Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen
"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.com Platinum Sponsor: https://preemploymentdirectory.com/ , publisher of the Background Buzz!
Episodes
Meet Laura Randazzo—a powerhouse professional whose journey from entry-level verification specialist to Chief Operating Officer and national voice in background screening is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we trace her path through the rapidly changing landscape of screening technology, regulatory hurdles, and leadership both at Verified First and as a former PBSA chair. Laura opens up about pivotal caree...
I sat with Derek Hinton for this week’s episode—a pioneer who’s been shaping the screening industry since 1984. From helping launch the first digital driving records to building CRA Zoom and co-authoring the Criminal Records Manual, Derek has played a pivotal role in how compliance, accreditation, and innovation collide. This episode is a rare chance to learn from someone who didn’t just witness the industry evolve—he...
What happens when a tech-savvy engineer with a passion for mangoes, a background in global consulting, and an MBA from New York turns his attention to building one of the most respected background screening companies in the world?
In this episode, I sit down with Sachin Aggarwal, Director at AMS Inform, to explore how a career that started in cosmetics manufacturing and international brand management eventually led hi...
How does a guy go from managing concrete budgets in Virginia to shaping international privacy frameworks from Milan to Singapore? The answer lies in one of the most unexpected—and inspiring—career journeys in the background screening industry.
In this episode, I talk with the elusive “third amigo” himself—Andy Hellman—a man whose career path looks more like a ball of yarn than a straight line. From his adventures acros...
Have you ever stopped to think about what grit, perseverance, and a little bit of luck it takes to build a background screening business from scratch? Imagine navigating a world of fax machines, colored file folders, and constant tech disruption—all while trying to stay ahead of the curve. In this episode, I sit down with Marc Linchuck to uncover the true behind-the-scenes story of building something that not only sur...
What do you get when someone with a passion for art, a mind for science, and a heart for community winds up leading innovation in public safety and background screening? You get someone like Krisy Bucher. In this episode, I sit down with Krisy—Vice President of Portfolio Marketing at Equifax Workforce Solutions—whose journey proves that purpose and profession don’t have to be separate. From shaping Fair Chance Hiring ...
What does it take to lead in one of the most complex, fast-evolving, and compliance-heavy industries around—while wearing multiple hats and still managing to stay grounded? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and background screening veteran, Vince Pascarella. Vince isn’t just a compliance guru—he’s worn every hat in the business, from general counsel to sales leader to the brains behind custom-built r...
How do you build a background screening program that’s both legally compliant and business-friendly? How do you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of employment law, global screening regulations, and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance—without slowing down hiring?
In this episode, I sit down with Kelly D. (Kubacki) Uebel, General Counsel at Asurint, to discuss the challenges, trends, and best practices shapin...
What if the way you’ve always done things is no longer the right way? In a world where compliance, technology, and industry needs are rapidly evolving, drug and occupational health screening is no exception. In this episode, I sit down with Todd Shoulberg, a seasoned expert in the field, to explore the major shifts impacting drug testing today. We cover everything from the role of medical review officers to the impact...
How did an HR expert turn into one of the most influential voices in background screening?
W. Barry Nixon has seen it all—from corporate HR to pioneering workplace violence prevention and shaping the global background screening industry. In this episode, I sit down with Barry to discuss his unexpected career path, the evolution of background screening, and his work in building one of the industry’s most trust...
What does it take to stay ahead in the background screening industry while juggling a passion for music, fly fishing, and skiing?
Jason Morris has done it all. From shadowing private investigation cases as a kid to launching one of the most recognized background screening companies, he’s built a career on curiosity, adaptability, and bold decision-making. In this episode, I sit down with Jason to unpack his j...
What happens when you say “yes” to unexpected opportunities? For Judy Gootkind, it meant building a remarkable career in background screening, co-founding a successful business, and becoming a respected industry leader. In this episode, I sit down with Judy to talk about her unexpected journey from accounting to background screening, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she believes mentorship, networking,...
Is navigating the world of background screening getting more complex by the day? With ever-changing compliance laws, privacy concerns, and evolving technology, businesses need to stay ahead—or risk falling behind. In this episode, I sit down with Alonzo Martinez, Associate General Counsel at HireRight, to unpack the biggest legal and technological trends shaping the industry. From AI-driven screening, clean slate laws...
How do you stay ahead in a world where privacy laws are constantly shifting? How can businesses manage legal risks without slowing down growth?
In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Coy, co-chair of the Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, to break down the legal challenges shaping background screening today. From navigating FCRA compliance and international privacy laws to understanding th...
How do you navigate an industry where lawsuits aren’t a matter of "if" but "when"?
How do you balance legal compliance with running a successful business? And what’s it like being one of the most recognized legal minds in background screening? In this episode, I sit down with Pam Devata, an equity partner at Seyfarth Shaw and a leading expert in background screening law. Pam shares how she found he...
How do you take a failing business unit and turn it into a multimillion-dollar success? What’s it like to be at the forefront of an industry before it even exists? And why is giving people a second chance so important? In this episode, I sit down with industry pioneer Fred Giles, whose career spans law enforcement, polygraph examinations, and leading some of the biggest names in background screening. We discuss his pa...
How Do You Become a Leader in Background Screening? Katie Hartley Shares the Secret to Success
What does it take to stand out in the fast-moving world of background screening? According to Katie Hartley, it’s all about embracing change, becoming a "regulatory geek," and seizing every opportunity that comes your way. In this episode, I sit down with Katie, Vice President of Customer Solutions at Accu...
In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Angela, a leading legal mind in the background screening industry. From her early days in the fast-evolving world of background checks to becoming the chair of PBSA, Angela shares a career full of change, growth, and learning. We also talk about why treating people with respect matters, her love for NYC and fashion, and the lessons she’s taken from living through t...
What do Johnny Depp, private investigations, and pre-employment background checks have in common? The incredible Noelle Harling! In this episode, I sit down with Noelle to uncover her fascinating journey from Hollywood actress to leading background screening pro. We dive into her undercover adventures, her pivotal role in shaping industry accreditation, and the sage advice she has for anyone entering this dynamic fiel...
A full-time career man, a hobby farm, a muscle car museum, and, oh yeah, raising grandkids with the enthusiasm of a sugar-rushed Santa? Enter Dean Carras, a man who’s worn more hats in the screening industry than a milliner’s showcase. From his early days wrangling fax machines to his new role as VP of Background Verification Solutions at IDI, Dean’s career is a masterclass in adaptability, grit, and a whole lot of ch...
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