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What’s it like to manage global operations by day and cart your kids to cheer competitions by night? This week, I sit down with Katie Kulp, a powerhouse in the screening industry with a refreshing “get-it-done” approach that extends from running operations at Certn to wrangling family life with ease. Katie shares her industry insights, leadership wisdom, and her journey from entry-level roles to leading teams worldwide. Join us as Katie, a three-time PBSA board member, opens up about finding purpose, adapting to change, and her relentless drive. It’s a conversation packed with laughter, sharp advice, and a few surprises. Press play—you won’t want to miss this!

Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!

• Rising Through the Ranks: From Researcher to Global Operations VP
  Katie describes her career journey from processing criminal research cases to overseeing global operations at Certn, detailing the many lessons she learned along the way from early mentors.
• PBSA Involvement: Building Connections and Gaining Industry Insights
  Katie, now in her third term on the PBSA board, explains how PBSA involvement has shaped her career and leadership approach. Discover why she calls joining the association one of the best moves of her professional life.
• Navigating Change in the Screening Industry
  Katie tackles the big topics—data access, privacy laws, AI, and automation—explaining the need for background screening firms to adapt to stay relevant. Her forward-thinking advice is essential for anyone watching where the industry is headed next.

You might also want to check out these resources

• Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA)
• Katie Kulp

If Katie’s drive and insights gave you a fresh perspective, follow us for more episodes with the industry’s best. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review to help us bring more of these conversations to you. Be sure to catch future episodes by checking our website or following us on LinkedIn.

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Ever wondered how a background screening empire could be born out of a college fraternity house? Join me as I sit down with Robert “Bob” Capwell, a true pioneer in our industry, to uncover just that—and so much more. Bob may have started with “thermal fax machines” and stacks of paper, but he’s since evolved into a background screening renaissance man, helping turn PBSA into a global powerhouse and tackling industry challenges with a mix of old-school grit and modern finesse. You don’t want to miss Bob’s insights, humor, and a few “behind-the-scenes” tales that remind us just how far the industry has come.

Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!

• The Beginning: From Frat House to Fax Machines
  Bob takes us back to his early days, when he built his first background check business straight out of his college fraternity. Discover how he moved from regional sales at Equifax to founding his own company—and dealing with thermal fax machines along the way.
• Building a Global PBSA and the Value of Accreditation
  Bob talks about his pivotal role in making PBSA a global association, alongside industry legends like Barry Nixon. Hear why PBSA’s resources, certification, and accreditation programs are essential for anyone aiming to make a mark in this field.
• Top Industry Challenges and the Rise of AI
  From AI-driven innovations to court data redaction and the complexities of “clean slate” laws, Bob dives into the latest challenges facing background screeners today and shares why we can’t always trust what AI tells us.

You might also want to check out these resources

• PBSA Certification & Accreditation Programs
• Capwell Consulting Group
• Robert Capwell

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If this episode made you laugh, think, or even re-evaluate your fax machine, do us a favor—hit follow, leave a review, and don’t forget to rate us! Your support helps us bring more unfiltered conversations from the pros. Plus, stay tuned for future episodes by checking out our website or following us on LinkedIn. Thanks for tuning in!

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Imagine meeting a guy who can navigate a call center as smoothly as he handles a sailboat in the open Pacific—and who’s also known for his “007” charm in the background screening world. This week, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Craig Caddell, who’s seen the evolution of our industry from three guys in a narrow room to an international phenomenon. Join us to hear about Craig’s incredible career journey, a few surprises (think secret modeling gigs and talent agency stints), and his role in shaping the background screening landscape. This episode is packed with stories, laughter, and a hefty dose of inspiration.

Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!

• The Early Days: Building a Screening Business from Scratch
  Craig shares his journey from being hired by Les to run the early ReferencePro days, handling employment and credential verifications with a small team. Find out how this three-man operation grew into a multi-million dollar business, navigating every challenge along the way.
• Outside the Office: A Life of Adventure and Family
  When he’s not behind a desk, Craig’s likely sailing across the Pacific, cycling Sonoma trails with his champion wife, or planning his next international meal. We get a peek into his personal life, from boat racing and modeling to family life in the beautiful Sonoma County.
• The Biggest Industry Shifts and Future Trends
  Craig discusses the rising costs of employment verifications, the growth of data reselling, and how private equity is reshaping the industry. Plus, he shares why background screening pros should be ready for AI-driven transformations and continuous court records monitoring.

You might also want to check out these resources

• PBSA - Professional Background Screening Association
• Connect with Craig Caddell

This episode is brought to you by Pre Employment Directory, the leading resource for background screening companies and services.

If this episode gave you a chuckle, a fresh perspective, or just a moment’s escape from the day-to-day, be sure to follow us, rate, and leave a review. Your support helps bring more stories to the table. And stay tuned for our next episode by checking our website or following us on LinkedIn.

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