The LPM team is privileged to have a front-row seat to the very best in the loss prevention industry, providing a unique opportunity to present positive, productive ways to promote loss prevention, build successful and constructive partnerships, educate and inform the LP community, and support the thought leadership that drives us forward.
The LP Magazine “Magpie” Awards are a means to celebrate industry accomplishments on an ongoing basis, recognizing the loss prevention professionals, teams, solution providers, law enforcement partners, and others that demonstrate a stellar contribution to the profession.
The ability to influence change is a product of drive, creativity, and determination, but it also requires a unique ability to create a shared vision that others will understand, respect, support, and pursue. Each of the following recipients reflect that standard of excellence, representing the quality and spirit of leadership that makes a difference in our lives, our people, and our programs. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our latest honorees.
Excellence in Leadership
Johnny Turner, Director of Loss Prevention at Rack Room Shoes
A veteran leader in the profession, Turner began his retail career with Rack Room Shoes, formerly Learner Shoes, as a controller in 1982, and five years later became the company’s first merchandise manager. In 1992 he took on the role of building the company’s loss prevention program from the ground floor. Twenty-five years later, that program has become an integral part of the company’s business model.
“We really didn’t know at the time what a successful loss prevention program looked like,” said Turner. “But networking and mentors played a crucial role in my development. I used every conference, meeting, and training session as a way to learn from the best LP leaders in the business. We established shrinkage goals, established robust audits, worked with store operations, and increased awareness through training and communication. But I’m most proud of my team and the store employees who bought into what we were trying to accomplish to increase both our profits and our value to the organization. It’s these people that make success happen every day.”
Excellence in Community Service
Melissa Mitchell, CFI, Director, Asset Protection and Retail Supply Chain, LifeWay Christian Stores
A veteran of the United States Air Force and an experienced leader in the loss prevention community, Mitchell has provided the light of leadership for many men and women across the industry as she has taken on greater responsibilities in her own career. But it is her contagious spirit and giving personality that helps set Mitchell apart. An active participant in many projects that support the loss prevention community, she also cofounded Katie’s Helping Hands along with her daughter, Katie Mitchell. Facing their own life-changing events, these courageous women looked beyond themselves to support families in their time of greatest need in the battle against cancer.
“What we do in loss prevention is fix things,” said Mitchell. “It’s really about the power of handing people an opportunity to do the right thing and showing what they’re capable of accomplishing. This provides the momentum to help make things better, which is what leadership is all about.”
Excellence in Partnerships
Mike Grady, LPC, Executive Vice President at Vector Security
Having served with Vector Security since 1983, Grady is a long-term supporter of the loss prevention community both as a solution provider and as an advocate for the industry as a whole. He serves on the Loss Prevention Foundation board of directors and the Retail Industry Leaders Association steering committee, and is an active member of the National Retail Federation, ASIS International, and other industry associations. To date, the team at Vector Security has awarded 184 LPQ and LPC scholarships to support continuing education across the industry.
“Building a business relationship is a lot like developing and building a personal relationship,” said Grady. “You have to identify shared values, develop mutual respect, and always be upfront and honest with each other. If you can do these things, trust will come naturally. Also, it is imperative that you get involved and contribute your time to the industry that you serve. Dedication and commitment build trust and credibility. These connections can go a long way in helping you become more successful.”
Nominations Are Encouraged
We want this to be your program. Those of you working as LP practitioners witness these exceptional performances on a regular and ongoing basis, and we strongly encourage you to provide us with nominees for each of the award categories. We encourage creative nominations and want the program to cast a positive light on the many tremendous contributions of the loss prevention community. Nominations can be submitted via email to excellence (at) LPportal (dot) com.
