Some veteran loss prevention professionals may think certification is for someone new to the industry. It is, but it’s not exclusive to the LP novice. Individuals with ten, twenty, even thirty years of experience can benefit from the wide-ranging subjects covered especially in the LPC coursework. Here are two experienced LP professionals who recently earned their certifications with their views on why they chose to get certified, and the benefits they received.
Scott Pethuyne, LPCÂ
Senior Analytics Solution Consultant, Zebra Technologies
LPCertified in April 2021Â
Scott Pethuyne, LPC began his career in loss prevention in 2008 working for Tween Brands as a front desk loss prevention officer. He quickly found the world of exception reporting and analytics and over the next few years moved through analyst and investigator roles including leading asset protection analytics for Ascena Retail Group and leading asset protection analytics, operations, and safety and security for DSW/Designer Brands. In April 2020, Pethuyne made the transition to Zebra Technologies to work on the Zebra Prescriptive Analytics solution.
“At this point in my career,” said Pethuyne, “I felt that LPC certification was the right choice to both formalize and reinforce my knowledge of the loss prevention industry. I also knew that it would be a signal of my commitment and passion for loss prevention to others in the industry.”
Speaking of the LPC course, Pethuyne explained, “The LPC coursework is very thorough, clearly communicated, and detailed, but it isn’t overly burdensome. It most certainly requires a commitment from the learner that makes the certification a significant accomplishment. Anyone who is currently considering obtaining their LPC shouldn’t think twice. The LPC course provides a wealth of critical knowledge and provides the opportunity to display your commitment to the industry.”
Pethuyne had some thoughts for young LP professionals just starting out in their career. “Loss prevention professionals need to be adaptable and willing to evolve. As the world in general, and retail specifically, continues to change, LP professionals can only benefit from pursuing further education like the LPC course and looking ahead to what’s next to further their own careers as well as the interests of their employers.”
Robert Sanchez, CFE, CFI, LPCÂ
Regional Asset Protection Manager, Dollar General
LPCertified in June 2021Â
Robert Sanchez, LPC was working a civilian job with a sheriff’s department in 1994 hoping it would be a springboard into law enforcement, when he was offered the opportunity to join the asset protection team at a part-time job he was also working. Not really knowing what that meant, but assuming it would entail catching shoplifters, Sanchez took the position. Afterall, he wanted to be a police officer, so it fit right in with his plans. That job, however, led Sanchez into an AP manager in training role, and he never looked back. Over his twenty-seven-year career, he has help LP roles with Montgomery Ward, Tuesday Morning, Pac Sun, and now Dollar General.
When Sanchez was asked why he decided to pursue his LPC certification at this time in his career, he explained, “It had been a while since I had taken any type of formal classes surrounding the loss prevention industry, so when I was offered the opportunity by Dollar General to take the LPC course, it was a no brainer. There’s a saying I like that goes, ‘I am the wisest, smartest person in the world because I am the first to admit I don’t know everything.’ I think it’s important to keep challenging what you know and what you think you know. I’m smart enough to realize that I don’t know everything there is about LP, so the LPC course was the perfect fit for me.”
Sanchez added, “Things are constantly changing—especially in the world of retail. Certification shows that you are at the forefront of understanding these changes. It shows that you are motivated to continue learning and investing in yourself and in your career. Remember, you have a unique fingerprint. One that no one before you has ever had and no one after you will ever have. Make sure you leave the best imprint possible in all you do.”
Newly Certified
Following are individuals who recently earned their certifications.
Recent LPC Recipients
Scott Boyd, LPC, LPQ, Fanatics
Shane Coover, LPC, Albertsons
Omar Couceiro, LPC, Target
Todd Egan, LPC, At Home Stores
James Harvey, LPC, Publix
Scott Manley, LPC, Bealls
Justin Porter, LPC, LPQ, H-E-B
Florentino Posada, LPC, James Avery Craftsman
Stephen Schlesing, LPC, Lowe’s
Kenneth Smith, LPC, Big Lots
Matthew Smith, LPC, Kittery Trading Post
Fernando Vallecillo, LPC, Walgreens
Tanner Webb, LPC, Bashas’
Recent LPQ Recipients
John Austin, LPQ, Target
Robert Brown, LPQ, Axis Communications
Kyla Burnhaueser, LPQ, Giant Food Stores
Maggie Burns, LPQ, TJX
Lucas Cummins, LPQ, Home Depot
Chad Garbrick, LPQ, The GIANT Company
Michael Graham, LPQ, Giant Martins
Matthew Hausch, LPQ, Walmart
Holly Hunt, LPQ, Dyson
Jesus Lopez, LPQ, ALTO
Dawn Louder, LPQ, Giant Martins
Timothy Maldonado, LPQ, FleetPride
Dillion Morningstar, LPQ, TJX
Scott Rudesill, LPQ, ALTO
Grant Rugar, LPQ, TJX
Jose Salas, LPQ, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Lourdes Saldana, LPQ, ALTO
Mark Sliwa, LPQ, ALTO
Charles Smith, LPQ, Giant Martins
Christina Strunk, LPQ, Giant Food Stores
Kala Stufft, LPQ, The GIANT Company
Samantha Vargas, LPQ, TJX