The LPM “Magpie” Awards offer 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 reflects 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
Fred Mullen, Vice President/Director of Loss Prevention, HomeGoods/Homesense, TJX Companies
Fred Mullen began his career as a security officer for Marshalls distribution center in 1978, forging his own career path and taking on positions with increasing responsibility ever since. He was promoted to vice president, director of LP for HomeGoods stores in 2004, assuming additional responsibility in 2017 with the addition of Homesense, TJX Companies’ newest home furnishings business.
“It’s important that every LP industry leader support their teams with standards for excellence, embracing the true value of the LP role,” said Mullen. “First, we must have personal integrity, building the confidence and trust necessary for relationships and the ability to lead others. A leader must also be an effective motivator who carefully listens, pays attention to details, and prepares others with information, feedback, and constructive criticism-if you can’t teach and motivate, you can’t lead. Finally, a true leader must have the courage to speak up and be heard, influencing others to make the right decisions.”
Mullen also feels that young leaders shouldn’t be afraid to take “intelligent risks.” While leaders may manage and engage their teams in different ways, it’s important that every leader learns from mentors and others along the way, shaping the characteristics that fit who they are to fashion their own leadership success.
“Be resilient and don’t let mistakes or failures stop you from achieving big results,” he said. “Learn from your mistakes and make the necessary changes to achieve success. Don’t be afraid or resistant to change. Loss prevention is evolving every day. Embrace the enormous capabilities offered through technology and information resources, and manage change as necessary to help all of us successfully move forward.”
Excellence in Partnerships
Kris Vece, LPQ, Director of Client Relations, Protos Security
Kris Vece has been a security and investigations industry professional since 2004 and joined Protos Security in 2015. With a staff of seven client account managers under her direction, she is responsible for all aspects of sales and client relations at Protos. Through relationships cultivated over the years and a dedicated focus on excellence, Vece has earned a reputation as an outstanding partner and industry expert. She is an active member of the Loss Prevention Foundation, International Association of Interviewers (IAI), and the New Jersey Food Council. She has continued to show her dedication to the industry by completing her LPQualified certification and is currently enrolled in the LPCertified certification program.
“When building business partnerships, I feel that the most important trait that a solution provider can possess is honesty,” said Vece. “Honesty is critical to building trust with people. Without trust there is no true relationship and no gateway to genuine solutions. You have to listen to what people are saying and together arrive at solutions that are authentic and amicable for everyone.
“However, if you really want to build successful relationships with your business partners, you really need to educate yourself about the industry you work in-and then get involved. Contributing to the loss prevention industry and taking the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way lets people know that you care. Never sell yourself short on what you are capable of doing. I have seen so many young people do extraordinary things in the loss prevention industry. It makes me very proud to belong to this elite group of individuals.”
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.com.