Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen

Les Rosen
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"Behind the Screens" is a podcast that brings you up close and personal with the people in the background screening industry. Hosted by Les Rosen, each episode features in-depth, human-interest interviews with a diverse range of guests—including business executives, employees with extensive screening experience, vendors who serve the industry, and legal and compliance experts. These conversations dive into the personal stories and insights of those who know the industry best, offering a fresh perspective on the people driving background screening. Whether you are part of the industry or just curious, "Behind the Screens" delivers authentic, non-marketing-focused stories from the world of background checks.Your host:  Les Rosen is an Attorney, former owner of a screening firm, the chair of the steering committee that founded PBSA and the first co-chair of PBSA, as well as author of the "Safe Hiring Manual," and frequent presenter nationwide. According to attorney and industry veteran  Vince Pascarella, "For those of you who don't know, Les Rosen was the chief architect of the PBSA predecessor NAPBS, and its first Chair and unofficial Executive Director. Simply put, no Les Rosen then, no PBSA today."For more information, see:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ CONTACT US!Send comments, feedback,  suggestions for future guests or sponsorship information to:screeningpros200@gmail.comPlatinum Sponsor:  https://preemploymentdirectory.com/ , publisher of the Background Buzz!  

  1. Episode 69: Remembering Mike Sankey

    5d ago

    Episode 69: Remembering Mike Sankey

    Send us Fan Mail Today we are honoring and remembering my good friend Mike Sankey, a man who shaped this industry and shaped the people in it, myself included. Mike Sankey founded BRB Publications and wrote the books that became the bible of the screening industry, the MVR Book and the MVR Decoder. He was a founding force behind PBSA, the inaugural recipient of the PBSA Lifetime Achievement Award now named in his honor, and a man who somehow found time for racehorses, can-collecting ventures, and a years-long Groucho Marx glasses tradition that became legendary at every NAPBS dinner. In this episode, the people who knew him best share what made him so unforgettable, both as a businessman and as a friend. Pro Conversation You Don't Want to Miss! How Mike's MVR Book and MVR Decoder became required reading for the entire industry, and why one colleague said skipping them would have set the field back yearsThe phone call that turned standards into guidelines, and how Mike and John Kloos got nine vendor guidelines finished in nine monthsThe founding member idea that helped launch PBSA off of fourteen thousand dollarsMike's legendary Groucho Marx glasses tradition, and the prank he pulled on Derek Hinton involving a fake family photo album from people who never existedA heartfelt letter from Mike's brother Mark on what it meant to work side by side with him for twenty years without a single heated argumentSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a conversation.  Thanks to our sponsor, PreemploymentDirectory.com, publisher of Background Buzz and numerous other resources. And a special thanks to W. Barry Nixon. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

    50 min
  2. Episode 67: The Background Screening Collective: Izzy Stapleton, Jamie Frankos, Megan Martinson & Robin Shaffer

    Jun 2

    Episode 67: The Background Screening Collective: Izzy Stapleton, Jamie Frankos, Megan Martinson & Robin Shaffer

    Send us Fan Mail I have to be honest with you, I was not sure what to expect going into this one. Four guests, a panel format, all of them colleagues and friends with each other. But within the first few minutes I knew this was going to be one of my favorite episodes. In this panel episode, Les Rosen sits down with the hosts of the Background Screening Collective to hear how the podcast got started, what it's really like to operate on the wholesale side of the industry, and why community, not competition, is the defining culture of background screening. The conversation covers career origin stories, the realities of regulatory frustration, why AI is reshaping entry-level roles, and the life lessons that keep them grounded through all of it. Pro Conversation You Don't Want to Miss! How the Background Screening Collective started from a PBSA conference moment when SAS realized almost no one in the industry knew who they wereThe wholesaler perspective on county criminal work being devalued, court access issues, and the Whac-A-Mole reality of government regulations affecting real people trying to get jobsMegan's candid advice that entry-level verifier roles are at real AI risk, and why now is the time to pivot toward product, sales, or operationsRobin on personal brand: your stock travels with you from company to company and industry to industry, so never stop building itFour very different fun facts: Jamie moved 18 times as a Navy brat, Robin can recite all English prepositions in alphabetical order, Megan has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and is impressively flexible, and Izzy speaks three languages and has a motorcycle licenseSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a conversation. Thanks to our sponsor, PreemploymentDirectory.com, publisher of Background Buzz and numerous other resources. And a special thanks to W. Barry Nixon. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

    57 min
  3. Episode 62: Women in Screening: Journeys, Growth, and Mentorship

    Mar 23

    Episode 62: Women in Screening: Journeys, Growth, and Mentorship

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with an incredible panel of women leaders across the background screening industry to talk about how they built their careers, what keeps them engaged, and how the industry continues to evolve. What stands out is a shared theme: no one planned this career, but once they entered the industry, they stayed. Why? Because of the constant change, the investigative nature of the work, and the real impact on people’s lives. We also explore how women are shaping the future of screening through leadership, collaboration, and a more holistic approach to problem-solving. This is a conversation about growth, mentorship, and finding your place in an industry that never stands still. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why background screening becomes a long-term career for many professionalsHow curiosity and problem-solving drive success in the industryThe evolving role of women in leadership across screening organizationsWhy mentorship and community are critical for career growthHow PBSA supports education, networking, and industry standardsThe importance of collaboration, empathy, and listening in leadershipPractical advice for newcomers entering the screening industryThis episode is for you if: You’re building a career in background screening, HR, or complianceYou want to learn from experienced women leaders in the industryYou’re navigating career growth, leadership, or mentorshipYou’re curious how others built long-term careers in screeningYou want real-world advice on thriving in a fast-changing industryConnect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

    1h 7m
  4. Episode 61: Compliance, Curiosity, and Career Growth with Jennifer Daimon

    Mar 9

    Episode 61: Compliance, Curiosity, and Career Growth with Jennifer Daimon

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Behind the Screens, I speak with Jennifer Daimon, VP of Compliance and In-House Counsel at AccuSourceHR. Jennifer’s journey into the background screening industry started in a way many professionals can relate to. What began as a job researching public records while she attended law school eventually turned into a long-term career built around compliance, investigation, and leadership. Jennifer shares how working in the industry while studying law shaped her perspective and prepared her for the complex legal and operational challenges that background screening companies face today. From navigating evolving regulations to advising clients and managing disputes, her role sits at the intersection of law, compliance, and business strategy. We also talk about the collaborative nature of the screening industry, particularly through organizations like PBSA, where competitors work together to solve shared challenges such as data access and regulatory changes. Jennifer offers thoughtful advice for newcomers entering the field, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and never being afraid to ask questions. Her story highlights how unexpected career paths can lead to meaningful opportunities when professionals stay engaged, keep learning, and remain open to growth. And like many guests on this podcast, Jennifer reminds us that the people behind the screening industry often have fascinating stories outside of their professional roles. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

    50 min
  5. Episode 60: How a Passion for Politics Built a Career in Background Screening

    Feb 23

    Episode 60: How a Passion for Politics Built a Career in Background Screening

    Send us Fan Mail Dan Shoemaker did not start in background screening. He began his career in politics and public policy, working on campaigns, serving in Virginia state government, and lobbying at the federal level. After 9/11, an unexpected opportunity led him into the screening industry. What he thought would be a short detour became a long and distinguished career. Along the way, Dan: Earned his MBA while working full time and raising young childrenLed business units with hundreds of employeesBuilt and integrated global screening operations across Europe and AsiaServed as Chair of PBSA during the launch of accreditationBecame CEO during a period of acquisitions and rapid growthNow serves as Chief Revenue Officer at Accurate His journey is proof that careers are rarely linear. They are built by taking risks, saying yes to opportunity, and staying open to change. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why taking calculated risks is essential for long-term career growthHow to build a leadership path from inside your organizationWhat it really takes to scale screening operations globallyThe cultural differences in international business developmentWhy mentorship accelerates professional successHow PBSA helped shape the modern screening industryWhy background screening offers exposure to the world’s most influential companiesThe importance of staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving industryThis Episode Is For You If: You want to move into leadership within the screening industryYou are considering international expansion or global partnershipsYou are early in your career and unsure how to chart your next moveYou believe in mentorship and long-term professional growthYou want to understand how industry leaders think about risk and opportunityYou are involved with PBSA or considering deeper engagement Outside of screening, Dan is a lifelong drummer who plays in a 90s and 2000s cover band. He is also an avid surfer and a self-proclaimed train enthusiast, carrying forward a childhood passion inspired by his father. Leadership, for Dan, is not just about titles. It is about curiosity, balance, and continuing to grow in every season of life. If you are building your career, considering your next move, or simply reflecting on where this industry is headed, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Listen now to Episode 60 of Behind the Screens. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

    54 min
  6. Episode 59: Mind the Gap: The Human Connection in a Digital Screening World

    Feb 16

    Episode 59: Mind the Gap: The Human Connection in a Digital Screening World

    Send us Fan Mail In this international edition of Behind the Screens, I’m joined by the leadership team of the PBSA Europe & Africa Council: Martin Hardy, Will Hogarth, and Sally Ott-Lacoste. We explore how each of them entered the background screening industry, what keeps them passionate about it, and how the industry continues to evolve across Europe and Africa. We also preview the upcoming PBSA Europe & Africa Summit in London and discuss why this event is becoming essential for professionals who want to grow their network, knowledge, and global impact. Beyond compliance and accreditation, this episode is about leadership, community, adaptability, and the human responsibility behind screening. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Martin, Will, and Sally entered the background screening industryThe evolving role of startups, tech innovation, and social media vettingWhy trust, honesty, and context are essential in screeningWhat PBSA represents across Europe and AfricaHow global accreditation strengthens best practicesWhat makes the PBSA Europe & Africa Summit a must-attend eventWhy networking is not optional if you want to grow in this industryHow to build meaningful connections, even with competitorsThe biggest lessons these leaders have learned about integrity and fairnessWhy curiosity and adaptability are critical for long-term successWhat We Discuss About the PBSA Europe & Africa Summit   The 2026 Summit theme and agenda directionWhy education and networking are equally importantHow sponsors contribute to the long-term growth of the industryThe importance of walking away with new connections and fresh ideasWhy making one new meaningful relationship can change your careerThis Episode Is for You If: You work in background screening and want a global perspectiveYou’re considering attending the PBSA Europe & Africa SummitYou want to move into leadership roles within the industryYou’re building or growing a screening businessYou believe screening is about more than data; it’s about responsibilityYou want to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving regulatory and tech landscapeWe also lighten things up with a speed round covering mentors, proud moments, life outside screening, Lindy Hop dancing, sailing, and even brass band busking. This episode reminds us that behind every screening report is a human decision, and behind every successful screening company is a community. If you are part of this industry, this conversation is worth your time. See you next time on Behind the Screens. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

    55 min
  7. Episode 58: Marc Bourne on Adaptability, Accreditation, and Giving Back

    Feb 9

    Episode 58: Marc Bourne on Adaptability, Accreditation, and Giving Back

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Marc Bourne, a true industry veteran who has been part of background screening since 1999 and is still deeply engaged in shaping its future. Our conversation explores what it really means to build a long, meaningful career in background screening, from courthouse research and private investigations to executive leadership and service on the PBSA Board of Directors. Marc shares why adaptability is not optional in this industry, how accreditation and professional standards elevate everyone, and why mentoring the next generation matters just as much as compliance and technology. We also step outside of screening to talk about his volunteer work solving cold cases, his passion for animal rescue, and a fun fact that no one sees coming. At its core, this episode is about people. The people we work with, the people we screen, and the responsibility we all carry to treat them with care, integrity, and respect. In this episode, you will learn: Why background screening is fundamentally a people driven industryHow Marc’s early work in courthouse research shaped his perspective as a CRAThe importance of adaptability and constant learning in a rapidly changing industryWhat PBSA accreditation really means and why it matters for CRAs of all sizesHow volunteering and mentorship strengthen both careers and the industry as a wholeWhy being present, curious, and engaged opens doors throughout your careerHow Marc balances executive leadership with volunteer work on cold case investigationsA surprising fun fact from Marc’s early life that you probably did not expect This episode is for you if: You work in background screening and want to build a long, sustainable careerYou are new to the industry and looking for guidance on how to grow and stand outYou want to better understand the value of PBSA involvement and accreditationYou care about ethics, professionalism, and the human impact of screening decisionsYou believe mentorship, kindness, and integrity still matter in businessYou enjoy hearing real stories from people who have helped shape the industryIf you are looking for perspective, encouragement, and a reminder of why the work we do matters, this is an episode you will want to hear from start to finish. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

    45 min
  8. Episode 57: Nick Fishman on Purpose, Mentorship, and Making a Mark in Background Screening

    Jan 26

    Episode 57: Nick Fishman on Purpose, Mentorship, and Making a Mark in Background Screening

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with someone I’ve long admired—Nick Fishman, co-founder of Employee Screen IQ and now a partner at iCubed Advisors. Nick is one of those rare people who brings equal parts insight, creativity, and humanity to everything he does in this industry. We talk about how he built and sold Employee Screen IQ, his early marketing innovations like Employee Screen University, and why background screening remains more than just a career for him—it’s a mission. Nick opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the importance of giving back, and what keeps him energized in this work after decades in the business. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Nick sees background screening as a vital public serviceHow he turned thought leadership into a business advantage with Employee Screen UniversityThe role PBSA played in shaping his advocacy and industry involvementWhat he’s learned from mentoring others—and being mentored himselfHis advice for newcomers trying to find their place in this complex, rewarding fieldThis episode is for you if... You’re passionate about doing meaningful work in background screeningYou’re looking for ways to lead with both heart and strategyYou want to hear how one industry leader built a company with values at the coreYou’re new to the field and looking for career-defining wisdomConnect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

    36 min
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About

"Behind the Screens" is a podcast that brings you up close and personal with the people in the background screening industry. Hosted by Les Rosen, each episode features in-depth, human-interest interviews with a diverse range of guests—including business executives, employees with extensive screening experience, vendors who serve the industry, and legal and compliance experts. These conversations dive into the personal stories and insights of those who know the industry best, offering a fresh perspective on the people driving background screening. Whether you are part of the industry or just curious, "Behind the Screens" delivers authentic, non-marketing-focused stories from the world of background checks.Your host:  Les Rosen is an Attorney, former owner of a screening firm, the chair of the steering committee that founded PBSA and the first co-chair of PBSA, as well as author of the "Safe Hiring Manual," and frequent presenter nationwide. According to attorney and industry veteran  Vince Pascarella, "For those of you who don't know, Les Rosen was the chief architect of the PBSA predecessor NAPBS, and its first Chair and unofficial Executive Director. Simply put, no Les Rosen then, no PBSA today."For more information, see:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ CONTACT US!Send comments, feedback,  suggestions for future guests or sponsorship information to:screeningpros200@gmail.comPlatinum Sponsor:  https://preemploymentdirectory.com/ , publisher of the Background Buzz!  

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