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!
Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen
Episode 60: How a Passion for Politics Built a Career in Background Screening
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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/
- 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/