Episode 20: How Jason Morris Built a Background Screening Empire and Found Adventure Along the Way
03/17/25 • 42 min
What does it take to stay ahead in the background screening industry while juggling a passion for music, fly fishing, and skiing?
Jason Morris has done it all. From shadowing private investigation cases as a kid to launching one of the most recognized background screening companies, he’s built a career on curiosity, adaptability, and bold decision-making. In this episode, I sit down with Jason to unpack his journey—how he went from tracking down cheating spouses to founding Employer Screen IQ, growing it into a powerhouse, and eventually selling it to Sterling. We dive into the evolution of the background screening industry, the role of PBSA, and the biggest compliance challenges today. Plus, we explore Jason’s life outside of screening—his love for live music, fly fishing, and even managing a jam band. It’s an episode packed with industry insights, business wisdom, and a few wild stories. You won’t want to miss it!
Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!
- From Private Investigator to Background Screening Pioneer
- Building a Business and Navigating Industry Changes
- The Power of PBSA and Industry Collaboration
- Life Beyond Screening: Music, Fishing, and Adventure
If you loved this conversation, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us bring you more amazing guests and industry insights! Connect with us for future updates and episodes.
🔔 Follow for more behind-the-scenes industry insights!
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/
What does it take to stay ahead in the background screening industry while juggling a passion for music, fly fishing, and skiing?
Jason Morris has done it all. From shadowing private investigation cases as a kid to launching one of the most recognized background screening companies, he’s built a career on curiosity, adaptability, and bold decision-making. In this episode, I sit down with Jason to unpack his journey—how he went from tracking down cheating spouses to founding Employer Screen IQ, growing it into a powerhouse, and eventually selling it to Sterling. We dive into the evolution of the background screening industry, the role of PBSA, and the biggest compliance challenges today. Plus, we explore Jason’s life outside of screening—his love for live music, fly fishing, and even managing a jam band. It’s an episode packed with industry insights, business wisdom, and a few wild stories. You won’t want to miss it!
Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!
- From Private Investigator to Background Screening Pioneer
- Building a Business and Navigating Industry Changes
- The Power of PBSA and Industry Collaboration
- Life Beyond Screening: Music, Fishing, and Adventure
If you loved this conversation, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us bring you more amazing guests and industry insights! Connect with us for future updates and episodes.
🔔 Follow for more behind-the-scenes industry insights!
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/
Previous Episode
Episode 19: The Power of Saying Yes: Judy Gootkin on Career Growth, PBSA & Mentorship
What happens when you say “yes” to unexpected opportunities? For Judy Gootkind, it meant building a remarkable career in background screening, co-founding a successful business, and becoming a respected industry leader. In this episode, I sit down with Judy to talk about her unexpected journey from accounting to background screening, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she believes mentorship, networking, and industry involvement are the keys to success. We also discuss her work with PBSA, her insights on leadership, and her passion for helping others grow in their careers. Plus, she shares a little about her life outside of work—including her love for travel and family time. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with wisdom, humor, and practical career advice!
Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!
- Saying Yes to Opportunity: Judy’s Unexpected Career Path
- Building a Business and Thriving in Background Screening
- The Power of PBSA: Industry Growth and Personal Development
- Life Beyond Background Screening: Travel, Family, and Giving Back
Enjoyed This Episode? Here’s How You Can Support Us!
Subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Leave a review—your feedback helps others discover the show.
Share this episode with your network and colleagues.
Have guest suggestions? Visit our website and let us know!
Thanks for tuning in—see you in the next episode of Behind the Screens!
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/
Next Episode
Episode 21: Inside the Mind of Background Screening’s Newsman: Barry Nixon’s Journey from HR to Industry Icon
How did an HR expert turn into one of the most influential voices in background screening?
W. Barry Nixon has seen it all—from corporate HR to pioneering workplace violence prevention and shaping the global background screening industry. In this episode, I sit down with Barry to discuss his unexpected career path, the evolution of background screening, and his work in building one of the industry’s most trusted resources—the PreemploymentDirectory.com. We explore why second-chance hiring is essential, the challenges of international screening, and what the future holds for the industry. Plus, Barry shares personal insights about his early career, his love for storytelling, and how he built a platform that connects CRAs worldwide. This is a must-listen for anyone in the background screening industry!
Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!
- From HR Leader to Background Screening Pioneer
- Building PreemploymentDirectory.com and the Role of Industry Media
- Second-Chance Hiring and the Future of Background Screening
- Barry Nixon’s Life Beyond Background Screening
Enjoyed This Episode? Here’s How You Can Support Us!
Subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Leave a review—your feedback helps others discover the show.
Share this episode with your network and colleagues.
Have guest suggestions? Email us at [email protected]
🎙 Thanks for tuning in—see you in the next episode of Behind the Screens !
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/
Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen - Episode 20: How Jason Morris Built a Background Screening Empire and Found Adventure Along the Way
Transcript
I believe in what we do, why we do it. And the results that we give to our clients, and that's number one. Number two, it's the people. I mean, some of my best friends have come out of this industry. I mean, really. I could pick up the phone, I could travel anywhere in the country and know somebody in a city that I've got a deep relationship with just because of this association in this industry
Welcome to Behind the Screens, conversati
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/behind-the-screens-conversations-with-background-screening-pros-hosted-612569/episode-20-how-jason-morris-built-a-background-screening-empire-and-fo-87555766"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to episode 20: how jason morris built a background screening empire and found adventure along the way on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy