In this episode, Jamie walks us through her career path at GIS and HireRight, from her early days testing a national database to leading compliance and operations teams, and now stepping into delivery transformation.

She shares the mentors who shaped her, the hard-won lessons she still carries, and how PBSA gave an introvert a surprisingly comfortable on-ramp into leadership and community.

Pro Conversation You Don't Want to Miss!

• The mom-given advice that shaped how Jamie shows up at work every single day — assertive, not aggressive
• Why "you can't make everybody happy, but you can be fair" is the leadership principle that keeps her grounded
• How she went from being terrified of networking to sitting on the PBSA Board, one task force at a time
• The certifications she hated studying for and is proudest of earning — including a Nevada PI license she had to fly out to get
• Practical advice for newcomers who want to grow but don't know where to start

Pro Conversation You Don't Want to Miss!Subscribe 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.

Todd Higey is a background screening attorney based in Birmingham, Alabama with 28 years of legal experience.

After a decade and a half of litigation work and nearly a decade as in-house counsel for ESS and Global HR Research, he now runs his own solo law practice serving CRAs, wholesalers, and data brokers across the country.

In this episode, Les sits down with Todd for a conversation that covers the full arc of a legal career built on background screening.

From the day a class action lawsuit landed on his desk and he walked it right back out the door, to the data-driven compliance strategy he has spent years building and sharing at PBSA, Todd brings the kind of hard-won perspective you only get from someone who has actually done the work.

Pro Conversation You don't want to miss!

• Good compliance work often feels like proving a negative. You set up the infrastructure, the procedures, the forms and you never really know if it holds until the day it gets tested.

• Tracking FCRA lawsuits filed in federal court year over year is one of the smartest things an in-house lawyer can do. Data tells you what the plaintiff's bar is focused on. Anecdotes do not.

• Transparency with clients is not just good practice. It prevents the hard conversations later. If a client buys the more economical package, make sure they know exactly what that means before anything goes wrong.

• Before you hire a lawyer for your new screening company, hire someone who has actually worked the queue. Operations experience is the foundation everything else is built on.

• Get involved in PBSA government relations. The legislation being worked on right now affects every company in this space, and the people doing that work need support.

Subscribe on Spotify or wherever you listen, and follow us on YouTube. Thanks to our sponsor,

PreemploymentDirectory.com, publisher of Background Buzz and numerous other resources. And a special thanks to W. Barry Nixon.

Tammy Cohen is the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Infomart and one of the most celebrated names in background screening. Known across the industry as the Queen of Screen, Tammy has spent over 35 years shaping how screening companies are built, led, and run.

In this episode, Les sits down with Tammy for a conversation that is part origin story, part industry history, and completely entertaining. From quitting her job over a Glock handgun to writing one of the first checks to fund NAPBS, Tammy shares the real story behind Infomart, the lessons, the people, and the philosophy that has kept her going for decades.

Pro Conversation You don't want to miss!

• Being invited to the founding table of NAPBS was a defining moment for Tammy. Validation from industry peers early on can shape your entire career trajectory.

• Go to every single booth at PBSA. You leave with industry knowledge and a new friend every time.

• Rub it and run. When problems hit, deal with it and keep moving. Dwelling on setbacks will not get you down the road.

• You do not have to know how to run a business before starting one, but you must learn fast. The operation side alone will not sustain a company.

• Building experts within your team is its own form of legacy. Infomart's average team tenure is 10 years, and that depth of experience is a real competitive advantage.

Subscribe on Spotify or wherever you listen, and follow us on YouTube. Thanks to our sponsor,

PreemploymentDirectory.com, publisher of Background Buzz and numerous other resources. And a special thanks to W. Barry Nixon.

In this episode, Patti walks me through her entrepreneurial journey, starting from a typing service with an IBM Selectric III at age 21 to building a successful background screening company, SPI (Select Personnel International). We dive into the early days of background investigations back in 1984 and how she transitioned from domestic PI cases to corporate screening.

But what really impressed me throughout our conversation was her unique approach to leadership and team building. Patti reveals why she prioritizes hiring college students, why meeting people where they are matters, and how treating your staff like family leads to decades of loyalty. She's got employees who've been with her for 10, 15, and even 20+ years—that says something special about a business.

Whether you work in the screening industry or are just curious, stick around for authentic, unfiltered stories you won't hear anywhere else. This is what Behind the Screens is all about.

Key Takeaways:

• The Origin Story: How Patti turned a $300 investment in a typewriter into a thriving business with 21 employees.

• Industry Evolution: The transition from manual background checks in the 1980s to modern screening practices.

• Building Loyalty: Why Patti’s staff stays with her for 10, 15, and even 20+ years.

• Mentorship Matters: The value of hiring college students and high school interns to bring fresh energy into the workplace.

• Workplace Culture: How rewarding employees with company cars, vacations, and a supportive environment drives success.
  

Did you enjoy my conversation with Patti? Make sure to subscribe to Behind the Screens on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode! Leave a review and let me know your biggest takeaway from today's chat.

Platinum Sponsor: PreemploymentDirectory.com, publisher of the Background Buzz!

Connect with US:

• Les Rosen⁠- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/

• ⁠Follow us on Spotify⁠: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cdoC8363EtwgDkHWocCXY

  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel⁠- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

  
  

  Have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship inquiries? Reach out to me at screeningpros200@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you.

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 professionals
• How curiosity and problem-solving drive success in the industry
• The evolving role of women in leadership across screening organizations
• Why mentorship and community are critical for career growth
• How PBSA supports education, networking, and industry standards
• The importance of collaboration, empathy, and listening in leadership
• Practical advice for newcomers entering the screening industry

This episode is for you if:

• You’re building a career in background screening, HR, or compliance
• You want to learn from experienced women leaders in the industry
• You’re navigating career growth, leadership, or mentorship
• You’re curious how others built long-term careers in screening
• You want real-world advice on thriving in a fast-changing industry

Connect with US:

• Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/
• Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cdoC8363EtwgDkHWocCXY
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

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/
• Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cdoC8363EtwgDkHWocCXY
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

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 children
• Led business units with hundreds of employees
• Built and integrated global screening operations across Europe and Asia
• Served as Chair of PBSA during the launch of accreditation
• Became CEO during a period of acquisitions and rapid growth
• Now 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 growth
• How to build a leadership path from inside your organization
• What it really takes to scale screening operations globally
• The cultural differences in international business development
• Why mentorship accelerates professional success
• How PBSA helped shape the modern screening industry
• Why background screening offers exposure to the world’s most influential companies
• The importance of staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry

This Episode Is For You If:

• You want to move into leadership within the screening industry
• You are considering international expansion or global partnerships
• You are early in your career and unsure how to chart your next move
• You believe in mentorship and long-term professional growth
• You want to understand how industry leaders think about risk and opportunity
• You 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/
• Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cdoC8363EtwgDkHWocCXY
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

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:

1. How Martin, Will, and Sally entered the background screening industry
2. The evolving role of startups, tech innovation, and social media vetting
3. Why trust, honesty, and context are essential in screening
4. What PBSA represents across Europe and Africa
5. How global accreditation strengthens best practices
6. What makes the PBSA Europe & Africa Summit a must-attend event
7. Why networking is not optional if you want to grow in this industry
8. How to build meaningful connections, even with competitors
9. The biggest lessons these leaders have learned about integrity and fairness
10. Why curiosity and adaptability are critical for long-term success

What We Discuss About the PBSA Europe & Africa Summit

• The 2026 Summit theme and agenda direction
• Why education and networking are equally important
• How sponsors contribute to the long-term growth of the industry
• The importance of walking away with new connections and fresh ideas
• Why making one new meaningful relationship can change your career

This Episode Is for You If:

• You work in background screening and want a global perspective
• You’re considering attending the PBSA Europe & Africa Summit
• You want to move into leadership roles within the industry
• You’re building or growing a screening business
• You believe screening is about more than data; it’s about responsibility
• You want to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving regulatory and tech landscape

We 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/
• Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cdoC8363EtwgDkHWocCXY
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/