Digital Recruiter Podcast

#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  

#58- Scaling, Selling (2x) & Recruiting Burn Out with Belinda Kerr

Episode Summary
Most recruitment founders are stuck on a hamster wheel—working harder, not smarter.
In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Wilcox sits down with Belinda Kerr, founder of Recruitment Garage and host of The Tech Savvy Recruiter Podcast, to break down why so many agency owners struggle to scale. With two successful exits under her belt, Belinda shares the biggest mistakes she sees recruiting founders make—like hiring too late, overcomplicating growth, and relying on outdated sales tactics.
Belinda and Clark dive into automation vs. human connection, why content marketing is non-negotiable for recruiters today, and how most founders unknowingly sabotage their own success. They talk about the danger of chasing new tech instead of fixing broken processes, the power of 10X thinking, and why a lack of focus—not a lack of leads—is what’s holding most agencies back.
If you’re a recruitment founder trying to break free from the daily grind, this episode is your wake-up call. Belinda doesn’t just talk theory—she shares exactly what it takes to build a business that scales and sells.
Belinda’s Bio
How can I grow my business when I’m pushed to the limit? How do I create a predictable income stream? How to scale, automate and market? These are the questions I always get asked by recruitment and search agency owners.
They were the questions I had too...
Recruitment Garage is a place where we lift the hood on your business, optimise your existing systems and add in the tools and processes you need to automate and scale. We help you to create the business you want.
 
You can find Belinda on LinkedIn or at https://recruitmentgarage.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  

#57- The Mindset Shift That Separates Top Billers from Burnouts with Kate O'Neill

Episode Summary
Alright folks, welcome back to The Digital Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Clark Willcox, and today, we’ve got a killer episode lined up. I’m sitting down with Kate O’Neill, founder of Job Slinger Academy, to talk about what really makes recruiters successful—beyond just KPIs and cold calls.
Kate’s journey into recruitment wasn’t planned, but now she’s a top coach, helping agencies ditch outdated methods and build high-performing teams. And here’s the thing—most recruiters don’t struggle because they lack skills. They struggle because they’re stuck in limiting beliefs—about business development, rejection, and success.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the real difference between coaching and training, how to spot recruiter potential, and why agencies overcomplicate growth. Plus, Kate gets real about burnout, leadership, and why tracking habits—not just results—drives long-term success.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode is packed with bold, honest, no-fluff insights to help you stop playing small and start owning your potential. Let’s get into it!"
 
Kate’s Bio
Kate is a seasoned recruitment professional with over 12 years of experience. She has successfully run her own recruitment coaching and training business for the past four years, specialising in business development and the training and development of rookies.
In October 2024, Kate launched her Rec2Rec agency the 'Job Slinger Academy', dedicated to introducing pre-trained talent to the recruitment industry, ensuring we create our success stories of the future. Known for her passion for business development, she has trained hundreds of consultants across different experience levels, empowering them to thrive in their careers.
 
You can find Kate on LinkedIn or at https://kateoneillrecruitmentsolutions.co.uk/ 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  

#56- Poker Pro, Media Mogul, Recruiter: Joe Sebok Always goes All In

Episode Summary
In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Willcox sits down with former professional poker player turned recruiter, Joe Sebok, to talk about his wild career journey. Joe was part of the poker boom in the 2000s, playing on televised World Series of Poker tables, running his own media company, and even building an early social media platform for poker pros. But when the online poker industry collapsed in 2011, he had to reinvent himself—eventually landing in the world of recruiting, where he’s now building a thriving business.
 Joe shares the lessons he’s learned from poker that apply directly to recruiting and business: reading people, managing risk, and knowing when to go all-in. He talks about the power of reinvention, why so many recruiters fail because they avoid doing the actual work, and how leaning into your strengths can give you a real competitive advantage. He also opens up about navigating public scrutiny, handling high-pressure situations, and overcoming mental blocks that hold people back from success.
 If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, doubted your next move, or struggled to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with insights on mindset, personal branding, and making strategic bets on yourself. Don’t miss this one!
Joe’s Bio
After beginning his career as a professional poker player in 2005, winning several titles and competing in both the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour, Sebok ceased playing full-time in 2009 to make his shift into media and business.  He did so effectively, helping spearhead poker’s first televised media reporting program, as well as several of poker’s most popular radio programs across the globe.
Sebok joined the recruiting and talent acquisition ranks in 2015 and won awards while at the largest creative recruiting agency in North America before transitioning to work in-house and build several entire teams from scratch.  His additional experience in marketing, sales, and operations further strengthens his robust proficiency in understanding clients’ open positions and what is required to staff them both effectively and expeditiously.
You can find Joe 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  
 

#55- Crelate's Kortney Harmon Discusses the Importance of Recruiting Systems & Marketing

Episode Summary
In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, I sit down with Crelate’s Kortney Harmon to break down the operational chaos in recruiting agencies and why so many firms are stuck in a cycle of inefficiency. From "shadow processes" that drain productivity to high-billing recruiters being promoted into leadership without training, we dive into why so many recruiting teams are winging it—and what they should be doing instead.
Kortney, who leads industry relations at Crelate, shares her expert insights on what makes a recruiting business truly scalable: structured workflows, strong leadership (not just top billers turned managers), and tech that actually enhances productivity instead of adding more noise. We talk about why so many recruiters are overwhelmed, how agencies can build better systems, and why being intentional is the real secret to long-term success.
If you’ve ever felt like your agency is working harder than it should be, this episode is packed with strategies to help you streamline operations, improve efficiency, and build a business that thrives. Don’t miss it!
Kortney’s Bio
With over 15 years of experience in the staffing and recruiting industry, Kortney Harmon has established herself as a highly regarded thought leader, dynamic speaker, and respected industry principal. She is a trusted advisor, empowering professionals and organizations to achieve remarkable growth through strategic insights and industry best practices.
As the host of The Full Desk Experience, Kortney leads engaging workshops where participants can interact directly with her and gain invaluable insights. Whether through live Q&A sessions or on-demand access via podcast platforms, The Full Desk Experience provides a wealth of knowledge designed to enhance expertise in talent acquisition and business growth.
Throughout her career, Kortney has trained thousands of front-line recruiters, equipping them with the skills and strategies needed to excel in the fast-paced world of talent acquisition. She has also collaborated closely with business owners and executives, helping them overcome growth barriers by optimizing people, processes, and technology to drive scalability and efficiency.
Her expertise has been recognized by prestigious industry organizations, including the American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts, and the National Association of Personnel Services. She has had the privilege of presenting to these influential groups, sharing her insights and thought leadership to inspire and empower professionals across the industry.
Beyond speaking engagements, Kortney has been a guest on various industry-leading podcasts and has provided strategic consulting services to a diverse range of clients. These opportunities have allowed her to expand her impact, contributing to the growth and success of numerous organizations.
For those seeking a dynamic speaker, a trusted advisor, or deeper industry knowledge, Kortney Harmon offers valuable expertise and a passion for innovation, growth, and transformation in staffing and recruiting.
 
You can find Kortney on LinkedIn or check out  https://www.crelate.com/about-crelate 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