Send a text

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/

Send a text

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/

Send us a text

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 service
• How he turned thought leadership into a business advantage with Employee Screen University
• The role PBSA played in shaping his advocacy and industry involvement
• What he’s learned from mentoring others—and being mentored himself
• His advice for newcomers trying to find their place in this complex, rewarding field

This episode is for you if...

• You’re passionate about doing meaningful work in background screening
• You’re looking for ways to lead with both heart and strategy
• You want to hear how one industry leader built a company with values at the core
• You’re new to the field and looking for career-defining wisdom

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 speak with Kym Kurey, Chief Revenue Officer at True Corpus and a powerful voice in the fight against human trafficking. Kim brings a compelling blend of industry expertise, advocacy, and creativity to the conversation—from her leadership in background screening to founding A New Life International, a nonprofit supporting trafficking survivors.

We explore how Kim’s professional journey intersected with her passion for justice, including her work on task forces, efforts to help survivors expunge criminal records, and why human trafficking awareness remains central to her mission. Beyond her advocacy, Kim opens up about her creative side—from performing in musicals to writing children’s books and directing plays—showing that leadership takes many forms.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How background screening professionals can play a role in combating human trafficking
• The origin story and mission behind A New Life International
• What it’s like to uncover a major fraud case and what it taught Kim about diligence
• How creativity and compassion fuel her leadership in and beyond the industry
• The value of mentorship, community, and staying rooted in purpose
  
  

This episode is for you if:

• You’re in background screening and want to connect your work to a greater mission
• You’re curious about how industry leaders contribute to anti-trafficking advocacy
• You value stories that blend business insight with personal passion
• You’re new to the industry and looking for inspiration on how to make a meaningful impact

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 Mike Coffey, founder of Imperative, host of the Good Morning HR podcast, and a familiar force in the background screening world. If you think you know Mike—think again. From his early days managing chinchillas and tearing up carpet with P90X, to founding one of the industry’s most meticulous and high-touch screening firms, Mike’s story is as entertaining as it is inspiring.

We cover his HR roots, the philosophy behind his screening approach, and why investing in relationships—whether with clients, employees, or regulators—has always been at the core of his business. Mike also opens up about his yoga journey, family, and the story behind Concerned CRAs—a movement that challenged the industry to raise its standards.

Whether you’re new to background screening or a seasoned professional, Mike’s mix of humor, honesty, and hard-earned insight makes this one of our most engaging conversations yet.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

1. Do It the Hard Way—Because It’s Worth It: Mike shares why being thorough, detailed, and client-first isn’t the easy path—but it’s the right one.
2. From HR to Screening Pioneer: His deep HR roots shaped how he built Imperative—and why he still thinks like a practitioner first.
3. Podcasting with Purpose: Good Morning HR became a post-COVID passion project that’s now helped over 275,000 listeners—and counting.
4. Values Drive Everything: From quoting Seneca to prioritizing “earned appreciation,” Mike shows how values shape decisions at every level.
5. Invest in Your Industry: Whether it’s PBSA, Concerned CRAs, or mentoring the next generation, Mike shows that advocacy, standards, and service matter.
   
   

🎧 Episode 55 is now streaming. If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a colleague, leave a review, and subscribe for more stories from behind the scenes of background screening.

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

"If you're going to call yourself an expert, make sure you are one."

In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Mary Poquette, a pioneer in the background screening industry, co-chair of PBSA in its earliest years, and recipient of the Mike Sankey Lifetime Achievement Award. What follows is a rich, funny, and deeply insightful conversation that traces Mary’s journey from a high school teacher and word processor trainer to one of the most respected compliance leaders in screening.

We talk about her early days with Verifications Inc., building a team from 10 to over 300 employees, and how she turned compliance into her calling. Mary opens up about the lessons that shaped her—from shredders and streakers to strategy and mentorship—and shares the powerful, practical advice she gives to newcomers today.

From her volunteer work post-retirement to her memories of South Africa and Minnesota winters, this episode captures what it truly means to lead with integrity, humility, and humor.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Small, Think Big: Mary joined a screening firm as its 10th employee and helped scale it to 300—proving the power of good people, strong systems, and a little bit of risk.
2. Don’t Pretend to Know—Learn It: A misstep with the FCRA taught Mary a lifelong lesson about preparation and owning your expertise.
3. Leadership Means Letting Go: As the company grew, Mary handed off departments but held onto compliance—her passion and strength.
4. PBSA Built Her Up—and She Gave Back: From helping craft the first accreditation standards to mentoring future leaders, Mary’s PBSA journey is a model of service and growth.
5. Listen, Prepare, and Keep Your Promises: These three principles guided her through every challenge and remain her lasting advice for industry newcomers.
   
   

🎧 Episode 54 is live now. If Mary’s story inspired you, please share it with a colleague or friend in the industry—and don’t forget to subscribe, review, and repost to keep these conversations going.

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

She sold beepers from a car trunk—and now she shapes the future of background screening law. This is Kellie O’Shea’s journey.

In this unforgettable episode, I sit down with Kellie O’Shea, General Counsel at Creative Services, Inc. (CSI) and PBSA Board Member, to talk about hustle, heart, and the “it depends” moments that make up life as a background screening pro.

We talk grit, growth, and the unique path Kellie carved—balancing law school, a full-time job, and an unwavering belief in the mission of background screening. This one’s full of personal anecdotes, real-life advice, and yes… a healthy dose of humor (and a meat raffle or two).

Whether you’re a veteran in the field or someone just stepping into the screening space, Kellie’s story reminds us why what we do matters—deeply.

🔑 Key Takeaways From This Episode:

1. The Purpose Behind the Process
   Kellie shares why background screening is more than a job—it’s a mission to help companies make better, safer decisions for society.
2. From Beepers to Legal Briefs
   Her unconventional career path, including selling pagers and returning to the industry as a “boomerang,” offers inspiration for anyone finding their way.
3. “It Depends” Isn’t a Cop-Out—It’s a Legal Lens
   Hear how Kellie embraced the complexity of compliance and now leads with a blend of risk analysis and practical empathy.
4. What It Means to Serve on the PBSA Board
   From shaping legislation on Capitol Hill to learning from industry giants like Judy Gootkind, Kellie’s journey is a masterclass in leadership through service.
5. Life Beyond the Screens
   Whether it’s boating on Lake Massapoag or conquering a fear of flying to visit Dubai, Kellie reminds us that balance, humor, and community matter just as much as policy and process.

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/