Tracy Fleming, LPC, is the asset protection strategy manager for Walmart based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Fleming started with Walmart in 1993, worked in operations for several years before transitioning to LP, served as regional AP manager from 2001 to 2015, and then moved to the current position. Fleming has a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts.
This is another in a series of interviews with working LP professionals who have earned their LPQ or LPC certifications from the Loss Prevention
Foundation (LPF). Hear in their own words why they pursued certification and how it benefited their careers.
When did you get LPC certified?
February 2013.
Why did you decide to pursue certification? Was there something specific that influenced your decision?
Getting a professional certification in your chosen field is always a benefit. It helps keep you up to date on what is going on in loss prevention, helps with networking, and fosters an understanding that you take your professional development seriously.
Was the course what you expected?
I was surprised by the depth and breadth of material. Quite frankly, I was expecting to read a few paragraphs on a topic, answer a couple of questions, and that was it. The scope of the topics and the detail was quite surprising.
Tell us more about the process of going through the courses and taking the exam.
I found that the easiest way for me to go through the material and compile my notes was to dedicate a specific amount of time each week to read sections and take the quizzes. I generally spent the last thirty minutes of the work week to complete sections. With so much going on from a work/life balance standpoint, having a dedicated time to work on my certification worked for me.
Looking at your own personal development, what information within the course helped you the most?
There are certain topics that I have not delved deeply into—pharmacy and logistics, for example. And the certification process allowed for an increased understanding of those pieces of the business.
What was the most eye-opening information that was part of the curriculum?
There wasn’t any one specific thing that was eye-opening, but the overall depth and scope of material was impressive. I was surprised by how many topics were covered and the depth at which they were covered.
What benefits have you seen from taking the course?
I have been able to talk to peers about the benefits of the certification. I also think there is a certain status you enjoy by having a professional, industry-recognized certification.
If you could offer one key takeaway to someone currently considering getting certified, what would it be?
The amount of knowledge you gain by getting the certification is well worth the time spent on the process itself.
Do you think getting certified will help make you a better LP professional?
I do. I think it is helpful in networking, as well as resume building. You may have a leg up on the job competition by having a professional certification that your job competitors may not have.
Would you recommend certification to others?
Certainly. The material is applicable, and a professional certification is a benefit in enhancing your skills at your job, as well your future career aspirations.
Is there anything else that you would like to share regarding the learning experience?
Dedicating specific time to go through the material, rather than rushing through to meet a deadline or putting it off, was extremely beneficial to me. I was able to absorb the material without worrying about running out of time before I took the final exam. Also, for those going through the certification process, take good notes.
Newly Certified
Following are individuals who recently earned their certifications.
Recent LPC Recipients
Nathan Bradfield, LPC, CFI, Lowe’s
Angela Branstrom, LPC, Walgreens
Shannon Clausen, LPC, Lowe’s
Mark Conachen, LPC, Rent-A-Center
Justin Dietel, LPC, ShopRite
Kenneth Edwards, LPC, Lowe’s
Steven Farmer, LPC, Walmart Stores
Craig Gassert, LPC, Lowe’s
Brian Gross, LPC, Kmart
Gary Holland, LPC, Lowe’s
Lisa Kane, LPC, Sears Holdings
Scott Ketelhut, LPC, New York & Company
Randy Lima, LPC, CFI, CFE, CORCI
Anthony Maddox, LPC, CFI, Hibbett Sporting Goods
Harold McIntyre, LPC, CFI, Bloomingdale’s
James Perillo, III, LPC, Sears Holdings
Aaron Pisors, LPC, Sears Holdings
Joshua Power, LPC, Goodwill Industries of Seattle
David Rivera-Santiago, LPC
Brigham Roberts, LPC, Lowe’s
Dustin Ross, LPC, Walgreens
James Runyon, LPC, Lowe’s
Robert Seibel, LPC, Lowe’s
Kevin Shaw, LPC
Duane Smith, LPC, Sears Holdings
Rocco Speziale, LPC, Sears Holdings
Robert Thompson, LPC, CFI, HomeGoods
Matthew Trader, LPC, Weis Markets
Paul Tucker, LPC CFI, Lowe’s
David Valentine, LPC, Walgreens
Michael Young, LPC, Belk Department Stores
Recent LPQ Recipients
Romeo Acevedo, LPQ, Ralphs Grocery
Joel Atwood, LPQ, Jobworks Education and Training Systems
Cole Brundage, LPQ, Ferguson Enterprises
Christopher Coffey, LPQ, CFI, Sephora
David Cohen, LPQ, Jobworks Education and Training Systems
Abi Conlon, LPQ, Fullers, Smith & Turner
Des Cooney, LPQ
Sherry Cramer, LPQ, Levi Strauss
Alexa Dunn, LPQ, Banfield Pet Hospital
Joshua Herold, LPQ
Richard Ives, LPQ, Dauphin Co-op
Serena Kelaart, LPQ, Starbucks
Julian Kolarchick, LPQ, Genesco
Eugene Levit, LPQ, CVS Health
Kyle Maurer, LPQ, Sendik’s Food Market
Jonathan McCormick, LPQ, Genesco
Shane Murphy, LPQ
Kimberly Oglesby, LPQ, Jobworks Education and Training Systems
Brandy Parrish, LPQ, TJX
Alma Rogers, LPQ, Jobworks Education and Training Systems
Michael Rutland, LPQ, Cubic
Kendrick Thomas, LPQ, US Army Criminal Investigation Command
Gregg Titmus, LPQ, Fullers
Robert Toliver, LPQ, HomeGoods
Marcus Toussaint, LPQ, BCE
Amber Waterman, LPQ, Genesco
Robert Young, LPQ, Federated Co-operatives
Dustin Yost, LPQ, Macy’s