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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/
• Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss
• 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/

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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/
• Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss
• 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/

Send us a text

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 industry
• How Marc’s early work in courthouse research shaped his perspective as a CRA
• The importance of adaptability and constant learning in a rapidly changing industry
• What PBSA accreditation really means and why it matters for CRAs of all sizes
• How volunteering and mentorship strengthen both careers and the industry as a whole
• Why being present, curious, and engaged opens doors throughout your career
• How Marc balances executive leadership with volunteer work on cold case investigations
• A 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 career
• You are new to the industry and looking for guidance on how to grow and stand out
• You want to better understand the value of PBSA involvement and accreditation
• You care about ethics, professionalism, and the human impact of screening decisions
• You believe mentorship, kindness, and integrity still matter in business
• You enjoy hearing real stories from people who have helped shape the industry

If 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 podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss
• 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/