with code CLARKRIS.
Virtual and in person tickets available.Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming.  Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcampGet the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter
For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter  

#61- The Importance Branding, SEO & Websites with Steve Gipson

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Digital Recruiter Podcast, we sit down with Steve Gipson, Director of Sales Operations at Recruiters Websites, to unpack the critical role of digital marketing, SEO, and LinkedIn strategy in modern recruiting. Steve shares his journey from growing up in a family of recruiters to leading a firm that has helped over 1,000 recruiting companies enhance their online presence and generate inbound leads.
We dive deep into why a recruiter’s website is more than just an online business card—it’s a powerful tool for generating inbound clients and candidates. Steve breaks down how SEO can give recruiters an edge, the importance of optimizing your website for niche-specific keywords, and why recruiting firms that invest in marketing now will dominate in the years ahead. He also reveals why firms that relied solely on referrals and cold outreach in the past are now struggling, and how the most successful recruiters are leveraging both their websites and LinkedIn to attract business.
We also discuss the role of AI in website development, the common mistakes recruiters make with their digital presence, and how firms can build a system that brings in leads consistently—without relying on outdated tactics. Whether you’re a solo recruiter, a growing agency, or part of a corporate team, this episode is packed with practical strategies to future-proof your recruiting business.
If you're serious about scaling your firm, attracting top-tier clients, and ensuring long-term success, this is a must-listen!
Steve’s BioAt Recruiters Websites, he helps recruiting firms grow and change lives through custom websites and innovative marketing. His work includes website and career site development, digital marketing like SEO, PPC, and social media, as well as branded content, direct marketing, and recruitment marketing strategies. He also specializes in marketing technology, offering custom API integrations, chatbots, lead tracking, and more.
You can find Steve on LinkedIn or at https://recruiterswebsites.com/contact/Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletterStop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming.  Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp
For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter  

#60- From Athletic Director to Top Biller with LinkedIn Branding with Ben Cottingham

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Digital Recruiter Podcast, we sit down with Ben Cottingham, Search Practice Lead at FireSeeds, to dive deep into his journey from high school athletic director to a top-performing recruiter in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. Ben shares his unique career transition story, the lessons he learned from early failures, and how he mastered relationship-driven recruiting.
We explore the power of honesty in the hiring process, why retained search is "bought, not sold," and how Ben has leveraged LinkedIn and strategic content to build a thriving pipeline of clients and candidates. He also discusses the biggest hiring mistakes AEC companies make, why culture fit is more important than ever, and how recruiters can truly add value beyond filling roles. Along the way, he worked with The Digital Recruiter in leveling up that brand, further refining his approach to executive search.
This episode is packed with insights for recruiters, hiring managers, and AEC industry leaders who want to attract the best talent, build stronger client relationships, and rethink how they approach hiring. If you’re looking for a fresh take on executive search, this is a must-listen!Ben’s Bio
Ben Cottingham fell into search almost by accident. He has a deep passion for helping organizations grow while making an exponential impact on improving people's lives.
He began his career in urban education, serving as a high school Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, Teacher, and Coach. During that time, he was exposed to several capital projects for the athletic program, which sparked his interest in the AEC industry. From heavy civil contractors and concrete contractors to civil engineering design teams, he noticed they all faced the same challenge—they struggled to find experienced leaders who not only fit their culture but also had strong technical backgrounds.
Today, he is focused on solving that problem. He partners with values-driven AEC companies to help them find top-tier talent and works with AEC professionals to guide them toward their next opportunity.
In his role, he leads within the AEC practice, developing long-term partnerships and leveraging a world-class network to connect companies with the top 1% of industry leaders.
You can find Ben on LinkedIn Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter
For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter  

#59- Stop Selling, Start Attracting: How Recruiters Can Build a Personal Brand That Brings Clients to You

Episode Summary
Most recruiters are struggling with business development because no one knows who they are.
In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Wilcox sits down with Kelli Schutrop, CEO of Thoughtful Resound, to talk about the power of thought leadership, content marketing, and authentic sales strategies in recruiting. Kelli shares her journey from agency marketing to consultative sales, breaking down how recruiters and agency owners can attract inbound clients without relying on cold outreach.
Kelli and Clark dive into the biggest mistakes recruiters make with LinkedIn, why so many sales teams feel like they have to choose between selling and marketing, and how a consistent personal brand can drive better, higher-quality leads. They also discuss the power of credibility, insight, and relatability in content—plus the simple strategies any recruiter can use to start getting noticed today.
If you’re tired of feeling invisible in a crowded market, this episode is packed with real, actionable insights on how to stand out, build trust, and attract the right clients without the hard sell.
 
Kelli’s Bio
Kelli Schutrop is a dynamic revenue growth leader and the CEO & Founder of Thoughtful Resound, a fractional sales and marketing leadership consulting firm. She has devoted her expertise to unlocking new revenue streams for growing B2B companies through innovative sales, marketing, and thought leadership strategies.
Her passion lies in accelerating business growth, supported by a vast skill set that spans digital and brand marketing, consultative selling, on-camera hosting, and public speaking. Kelli's professional journey is marked by achievements including scaling startups, building marketing functions, establishing sales structures, and consulting business leaders across the country on strategic growth.
Beyond her role as a sales and marketing leader, Kelli is actively engaged in fostering industry connections and sharing insights on a global scale. She is a four-time LinkedIn Learning course instructor, regularly conducts speaking engagements, organizes fireside chats with industry luminaries, and has contributed her expertise to various boards and committees.
Kelli studied Public Relations and Marketing at the University of Northwestern–St. Paul and brings her enthusiasm for business and connection into every conversation. Additionally, she has a young, adventurous family that adds richness to all aspects of life.
 
You can find Kelli on LinkedIn or at Kelli@thoughtfulresound.com Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter
 
For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter