
Lessons Learned From $100K to $1 Million and from $1 Million to $5 Million with Will Spengler from Frederick Fox
- S1E62
- 46:31
- April 6th 2023
The Elite Recruiter Podcast recently featured William Spengler, the CEO of Frederick Fox, a successful recruitment firm specializing in technology and accounting and finance verticals. Spengler has been in the recruitment space for twelve years and started as an accountant before transitioning into sales. He sold roofing, solar, and paper through door-to-door sales before being recruited by Adecco Group to become a recruiter.
The conversation revolved around the journey of a recruiter in 2023, the challenges of balancing technology and automation while still sticking to recruiting fundamentals, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and adapting to the turbulent industry environment. The speaker emphasized the need for recruiters to combine old-school and new-school techniques to achieve success and maintain personalization while building real relationships with customers.
The conversation also discussed different models of recruitment agencies, including corporate conglomerates, independent virtual platforms, franchise models, and solopreneurs. Spengler talked about Frederick Fox's partner program, which offers independent contractors the opportunity to start at 80% commissions and scale up to 100% commissions through equity ties and profit sharing. He emphasized the importance of honesty, coachability, and humbleness when looking for recruiters to hire.
The speaker shared their own experience of taking twelve years to reach a million in gross margin billings and highlighted the importance of consistency, routine, and holding oneself accountable to high metrics to become a successful recruiter. They also advised recruiters to adapt to the current market and target industries that are currently hot.
The conversation also touched on the importance of onboarding and training for recruiters and the best ways to get clients in 2023. The speakers emphasized the need for recruiters to adapt to industries that are hot and use creative personalization at scale to target individuals based on random interests and grab their attention.
The guest advised new recruiters to ask questions, learn from experienced recruiters, and set their ego aside. They shared a story about how they emulated the top producers in their division and became one of the top producers themselves. The conversation also touched on the importance of seeking out mentors and coaches and recommended the book Don't Feed the Monkey Mind by Jennifer Shannon, which helped them cope with anxiety and fear, allowing them to take on bigger challenges in their career.
The guest emphasized the importance of adaptability and creativity in getting through a recession as a recruiter, sharing an example of a partner who targeted laboratory businesses that did COVID tests and was able to get 300 contractors out at laboratory sites during the pandemic. They also mentioned a quote about the eagle flying above the storm and avoiding it, which they found inspiring.
Overall, the conversation provided valuable insights into the world of recruitment and highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, adapting to the industry environment, and combining old school and new school techniques to achieve success.
Will Spengler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spengler-2193433a/
Frederick Fox - https://frederickfox.com/
Frederick Fox LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/frederick-fox/
With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/
Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
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The Elite Recruiter Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeliterecruiter/
The Elite Recruiter Podcast
The Elite Recruiter Podcast is the number one podcast for recruiting professionals.
This is where the top recruiters share: How they got there. What kind of work did it take. Tips, Tools, and Tricks. The Mindset needed to get them to where they are. What they are doing with their success. Goals and visions for the future. So please join me on this journey as I interview some of the best in our industry.
Benjamin Mena
The Elite Recruiter Podcast Host
Meet the Hosts

Benjamin Mena is the founder of Select Source Solutions and the host of The Elite Recruiter Podcast — one of the top global podcasts for agency and executive recruiters. With over a decade of experience placing top talent in the government contracting (GovCon) and cleared space, Ben brings a no-BS approach to the business of recruiting.
Each week, he interviews high-performing recruiters, agency owners, and industry innovators to uncover the real stories behind their success. From six-figure solo producers to million-dollar billers and AI-powered solopreneurs, Ben’s mission is simple: help recruiters level up their careers and businesses through actionable insights, raw conversations, and a community of like-minded professionals.
Based between the U.S. and Bordeaux, France, Ben is also a dad, summit host, and advocate for the future of AI-powered recruiting.