RING Podcast 008: What it takes to be the nation's top Recruiter

In this episode of the RING Podcast, Maj. Mark Incze sits down with Staff Sgt. William Naylor, recipient of the prestigious Director’s 54 Award — recognizing the top Recruiting and Retention NCO across all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

Together, they dive deep into what it really means to be a National Guard Recruiter — the hours, the pressure, and the purpose behind the job. From early 3:00 AM wakeups to late night social media posts, Staff Sgt. Naylor shares what it takes to be the best in the country.

Some of the topics discussed:
• The pressure of recruiting in a small state where your name and reputation means everything.
• The mental toughness required to keep showing up, especially when no one’s answering the phone.
• The moment everything clicked — and how it led to being named the #1 recruiter in the nation.
• Why mentorship matters and how he’s now shaping the next generation of Soldiers.
• How the Guard connects with today’s youth by offering real-world solutions and second chances.

Whether you're thinking about joining the Guard, interested in a career in recruiting, or just want a real look at the grit behind the glamor — this episode pulls back the curtain.

📌 Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
03:45 – Teaching in schools & connecting with students
10:25 – School access & building relationships
17:10 – Why the National Guard is the best first step
24:20 – Community impact, networking & civilian career growth
30:50 – Becoming the Nation’s #1 Recruiter (Director’s 54 Award)
37:15 – The life of a Recruiter: Grind, hustle & motivation
44:40 – Mentoring new Recruiters & evolving the pitch
50:10 – What today’s youth want & how the Guard delivers
57:20 – Real talk: Drawbacks, buy-in & retention strategies
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(U.S. Army National Guard video by SSG Terry Rajsombath.)