The RebelRebel Podcast is a regular dive into the hearts and minds of creative rebels and entrepreneurs from around the globe, it's a love letter to those mad fools who think audaciously and act courageously in service to making the world a better and more interesting place.

“You shouldn’t use words to burn. They should be for light and for warmth.”

Richard has spent the last 19 years running a near-shore bilingual contact center that thrives on empathy, communication, and human connection in an era dominated by automation.

In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard has spent the last 19 years running a near-shore bilingual contact center that thrives on empathy, communication, and human connection in an era dominated by automation .

Richard’s story begins in Philadelphia, where childhood trips to Mexico sparked his love of Spanish and culture. After studying Spanish in college, he took what was supposed to be a short trip to Costa Rica to teach English at a friend’s center. Instead, he fell in love—with the country, with the culture, and with the woman who would become his wife. That leap of faith became a lifelong adventure, culminating in the creation of Costa Rica’s Call Center .

He explains why call centers aren’t just about dialing lists—they’re about rhetoric, persuasion, and the art of speech. For Richard, the real skill lies in listening, building rapport, and finding those rare “positive escalations” where a customer compliments an representative to their supervisor. He compares communication to fire: it can burn, but it can also light and warm, and the best representatives know how to use it for encouragement and clarity .

The conversation ranges widely, from his love of 1970s electromechanical pinball machines and jukebox rescues in the Costa Rican mountains, to his passion for movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and The Maltese Falcon. Richard also shares the daily joys of Costa Rican life—warm rain in a convertible, fresh seafood at the market, and the surreal beauty of the rainforest .

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Dr. John Torrens, an award-winning professor and entrepreneur, as he guides high-performing entrepreneurs, founders, and executives on a journey to redefine success. In The Total Entrepreneur: Mind, Body, Spirit, you'll learn how to balance business success with a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle. Each episode blends cutting-edge academic research with real-life insights from entrepreneurs, health experts, and researchers. Discover evidence-based strategies to prevent burnout, improve well-being, and create a life where purpose, productivity, and wellness thrive together.

He Built a Multi Million Dollar Call Center Empire in Costa Rica

In this episode of The Total Entrepreneur, host John M. Torrens sits down with Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center, to reveal the secrets behind mastering communication, cold calling psychology, and building a successful business from scratch.

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Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ

Richard Blank Call Center commercial with Rapper GblackDaBest and Freestyle break-dancer Yeik Lawson Rodríguez.

https://youtu.be/GQvGZYcX71s?si=3I6N3p-LVxwTvnh2

#DrJohnTorrens #TheTotalEntrepreneurPodcast #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO

"The Total Entrepreneur: Mind, Body, Spirit" is a podcast hosted by Dr. John M. Torrens that provides high-performing entrepreneurs and executives with evidence-based strategies to balance business success with a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle, and avoid burnout.

About the Podcast

The podcast is designed to help founders and leaders integrate wellness into their busy lives by focusing on the three core pillars of mind, body, and spirit:

Mind: Episodes discuss mindset work, emotional resilience, clarity in decision-making, and developing a growth mindset to handle challenges and foster innovation.

Body: The show covers practical health strategies, including the importance of sleep optimization, breathwork to alleviate stress and boost energy, and the connection between physical health and overall performance.

Spirit: Conversations also explore deeper topics like finding purpose over profits, the spiritual dimensions of healing, managing money mindsets, and using intuition to guide decisions, helping entrepreneurs connect with a sense of something bigger than themselves.

Each episode blends insights from cutting-edge academic research with real-life experiences from successful entrepreneurs and health experts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Driven: Unscripted Success Podcast, the go-to show for high-performing business owners, executives, and professionals who aspire to elevate their personal, professional, and financial lives. Hosted by Michael Mannino Sr. and Nareman Hamdan, each episode dives deep into the inspiring stories and invaluable insights of top industry

Welcome to the Driven: Unscripted Success Podcast, the go-to show for high-performing business owners, executives, and professionals who aspire to elevate their personal, professional, and financial lives. Hosted by Michael Mannino Sr. and Nareman Hamdan, each episode dives deep into the inspiring stories and invaluable insights of top industry leaders who have navigated the complex landscape of success with drive and determination.

From leadership strategies and innovative business tactics to personal growth and financial acumen, our guests share their unscripted journeys to success, offering listeners practical advice and motivation to reach new heights.

Join us on Driven: Unscripted Success Podcast, where we celebrate the relentless pursuit of excellence and empower you to achieve greatness in every facet of your life. Subscribe now and get ready to be inspired, challenged, and driven to succeed!

In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, hosts Mike Mannino Sr. and Nareman Hamdan sit down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. From Philadelphia roots to building a thriving business in Central America, Richard’s story is about resilience, authenticity, and the courage to take the “tortoise approach” in life and business.

Richard shares why self-analysis is the key to self-awareness and how leaders can use reflection, empathy, and authenticity to build stronger teams. He opens up about:

How studying Spanish shaped his career and led him to Costa Rica

Why hiring for attitude beats hiring for skill

How pinball machines and arcade games became a secret weapon for reducing turnover

The importance of asking the right questions in interviews to uncover real character

How self-analysis, empathy, and authenticity drive both personal and professional growth

This week’s guest is Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard’s story takes us from Philadelphia to Costa Rica, where he built a company grounded in resilience, empathy, and authenticity.

In our conversation, he shares why self-analysis drives self-awareness, why he hires for attitude before skill, and how pinball machines and arcade games have become part of his unique workplace culture.

It’s an inspiring episode you won’t want to miss!

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Inside Marketing with MarketSurge — your front-row seat to the boldest business insights, marketing breakthroughs, and entrepreneurial real talk. Hosted by Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge and a digital marketing veteran who's helped scale everything from scrappy startups to Fortune 500 giants, this podcast dives deep into what’s really moving the needle in today’s marketing world. Find us at Marketsurge.io Each week, we’ll break down the latest marketing and business news (minus the fluff), explore tech trends you actually need to know, and feature unfiltered conversations with the most interesting minds in entrepreneurship and marketing.

Welcome to MarketSurge!

Are you a small business owner, marketing professional, or entrepreneur looking to elevate your marketing game? You're in the right place. At MarketSurge, we simplify and demonstrate the value of marketing automation, making it accessible and actionable for businesses of all sizes.

Stay Ahead in Marketing: Get the latest automation strategies tailored for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Step-by-Step Tutorials: Our practical, easy-to-follow guides and real use-cases help you implement automation strategies effortlessly.

Community Insights: Join a thriving community of like-minded professionals sharing insights, tips, and success stories.

Latest Tech Updates: Stay up-to-date with the newest advancements in marketing technology.

Join us at MarketSurge and revolutionize the way you approach marketing. Subscribe now to never miss an upda

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Blank, founder and CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center.

From Northeast Philly to San José, Richard shares his journey of betting on himself, moving abroad, and building a thriving nearshore BPO from a one-seat operation to a company that now powers:

Inbound customer support

Lead generation

Appointment setting

Sales training & coaching

He’s trained over 10,000 bilingual telemarketers, launched a telemarketing school, and even infused gamification into company culture with retro arcade pinball, jukeboxes, and air hockey. His story is one of grit, creativity, and a relentless belief in the art of communication.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to scale a business without outside investment, how to build culture in unexpected industries, or how traditional call centers adapt in the era of AI — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Richard left Philadelphia at age 27 to pursue a short-term gig that turned into a 19-year business journey.

How he grew Costa Rica’s Call Center without outside investors, staying lean and resourceful.

The unique coaching and training methods he’s developed after analyzing 10,000+ calls.

Why empathy, soft skills, and gamification are still critical in the call center industry.

How human connection outperforms AI when it comes to building trust and saving clients.

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https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/episodes/telemarketing-reinvented-richard-blank-s-journey-to-building-costa-rica-s-call-center

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Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ

Richard Blank produced a Rap Breakdancing video commercial

https://youtu.be/GQvGZYcX71s?si=3I6N3p-LVxwTvnh2

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Happens When You Ditch the American Dream for a Real One?

Rosabel Unscripted Podcast

Welcome to Rosabel Unscripted podcast where meaningful conversations unfold. Join Rosabel Zohfeld, nurse practitioner, writer, and mom, as she explores personal growth, health insights, literature, and impactful life stories. Featuring guests who share their unique perspectives, Rosabel dives into the unscripted moments that shape our lives. Tune in for inspiring, authentic, and educational discussions on the beauty and complexity of life.

What does it really take to start over in a new country—and build a *business* from the ground up? In this episode of Rosabel Unscripted, host Rosabel Zohfeld sits down with Richard Blank, *CEO* of Costa Rica’s Call Center, to explore his incredible journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica.

At just 27, Richard left everything behind to follow a calling—and ended up building not just a successful company, but a life deeply aligned with his values. This powerful conversation dives into bilingual leadership, the courage to start over, and the mindset shifts required for authentic success.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader in transition, or someone seeking a life with more meaning—this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Richard left Philadelphia to chase purpose in Costa Rica

• The power of being bilingual in global business

• How courage and self-trust lead to authentic success

• The difference between building for ego vs. building for values

• Insights into creating a positive work culture

• What it takes to reinvent your life—at any age

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 The Weight of Wisdom

01:00 Richard’s journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica and the challenges he faced

05:30 The importance of being bilingual and how it opened doors for Richard

12:45 Building a business aligned with personal values rather than societal expectations

15:00 💬 “Life is all about starting and reinventing ourselves.”

20:15 The role of courage and self-trust in personal and professional growth

22:20 Human Connection in Healthcare

25:12 Cultural Perspectives on Care

25:45 💬 “If you think it’s plug and play and it’s easy like they show in Hollywood, you’re out of your mind.”

27:54 The Call Center Experience

30:00 Insights into Richard’s leadership style and the culture at Costa Rica’s Call Center

30:41 Nostalgia and Childhood Memories

33:31 The Evolution of Technology and Play

39:45 Childhood Mischief and Apologies

42:19 Growing Up in the 80s: A Nostalgic Reflection

43:35 Teaching Children Appreciation for What They Have

45:42 The Value of Imagination in Play

48:32 Handmade Gifts vs. Store-Bought: The Personal Touch

50:21 Exploring Human History and the Impact of Technology

51:43 Personal Stories of Growth and Learning from Mistakes

58:37 Childhood Adventures and Mischief

01:00:56 Parenting Reflections and Generational Insights

01:03:40 Community and Generosity

01:05:34 Adopting a Child: A New Perspective

01:06:46 Inspiration and Creativity

01:14:21 Embracing Authenticity and Uniqueness

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Rosabel Unscripted Podcast, Rosabel Zohfeld , Richard Blank,Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing, BPO, Nearshore, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business,Podcast,Gamification,Leadership,Marketing, Radio, Guest, Money, education, trainer,

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Empowerment Extend is a dynamic podcast hosted by Carinder, dedicated to amplifying voices, exploring diverse perspectives, and fostering conversations that inspire personal growth and community impact. The podcast serves as a platform to discuss topics ranging from leadership, inclusion, and mental health to innovation and advocacy. Through engaging interviews with thought leaders, change-makers, and passionate individuals, Empowerment Extend aims to motivate listeners to embrace their potential, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change in their lives and the world around them.

We’re so excited to introduce our new project: the Empowerment Extend Podcast, where we explore disability, inclusion, and empowerment for all. At Empowerment Extend, we believe that every voice deserves to be heard. Our mission is to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Together, Carinder & Sarah bring real, honest conversations about what true inclusion really means — in workplaces, communities, and everyday life. We share inspiring stories, practical tips, and powerful insights to help us build a more inclusive world. Whether you’re a disability advocate, an ally, or simply passionate about creating a society where everyone can thrive, this podcast is for you.

Join us as we explore the essential techniques for effective communication*. Discover how to express your ideas clearly, listen actively, and build meaningful connections. This episode is packed with *practical tips and insights to help you communicate with confidence and impact.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of active listening

Strategies for clear and concise expression

How to build rapport and engage your audience

Overcoming common communication barriers

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Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of “What The Why?!? originally aired on the RVN Television Network which is now KnetStream. While these shows are currently available on KnetStream, we are happy to share these edited versions of meaningful conversations for additional reflection and impact.

"What The Why?!?" hosted by Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills. It's a show where she interviews various leaders about their "why" – their purpose and what drives them.

In our fourth season, our show features conversations with a wide variety of leaders from all walks of life about why they do what they do and how they figured things out.

The first three seasons of the show, known as "What The Why?!? with Barbara Anne," are also available on select platforms and KnetStream.com."

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What The Why, Barbara Anne, Richard Blank,Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing, BPO, Nearshore, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business,Podcast,Gamification,Leadership,Marketing, Radio, Guest, Money, education, trainer,

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by the trailblazing Rose Davidson, a mentor and strategist with an undeniable knack for spotlighting thought leaders, the podcast has become an essential resource for service-based entrepreneurs aiming to dominate their niche. With a prolific portfolio of over 500 expert interviews, the show offers invaluable insights into an array of disciplines be it marketing, technology, wellness, or leadership.

What sets "Talking with the Experts" apart is its commitment to not just inform, but to empower. Each episode is a masterclass in itself, meticulously curated to provide actionable steps for achieving greatness in your professional life. Tune in to tap into a wellspring of knowledge, replete with strategies, tips, and real-world advice that can catapult your brand to the forefront of your industry.

Richard Blank: Business Process Outsourcing

Master advanced telemarketing and customer service soft skills with Richard Blank. Learn techniques to enhance customer retention, drive sales, and foster business growth.

At the Talking with the Experts Online Business Summit, Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica's Call Centre, will share his expertise in telemarketing and customer service soft skills. With years of experience leading a top-performing call centre, Richard has mastered the art of advanced communication techniques that drive customer retention, boost sales, and foster long-term business growth.

In this insightful session, Richard will delve into the essential role of soft skills in customer interactions. Attendees will learn how to use rhetoric and emotional intelligence to build trust, handle objections, and create meaningful connections with customers. Richard will also share actionable tips for improving customer service delivery, ensuring every touchpoint leaves a lasting positive impression.

With a focus on retention and growth, this presentation is perfect for business owners, sales teams, and customer support professionals looking to take their communication strategies to the next level. Richard will cover proven techniques for enhancing call centre performance, from tone and phrasing to understanding customer needs and expectations. His strategies can be applied across industries to improve engagement, build loyalty, and achieve measurable results.

Through real-world examples and practical advice, Richard demonstrates how advanced telemarketing and customer service skills are essential for retaining customers and driving success in todays competitive market. Under his leadership, Costa Rica's Call Centre has become a shining example of excellence, thanks to its commitment to empowering employees and delivering outstanding customer experiences.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.