The Pinnacle Take

The Pinnacle Society
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Welcome to The Pinnacle Take, the podcast powered by the Pinnacle Society — an exclusive network of the top 1% of recruiters across North America. Each episode dives deep into the minds of elite search professionals who consistently achieve industry-leading results. From proven business development strategies to candidate mastery, leadership insights, and navigating market shifts, you’ll hear what it truly takes to reach the highest levels of success in recruiting. Whether you’re a recruiter looking to break through plateaus, a staffing leader aiming to scale, or simply curious about how the best of the best operate, this show gives you a front-row seat to the strategies, tools, and mindset of world-class recruiters.

  1. Jul 15

    How Synergy Search Built $400K Billers from Scratch: Blueprint & Lessons with Josh Volinsky

    How Synergy Search Built $400K Billers from Scratch: Blueprint & Lessons with Josh Volinsky Guest: Josh Volinsky, President & Co-Founder of Synergy Search Host: Benjamin Mena, Pinnacle Take Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Josh Volinsky, President and Co-Founder of Synergy Search—a recruiting firm that transformed accountants into high-performing $400K billers. Josh shares the step-by-step blueprint behind Synergy Search’s rapid growth: hiring industry professionals with zero recruiting experience and training them into some of the most successful recruiters in the market. This jam-packed interview covers building a winning culture, actionable onboarding, adapting to tough markets, and data-driven leadership, with hard-won lessons from record-breaking wins and challenging setbacks. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Synergy Search Turned Accountants into Top-Billing Recruiters: Josh reveals Synergy’s secret for transforming ex-accountants, CPAs, and industry professionals into full-desk recruiters who consistently bill $400K+ their first year. The Power of the Right Team and Founding Partners: Why choosing the right co-founders and splitting equity equally fueled performance and culture. Building and Scaling a High-Performance Recruiting Firm: Insights on ramping up operations, scaling hiring, and creating a repeatable training system. Adapting to Market Shifts & Setbacks: What happened when the “golden era” ended and how Synergy Search rebuilt momentum with accountability, transparency, and a focus on key metrics. Leadership Lessons & Culture: How tragedy, major setbacks, and rapid growth shaped the company’s values and future. Key Takeaways and Quotes: “We hire A players—even if they have zero recruiting experience—and teach them everything. Attitude and industry knowledge are everything.” “Accountability and tracking key KPIs turned our worst quarter into our best. Transparency and culture drive results.” “You have to become obsessed: with your niche, your market, and your craft. Mentorship and relentless growth are non-negotiable.” Episode Highlights: Synergy Search’s founding story: why Josh left a high-earning recruiting job to start fresh Why hiring accountants—not recruiters—created a competitive edge The exact training blueprint that ramped up new hires to $400K+ in billings How Synergy weathered the 2024 market downturn & the challenges of scaling fast The critical importance of KPIs, accountability, mentorship, and leading by example Hard lessons and leadership moments—including the impact of losing a top team member What makes Synergy’s top billers different and advice for new recruiting leaders Who Should Listen? Recruiting agency founders and owners Talent acquisition leaders and in-house recruiters Professional services and executive search leaders Anyone interested in sales, leadership, and building high-performance teams Connect with Josh Volinsky and Pinnacle Society Connect with Josh Volinsky on LinkedIn Learn more about Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/  If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the Pinnacle Take Podcast, and share it with a friend in the recruiting world!

  2. Jun 29

    Control Over Comfort: The Making of a Pinnacle Recruiter with Bodie Nowak

    What does it take to thrive when the recruiting industry throws every obstacle your way? In this impactful episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Bodie Nowak sits down with industry powerhouse Benjamin Mena for a candid deep dive into building an elite recruitment business rooted in grit, resilience, and self-mastery. From Benjamin Mena's early days of struggle—billing just $11,250 in a recession year—to breaking the $1.9 million mark as a lean two-person team, discover how discipline, self-control, and owning your story set the groundwork for unstoppable performance. You’ll hear how setbacks, from career pivots to economic downturns, sharpened his business acumen, and why choosing control over short-lived comfort is pivotal for true success. Enduring the Hard Times: Learn how to reframe adversity as your greatest mentor and why the “long way” is the real shortcut to mastery. Mindset & Motivation: Why “motivation is garbage” and how forming the right habits will carry you farther than inspiration alone. Scaling with Intention: Dive into the partnership model that enables a small team to surpass firms five times their size—and why staying small can mean bigger profits. Contingent BD Tactics: Explore the “laying paper everywhere” approach to business development and how it creates leverage in a competitive, contingent market. Start challenging your comfort zone and take actionable steps towards elite billing. Listen now to transform both your mindset and business growth. Listen, connect, and explore more: Connect with Bodie Nowak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bodienowak/ Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

  3. May 22

    The Quiet Obsession Behind 30 Years at the Top with David Fishman

    Most recruiters who last three decades stop working the desk. David Fishman never did. Thirty years in, no college degree, still personally in the deals every single day — and still convinced he hasn't figured it out yet. That restlessness is the whole story of this episode.   David came up the hard way: eight years in the Coast Guard, an injury that pushed him out, then selling industrial batteries door-to-door in downtown Los Angeles before he ever touched recruiting. He talks openly about the chip he carried as the guy without the degree — his twin brother went the academic route and stacked up credentials — and how that chip turned into a habit of simply outworking everyone in the room. When the 2008–2009 market collapsed and his phone went quiet, he started Sparrow Company out of necessity, ran it fully virtual for years before anyone called it normal, and built it across the U.S.–Mexico border into the operation it is today.   What makes this conversation land for a Pinnacle audience is how honest David is about the engine underneath the success. He describes a feeling that's chased him since he was in his early thirties — the sense that time is running out, that complacency is the real enemy, and that you have to recreate yourself again and again or the business leaves you behind. He admits that even now, after everything, he carries the same worries he had as a young recruiter, and that the current market has reminded him of 2009 in ways that keep him sharp rather than comfortable.   The tactical core is his shift from chasing dollars to counting deals. For his first twenty years he never tracked what he billed; now he's obsessed with the number of placements, because in his words, close the deals and the money follows. He breaks down the "waves" of the recruiting calendar and why teams that celebrate a big first half get punched in the face by the fall. He explains why he reads a résumé the way he does, why he never lets go of a placement, and why the recruiters who think this is an eight-to-five job should find another line of work. And he closes with the discipline he swears by: win Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and the momentum carries the rest of the week — and the rest of the year.   If you've been in recruiting long enough to wonder whether your best years are behind you, this is the episode that reframes that fear as fuel.   Connect with David Fishman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fishman-b468112/ More from The Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

  4. Apr 14

    How Kimberly Laipple Went from Broke Single Mom to $1.4M Recruiter: Her Exact Blueprint

    What does it really take to turn rock bottom into record-breaking success in the recruiting world? In this inspiring episode of The Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with the phenomenal Kimberly Laipple to uncover her journey from food bank lines and foreclosure to becoming president of Scientific Search and a $1.4M biller. This is a MUST-LISTEN for recruiters seeking a proven, repeatable system for scaling both personal and professional achievement. Key takeaways from this episode: Building from Adversity: Kimberly Laipple shares how hitting life's lowest points fueled her drive, resilience, and the mindset shifts required to excel in recruiting—even when she started with no network and no safety net. Blueprint for Million-Dollar Billings: Discover the EXACT daily process and work ethic Kimberly Laipple used to go from struggling rookie to top producer—including her step-by-step repeatable checklist and how she trained her team for consistent success. Leadership & Team Development: Learn how Kimberly Laipple moved beyond solo billing to building high-performing teams, fostering loyalty, and creating a collaborative culture that retains achievers for years. Account Penetration Tactics: Master the art of client relationships—how Kimberly Laipple delivers deep value, lands exclusive work, and turns every interaction into long-term business, all while staying contingent. Ready to rewrite your own script? Tap ‘play’ to discover how you can take control, scale your recruiting desk, and create a career you love—even if you’re starting from zero. For more recruiter insights, strategies, and tools, don’t forget to subscribe and visit The Pinnacle Society.   Follow Kimberly Laipple on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylaipple/ The Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

  5. Mar 18

    The Recruiter’s Second Act: When It’s Time to Go All In with Holly Dary

    Are you standing at a crossroads in your recruiting career, wondering if now’s the time to take a leap into your next chapter? In this inspiring episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry powerhouse Holly Dary, founding partner at Tarvos Talent and member of the Pinnacle Society, to unpack her journey from a successful corporate recruiter to launching her own firm growing from zero to almost $10 million in revenue in record time. Discover actionable insights for recruiters ready to build their “second act.” Whether you’re leading a team, considering entrepreneurship, or striving for elite status in 2026, this episode is packed with practical wisdom: Unpacking High-Impact Career Moves: Learn how Holly Dary transitioned from corporate to founder, including essential prep steps, mindset shifts, and scaling strategies. Elite Recruiting Habits and Leadership: Explore the keys to attracting top talent, building resilient teams, and maintaining excellence through market upheaval. Winning in Modern Business Development: Get real-world tactics for business development, embracing technology (like AI) without sacrificing the human touch, and delivering stand-out candidate experiences. Ready for your second act? Listen now and get motivated to reinvent your recruiting career with proven strategies from one of the industry’s best. Connect or follow Holly Dary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-dary-aba2952/ Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

  6. Feb 11

    From Contingent to Retained: How Niching Down Took Andrea Colabella’s Recruiting Firm to the Top

    Are you a recruiter feeling stretched too thin or stuck in a broad market? Ready to transform your business, go deeper into your niche, and maximize your value? In this insightful episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Andrea (Annie) Colabella, founder of the Kardea Group, to share how niching down in the investment management sector—and shifting from contingent to retained search—catapulted her firm’s success. Andrea reveals her journey from a trading desk to launching her boutique recruitment firm in NYC, and the game-changing impact of specializing in legal and compliance roles. Discover how focusing relentlessly on a sub-niche not only streamlined operations and recyclability of candidates, but also built a reputation that made her a go-to retained search partner. From Generalist to Specialist: Hear Andrea’s strategy for cutting out low ROI work and zeroing in on her true market sweet spot. Making the Shift to Retained Search: Learn actionable steps and mindset shifts for moving up the value ladder to become a sought-after expert with upfront client commitment. Relationship-Driven Success: Andrea shares how networking, events, and authentic connections anchor her firm’s reputation and client loyalty. Tune in now to master the secrets of going deeper, going retained, and building an elite recruiting business! Connect & Level Up: Listen to this episode, subscribe, and share with fellow recruiters who are ready to thrive! Follow Andrea Colabella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colabella/ Learn more about The Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

  7. Jan 19

    Rebranding Your Destiny: Katherine Jerald’s $885K First Year, $261K DM Win, and GovCon Recruiting Secrets

    Are you ready to break through plateaus and build a recruitment business that truly scales? In this episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with aerospace and defense recruiting powerhouse Katherine Jerald to unveil the real story behind her first-year billings of $885K, including the secrets to landing a $261K direct message deal on LinkedIn and thriving in the lucrative GovCon sector. Katherine Jerald shares her journey from working in her father's recruiting office at age 12 to founding her own firm and scaling a high-performing team, all while tracking the metrics that matter and personal branding that converts leads into clients. Listeners will discover actionable strategies for LinkedIn business development, tips for dominating industry conferences, and the tools that streamline recruiting operations in today's competitive landscape. Scaling in Tough Markets: Learn how Katherine Jerald navigated family business legacies, personal setbacks, and market shifts to build a thriving recruiting firm outside of the conventional segments. LinkedIn & Conference Strategies: Explore her proven methods for driving 64% of new business through LinkedIn DMs, and practical advice for making industry conferences a goldmine for client development. Tracking Success & Accountability: Get a peek into the metrics and accountability tactics that fuel top billers inside the Pinnacle Society. Ready to redefine your recruiting career and business? Listen now and start implementing the systems and branding techniques shared by Katherine Jerald and Benjamin Mena. Follow Katherine on LinkedIn! Katherine Jerald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/  Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

  8. Jan 7

    How a $20M Recruiter Built a Winning Team: David Bradley’s Strategies for Consistent Success

    Want to unlock the secrets behind leading a high-performance recruiting team and consistently breaking seven figures in placement fees? This episode is your blueprint. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with David Bradley – Pinnacle Society standard bearer, $20M+ biller, and leader of a 60-person firm – for a no-holds-barred conversation on scaling, consistency, and cultural leadership in recruiting. If you’re a recruiter, talent acquisition pro, or firm owner ready to take your business development and team growth to the next level, you can’t afford to miss this one. Imagine a recruiting firm where 70% of $20 million placements are team split deals, offices span multiple cities, and culture pulls everybody up. David Bradley didn’t just build it—he remains hands-on, modeling best practices and inspiring even the highest billers on his squad. He breaks down: The “standard bearer” mindset for recruiting leaders How organic growth and hiring the right fit can fuel expansion—even during downturns The “draft class” approach for sourcing and developing fresh talent Culture as a retention and productivity superpower (plus, trips that deliver 12x ROI!) The KPIs and tech stack that keep a 60-person team aligned, transparent, and thriving This episode delivers actionable insights on everything from keeping recruiters accountable with transparency and KPIs, to building a self-managed, entrepreneurial culture where every desk is a profit center. Learn why you “can’t pay someone to do your pushups” in this industry, how to turn setbacks into seven-figure success, and the practical routines David uses to stay consistent year after year. Plus, how you can “go pro” as a new recruiter (ditch Plan B and outgrow your imposter syndrome fast!). Whether you’re scaling your recruiting business, aiming to develop high billers, or just looking for motivation to crush those tough months, David pulls back the curtain. Get inspired by proven strategies, real stories, and tactical advice for 2025’s talent market. Key Takeaways: Lead by Example: The “standard bearer” role means showing up, doing the work, and helping everyone else rise to your level. Culture Over Strategy: Incentive trips, team play, and retention focus trump rigid verticals or territories. Metrics Matter: Track phone time, presentations, and interviews religiously (David’s 10-5-2 formula), and use tech like Bullhorn to support transparency. Split Deals Supercharge Results: Collaboration and sharing jobs drive speed, quality, and team billings. Go Pro, No Plan B: Commit fully and play to your strengths, whether you’re a rainmaker or relationship builder. Ready to build a winning recruiting organization, crush KPIs, and model consistency? Hit play now! Subscribe, connect with host Benjamin Mena and guest David Bradley on LinkedIn, and check out the resources below to level up your career. If you want direct access to Summit replays, live roundtables, and a thriving community, join the Elite Recruiter Community today. If you want to connect with David Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bradley-39179a9/ The Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

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About

Welcome to The Pinnacle Take, the podcast powered by the Pinnacle Society — an exclusive network of the top 1% of recruiters across North America. Each episode dives deep into the minds of elite search professionals who consistently achieve industry-leading results. From proven business development strategies to candidate mastery, leadership insights, and navigating market shifts, you’ll hear what it truly takes to reach the highest levels of success in recruiting. Whether you’re a recruiter looking to break through plateaus, a staffing leader aiming to scale, or simply curious about how the best of the best operate, this show gives you a front-row seat to the strategies, tools, and mindset of world-class recruiters.

Information

  • Creator
    The Pinnacle Society
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Pinnacle Society
  • Show Website
    The Pinnacle Take

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