Episode 63: Patti McGowan on Mentorship, Culture, and the Evolution of Background Screening

In this episode, Patti walks me through her entrepreneurial journey, starting from a typing service with an IBM Selectric III at age 21 to building a successful background screening company, SPI (Select Personnel International). We dive into the early days of background investigations back in 1984 and how she transitioned from domestic PI cases to corporate screening.But what really impressed me throughout our conversation was her unique approach to leadership and team building. Patti reveals why she prioritizes hiring college students, why meeting people where they are matters, and how treating your staff like family leads to decades of loyalty. She's got employees who've been with her for 10, 15, and even 20+ years—that says something special about a business.Whether you work in the screening industry or are just curious, stick around for authentic, unfiltered stories you won't hear anywhere else. This is what Behind the Screens is all about.Key Takeaways:The Origin Story: How Patti turned a $300 investment in a typewriter into a thriving business with 21 employees.Industry Evolution: The transition from manual background checks in the 1980s to modern screening practices.Building Loyalty: Why Patti’s staff stays with her for 10, 15, and even 20+ years.Mentorship Matters: The value of hiring college students and high school interns to bring fresh energy into the workplace.Workplace Culture: How rewarding employees with company cars, vacations, and a supportive environment drives success.Did you enjoy my conversation with Patti? Make sure to subscribe to Behind the Screens on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode! Leave a review and let me know your biggest takeaway from today's chat.Platinum Sponsor: PreemploymentDirectory.com, publisher of the Background Buzz!Connect with US:Les Rosen⁠- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/⁠Follow us on Spotify⁠: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cdoC8363EtwgDkHWocCXYSubscribe to our YouTube Channel⁠- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200Have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship inquiries? Reach out to me at [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you.