The Growth Game

S4: EP 1: The Foundation Behind Staffing Growth | Mike Bartels (Becker LLC)

In this episode of The Growth Game Podcast, Paul DeLuca sits down with Mike Bartels, Chief Development Officer at Becker LLC, to break down what actually enables a staffing firm to scale, and what causes it to stall. With over 20 years of experience in business development and working closely with staffing firms on growth and M&A, Mike brings a practical perspective on what needs to be in place before growth can happen. They talk about:  📈 Why growth breaks without strong operations.  📈 What “keeping your house in order” really means.  📈 The role of funding, legal, and insurance partners.  📈 How internal alignment impacts performance.  📈 When to grow organically vs through acquisition. 👉 If you're trying to scale your staffing firm, this conversation offers a clearer look at what needs to be built behind the scenes before growth can actually hold. Connect with Mike Bartels (Becker LLC) Website | https://www.becker.legal/our-team/michael-bartels/ [https://www.becker.legal/our-team/michael-bartels/] LinkedIn  | https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bartels-7421a09/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bartels-7421a09/] Paul DeLuca LinkedIn |   / merituscapital [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGJhYkQtMURaMHdBclBpQVBOWUhuZWhFT1BlUXxBQ3Jtc0tuc2QtUnNHX1JnRDRoT3ZOM2dCTml3QWVDWEE3OE1fUk1sMFN4RV9yMXlsdV9iQl9zdVhuMFJlWFpmVmhrLU5JeWxuMlBIY0FwYUpKTGtpXzBCcmdjQ1JFWEpzODN6Q3dKVlY1UTRPWjAwS2NWaDR4UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmerituscapital%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Meritus Capital LinkedIn |   / meritus-capital-inc- [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1BzNXREX1RJT1I5bDFiNzBoblNaN0JveVc1UXxBQ3Jtc0ttS3JXZXdRaE5hamlDWkFRZ0VVZG1Cb0xtUWdzWXBKdlRzcjRYd1Exc2RjbmJMUGpXODJRaHcyU0V1ZmlRZ3I0eE5EVXgtOHBpQnZtUW1DemJ3M0VyQVBjQzl0Qm9IelVwUjRNd2EzaXQwaU1PcjlQSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fmeritus-capital-inc-&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Website | https://www.merituscapital.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0thN1UwWFpJT3IxcXBlX0xlNDNYWG44cFpDZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuWWpSWXBST2E0ejBsd1VhRkxWWjBFZ1cyWmJ1TmpfQWVROEJEMkpJeUZTRmlPTHN0aDdKMmNBZ29IZXFhVWlGUzhORzR6UlVVZVdRanlZdlVZWm9uTEd4TktLXzZEY05hRE5WLWNQczdUNlBHYnBCcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.merituscapital.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Rostyr, Powered by Meritus Capital Website | ... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjA4dUZWZU9jejNNV0lIWTlvcEVhaXl1N2VlQXxBQ3Jtc0tsU3hDY1IwOUUyOGljcU5qbFZVbEM5ajA1RzJxZDlMWnN1RlZUdEplQm9BSUo3eWZFRnpYZmR0SklXOV9wWEN0aDI0enEtLVplOXdCVEhSeS1qd0ZwM0hwcmR4MkJ4LVNfV05zMzFQc2dUSm5rU1pIaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rostyr.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU]

S3: EP 8: People Drive Staffing Growth | Dave Meyercord (Buffalo Run Advisors. LLC)

In this episode of The Growth Game, Paul DeLuca sits down with Dave Meyercord, CEO of Buffalo Run Advisors, to unpack why so many firms stop growing and what it takes to break through to the next level. With a track record of driving growth through stronger culture, tighter operations, and better execution, Dave brings a practical perspective on what actually moves a business forward. They talk about: 📈 Why growth stalls.  📈 What alignment actually looks like.  📈 How culture drives results.  📈 Where leadership gets it wrong. 👉 If you feel progress in your company has slowed, this conversation offers a clearer perspective on what may be holding your team back, and how to move forward. Connect with Dave Meyercord (Buffalo Run Advisors. LLC) Website | https://davidmeyercord.com/ [https://davidmeyercord.com/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-meyercord/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-meyercord/] Paul DeLuca LinkedIn |   / merituscapital [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGJhYkQtMURaMHdBclBpQVBOWUhuZWhFT1BlUXxBQ3Jtc0tuc2QtUnNHX1JnRDRoT3ZOM2dCTml3QWVDWEE3OE1fUk1sMFN4RV9yMXlsdV9iQl9zdVhuMFJlWFpmVmhrLU5JeWxuMlBIY0FwYUpKTGtpXzBCcmdjQ1JFWEpzODN6Q3dKVlY1UTRPWjAwS2NWaDR4UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmerituscapital%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Meritus Capital LinkedIn |   / meritus-capital-inc- [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1BzNXREX1RJT1I5bDFiNzBoblNaN0JveVc1UXxBQ3Jtc0ttS3JXZXdRaE5hamlDWkFRZ0VVZG1Cb0xtUWdzWXBKdlRzcjRYd1Exc2RjbmJMUGpXODJRaHcyU0V1ZmlRZ3I0eE5EVXgtOHBpQnZtUW1DemJ3M0VyQVBjQzl0Qm9IelVwUjRNd2EzaXQwaU1PcjlQSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fmeritus-capital-inc-&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Website | https://www.merituscapital.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0thN1UwWFpJT3IxcXBlX0xlNDNYWG44cFpDZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuWWpSWXBST2E0ejBsd1VhRkxWWjBFZ1cyWmJ1TmpfQWVROEJEMkpJeUZTRmlPTHN0aDdKMmNBZ29IZXFhVWlGUzhORzR6UlVVZVdRanlZdlVZWm9uTEd4TktLXzZEY05hRE5WLWNQczdUNlBHYnBCcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.merituscapital.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Rostyr, Powered by Meritus Capital Website | ... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjA4dUZWZU9jejNNV0lIWTlvcEVhaXl1N2VlQXxBQ3Jtc0tsU3hDY1IwOUUyOGljcU5qbFZVbEM5ajA1RzJxZDlMWnN1RlZUdEplQm9BSUo3eWZFRnpYZmR0SklXOV9wWEN0aDI0enEtLVplOXdCVEhSeS1qd0ZwM0hwcmR4MkJ4LVNfV05zMzFQc2dUSm5rU1pIaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rostyr.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU]

S3: EP 7: Bigger Isn’t Always Better | Valerie Peer (Nixer Comp)

As staffing firms scale, the real pressure often shows up behind the scenes. In this episode of The Growth Game, Paul DeLuca sits down with Valerie Peer, Executive Vice President of Nixer Comp, a provider of workers’ comp solutions built for staffing firms, to unpack the four hidden costs that come with growth and why they matter more than most operators think. They dig into: ➡️ Why workers’ comp is more than just an expense. ➡️ How claims and misclassification quietly impact margins. ➡️ The role of cash flow in managing insurance structures. ➡️ Why operational discipline becomes critical as companies grow. Connect with Valerie Peer (Nixer Comp) Website | https://www.nixercomp.com/ [https://www.nixercomp.com/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriepeer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriepeer/] Paul DeLuca LinkedIn |   / merituscapital [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGJhYkQtMURaMHdBclBpQVBOWUhuZWhFT1BlUXxBQ3Jtc0tuc2QtUnNHX1JnRDRoT3ZOM2dCTml3QWVDWEE3OE1fUk1sMFN4RV9yMXlsdV9iQl9zdVhuMFJlWFpmVmhrLU5JeWxuMlBIY0FwYUpKTGtpXzBCcmdjQ1JFWEpzODN6Q3dKVlY1UTRPWjAwS2NWaDR4UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmerituscapital%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Meritus Capital LinkedIn |   / meritus-capital-inc- [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1BzNXREX1RJT1I5bDFiNzBoblNaN0JveVc1UXxBQ3Jtc0ttS3JXZXdRaE5hamlDWkFRZ0VVZG1Cb0xtUWdzWXBKdlRzcjRYd1Exc2RjbmJMUGpXODJRaHcyU0V1ZmlRZ3I0eE5EVXgtOHBpQnZtUW1DemJ3M0VyQVBjQzl0Qm9IelVwUjRNd2EzaXQwaU1PcjlQSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fmeritus-capital-inc-&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Website | https://www.merituscapital.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0thN1UwWFpJT3IxcXBlX0xlNDNYWG44cFpDZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuWWpSWXBST2E0ejBsd1VhRkxWWjBFZ1cyWmJ1TmpfQWVROEJEMkpJeUZTRmlPTHN0aDdKMmNBZ29IZXFhVWlGUzhORzR6UlVVZVdRanlZdlVZWm9uTEd4TktLXzZEY05hRE5WLWNQczdUNlBHYnBCcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.merituscapital.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Rostyr, Powered by Meritus Capital Website | ... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjA4dUZWZU9jejNNV0lIWTlvcEVhaXl1N2VlQXxBQ3Jtc0tsU3hDY1IwOUUyOGljcU5qbFZVbEM5ajA1RzJxZDlMWnN1RlZUdEplQm9BSUo3eWZFRnpYZmR0SklXOV9wWEN0aDI0enEtLVplOXdCVEhSeS1qd0ZwM0hwcmR4MkJ4LVNfV05zMzFQc2dUSm5rU1pIaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rostyr.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU]

S3 EP 6: Growth Alone Is Not Enough | Sam Napoli (Peoplease)

Staffing firms are still growing but margins are becoming the real focus. In this episode of The Growth Game, Paul DeLuca sits down with Sam Napoli, SVP of Sales & Marketing at Peoplease, to unpack what’s really driving growth in today’s staffing market, and why profitability is becoming the deciding factor. With nearly 20 years in the PEO space, Sam brings a deep understanding of how payroll, margins, and risk management directly impact staffing operations, and why PEOs play a critical role in helping firms scale. They dig into: 💡 Why staffing is still growing, even in uncertain economic conditions. 💡 How margin pressure is shaping decisions across the industry. 💡 The role of partnerships in scaling operations and controlling costs. 💡 Why growth without efficiency can quickly become a problem. If you’re a staffing leader thinking about how to scale without putting pressure on your business, this conversation offers a clearer view of what actually drives sustainable growth. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with operators building and scaling staffing businesses. Connect with Sam Napoli (Peoplease) Website | https://www.peoplease.com/ [https://www.peoplease.com/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelnapoli/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelnapoli/] Paul DeLuca LinkedIn |   / merituscapital [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGJhYkQtMURaMHdBclBpQVBOWUhuZWhFT1BlUXxBQ3Jtc0tuc2QtUnNHX1JnRDRoT3ZOM2dCTml3QWVDWEE3OE1fUk1sMFN4RV9yMXlsdV9iQl9zdVhuMFJlWFpmVmhrLU5JeWxuMlBIY0FwYUpKTGtpXzBCcmdjQ1JFWEpzODN6Q3dKVlY1UTRPWjAwS2NWaDR4UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmerituscapital%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Meritus Capital LinkedIn |   / meritus-capital-inc- [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1BzNXREX1RJT1I5bDFiNzBoblNaN0JveVc1UXxBQ3Jtc0ttS3JXZXdRaE5hamlDWkFRZ0VVZG1Cb0xtUWdzWXBKdlRzcjRYd1Exc2RjbmJMUGpXODJRaHcyU0V1ZmlRZ3I0eE5EVXgtOHBpQnZtUW1DemJ3M0VyQVBjQzl0Qm9IelVwUjRNd2EzaXQwaU1PcjlQSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fmeritus-capital-inc-&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Website | https://www.merituscapital.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0thN1UwWFpJT3IxcXBlX0xlNDNYWG44cFpDZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuWWpSWXBST2E0ejBsd1VhRkxWWjBFZ1cyWmJ1TmpfQWVROEJEMkpJeUZTRmlPTHN0aDdKMmNBZ29IZXFhVWlGUzhORzR6UlVVZVdRanlZdlVZWm9uTEd4TktLXzZEY05hRE5WLWNQczdUNlBHYnBCcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.merituscapital.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Rostyr, Powered by Meritus Capital Website | ... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjA4dUZWZU9jejNNV0lIWTlvcEVhaXl1N2VlQXxBQ3Jtc0tsU3hDY1IwOUUyOGljcU5qbFZVbEM5ajA1RzJxZDlMWnN1RlZUdEplQm9BSUo3eWZFRnpYZmR0SklXOV9wWEN0aDI0enEtLVplOXdCVEhSeS1qd0ZwM0hwcmR4MkJ4LVNfV05zMzFQc2dUSm5rU1pIaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rostyr.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU]

S3 Ep 5: Inside the World of Skilled Trades Staffing | Dave Kooiman (Arena Staffing)

In this new episode of The Growth Game Podcast, Paul DeLuca sits down with Dave Kooiman, Founder and President of Arena Staffing. Dave specializes in placing skilled trade workers across construction projects. Together, they talk about how staffing firms can evolve from simply filling jobs to becoming true partners for their clients. You’ll hear:  🚀 How Arena Staffing built a niche in skilled trades staffing.  🚀 Why relationships still sit at the core of the industry.  🚀 What clients are really looking for from staffing agencies today. If you work in staffing, no matter your role, this episode offers real examples of where the industry is heading, and what it will take to stay relevant in the next era of staffing. Connect with Dave Kooiman (Arena Staffing) Website | https://www.arenastaffing.net/ [https://www.arenastaffing.net/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkooiman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkooiman] Paul DeLuca LinkedIn |   / merituscapital [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGJhYkQtMURaMHdBclBpQVBOWUhuZWhFT1BlUXxBQ3Jtc0tuc2QtUnNHX1JnRDRoT3ZOM2dCTml3QWVDWEE3OE1fUk1sMFN4RV9yMXlsdV9iQl9zdVhuMFJlWFpmVmhrLU5JeWxuMlBIY0FwYUpKTGtpXzBCcmdjQ1JFWEpzODN6Q3dKVlY1UTRPWjAwS2NWaDR4UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmerituscapital%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Meritus Capital LinkedIn |   / meritus-capital-inc- [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1BzNXREX1RJT1I5bDFiNzBoblNaN0JveVc1UXxBQ3Jtc0ttS3JXZXdRaE5hamlDWkFRZ0VVZG1Cb0xtUWdzWXBKdlRzcjRYd1Exc2RjbmJMUGpXODJRaHcyU0V1ZmlRZ3I0eE5EVXgtOHBpQnZtUW1DemJ3M0VyQVBjQzl0Qm9IelVwUjRNd2EzaXQwaU1PcjlQSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fmeritus-capital-inc-&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Website | https://www.merituscapital.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0thN1UwWFpJT3IxcXBlX0xlNDNYWG44cFpDZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuWWpSWXBST2E0ejBsd1VhRkxWWjBFZ1cyWmJ1TmpfQWVROEJEMkpJeUZTRmlPTHN0aDdKMmNBZ29IZXFhVWlGUzhORzR6UlVVZVdRanlZdlVZWm9uTEd4TktLXzZEY05hRE5WLWNQczdUNlBHYnBCcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.merituscapital.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU] Rostyr, Powered by Meritus Capital Website | ... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjA4dUZWZU9jejNNV0lIWTlvcEVhaXl1N2VlQXxBQ3Jtc0tsU3hDY1IwOUUyOGljcU5qbFZVbEM5ajA1RzJxZDlMWnN1RlZUdEplQm9BSUo3eWZFRnpYZmR0SklXOV9wWEN0aDI0enEtLVplOXdCVEhSeS1qd0ZwM0hwcmR4MkJ4LVNfV05zMzFQc2dUSm5rU1pIaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rostyr.com%2F&v=BbCBEt3y2MU]