Gillette is loss prevention director at DICK’S Sporting Goods. He is a highly experienced professional focused on building the most effective teams in the industry. Strongly technically oriented, he has a track record of pairing the right individuals with the latest technology and innovation to drive sustained results. For over fifteen years, he has led effective teams in the areas of profit protection, omni-channel fraud, investigations, corporate security, operations, distribution, and crisis management.
Why did you decide to pursue your LPC certification?
I found the LPC credential to be an invaluable asset in my loss prevention career. It not only validated my experience and knowledge but also distinguished me amongst my peers, professionally adding credibility. I was also fortunate to receive a scholarship from Vector Security, a professional partner who takes pride in upskilling our industry.
Was the coursework what you expected?
I found the coursework easy to navigate but thorough and thought-provoking. It really stretched beyond my current knowledge and experiences in areas like pharmacy and supply chain loss prevention. I was able to learn many new concepts in completing the coursework, which was refreshing.
Talk about the process of going through the coursework and taking the exam.
When first taking on the LPC content, I found myself struggling for time. We are busy professionals, and there seems to never be enough time. The fact that the content was web-based allowed me to use text-to-voice features in my tablet. This was especially nice for plane rides and in the car. After completing the coursework, I found it easy to schedule the exam at one of many testing locations close by. The exam was challenging but legitimate. This is a true certification.
Looking at your own personal background and knowledge, what information in the course helped you the most?
Fortunately, I learned about supply chain loss prevention during my LPC prior to accepting responsibility for that area of the business. The key learnings in the LPC content positioned me well with introduction to and continued learning in the discipline.
What was the most eye-opening information that was part of the curriculum?
At my current employer, we are no strangers to government compliance and regulation. I was amazed to find out the regulation in pharmacy loss prevention. I found the complexities fascinating and challenging.
What benefits have you seen from taking the course?
I appreciate being part of a group of loss prevention professionals who not only hold personal development important but also demonstrate it. I also look forward to the many benefits the Loss Prevention Foundation has to offer the industry.
If you could offer one key takeaway to someone currently considering getting certified, what would it be?
Do it. There will come a time in your career where you will need to lean on the experiences and content gained from completing your LPC. The certification also provides common ground when networking, which can be beneficial in continued growth.
How would you compare the foundation certifications to other educational courses that you’ve taken?
Difficult but rewarding and authentic. I found some certifications in the industry are easy to achieve and lack in depth of content. If you are looking for letters to add to the back of your name with little work, this is not the certification for you. If you are looking for substance, practicality, a healthy challenge, and pride, seek your LPC.
How has certification changed your expectations of loss prevention as a career, for yourself and for others?
I started the LPC coursework years after college at a time when I wasn’t sure where my career would take me next. The LPC excited a personal desire to grow, learn, and get better. I am very proud to hold this certification.
Newly Certified
Following are individuals who recently earned their certifications.
Recent LPC Recipients
Joseph Baldasare, Jr, LPC, Lowe’s
Robert Brady, LPQ, LPC, 7-Eleven
Michelle Bronson-Jones, LPC, Rite Aid
Davinder Cheema, LPQ, LPC, Best Buy Canada
Christina Crain, LPC, Meijer
Steven Dean, LPC, Navy Exchange Service Command
Isabelle Devereux, LPC, John Lewis PLC
Mason Drawbond, LPC, Amazon
Paul Evans, LPC, Southeastern Grocers
Brian Fantom, LPC, K&G Fashion Superstore
Randy Graham, LPC, Navy Exchange Service Command
Michael Gray, LPC, DICK’S Sporting Goods
Tahsin Haopshy, LPC, Gabriel Brothers
Victor Hernandez, LPC, Fanzz Gear
Kelly Johnson, LPC, Bed Bath & Beyond
Alyssa Jones, LPC, Sears
Charles Jones, LPC, DICK’S Sporting Goods
Christian Latson, LPC, HomeGoods
Brandon Lollis, LPC, DICK’S Sporting Goods
Matthew Maheu, LPC, CFI-Legacy, CKE Restaurants
Curtis McGruder, LPC, AT&T
Barry Mince, LPC, Lowe’s
Staci Noonan, LPC, Meijer
Richard Peck, LPC, TJX
Meredith Plaxco, LPC, PetSmart
Brian Reichart, LPC, Amazon
Eduardo Sosa, LPC, Luxottica Retail
Malinda Sweat, LPC, AFS
Angel Torres, LPC, Ascena Retail Group
Randy Vickers, LPC, Lowe’s
Matthew Welch, LPC, DICK’S Sporting Goods
William West, IV, LPC, CKE Restaurants
Victor Wichi, LPC, GameStop
Angela Williams, LPC, Lowe’s
Joseph Womack, III, LPC, Beall’s
Recent LPQ Recipients
Kenneth Anderson, LPQ, Macy’s
David Bailey, LPQ, Navy Exchange Service Command
Ashley Bartol, LPQ, Loss Prevention Foundation
Cheryl Brereton, LPQ, Goodwill of the Heartland
Gregory Brown, LPQ, American Eagle Outfitters
John Cunningham, LPQ, Lowe’s
Mathew Dromey, LPQ, Northwood University
Arthur Griffore, II, LPQ, DICK’S Sporting Goods
Robert Jones, LPQ, Skogen’s Festival Foods
Kristina Jones, LPQ, TJX
Zara Lujan, LPQ, REI
Deviin Mabry, LPQ, TJX
Claudia Melano, LPQ, Nordstrom
Shawn Mullens, LPQ
George Oancea, LPQ, TJX
Christina Petrossi, LPQ, Goodwill Industries of Houston
Mark Radford, LPQ, Walmart
Paul Richardson, LPQ, Lowe’s
Travis Robinson, LPQ, Walmart
Ashley Starr, LPQ, Comcast/NBCUniversal
Todd Wiley, LPQ, Lowe’s
