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 49: Behind the First Background Check: A Conversation with Industry Pioneer Steve Brownstein
Before databases were a click away, Steve Brownstein was already connecting the dots.
In this episode of Behind the Screens, I’m joined by Steve Brownstein—a true pioneer whose work helped shape the background screening industry as we know it. From manual county searches to international screening strategies, Steve’s story is one of relentless innovation, curiosity, and community-building.
We talk about how he launched county search networks, expanded background checks globally, and created The Background Investigator, one of the first publications dedicated to our field. Steve also opens up about his adventures beyond the industry—promoting concerts in the South Pacific, boxing with Chicago Golden Gloves, and the deep family values that drive his work.
This episode isn’t just about the past—it’s a masterclass in how passion, problem-solving, and a bit of entrepreneurial courage can transform an entire industry.
Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!
- Manual to Global: Steve began with on-the-ground county searches and went on to create international background check networks.
- Industry Infrastructure Builder: He founded some of the first industry conferences and publications, creating critical platforms for education and connection.
- A Life Beyond Screening: From concert promotion in Saipan to boxing rings in Chicago, Steve shares the experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.
- Mentorship Matters: He credits industry mentors and candid advice as essential fuel for his long-standing career.
- Legacy of Passion: Through decades of change, Steve’s excitement for background screening hasn’t wavered—it's what still gets him up in the morning.
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/
