The Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) is a leader in educating and certifying retail loss prevention and asset protection professionals by providing relevant, convenient, and challenging educational resources. The LPF is dedicated to elevating the industry through its accredited LPQualified and LPCertified courses. For more information, visit losspreventionfoundation.org.
Josh Crippen, LPC
Senior Regional Asset Protection Manager, Whole Foods Market
LPCertified in March 2020
Josh Crippen, LPC, began his career in loss prevention and asset protection during college by working full time as an asset protection specialist at Cabela’s. After graduating from Texas State University, he became a loss prevention manager for Lowe’s. Along with his normal LP duties at Lowe’s, Crippen was given responsibility for associate and customer safety for all locations in and around Austin, Texas, and found his passion for the safety side of loss prevention. Josh now serves as the senior regional asset protection manager for Whole Foods Market.
“Early in my career I witnessed leaders in the industry earn their LPC certifications, and I noticed the rewards they gained by going through the process,” said Crippen. “I saw and experienced the effect of the knowledge they received from the course, benefitting not only them but also their teams. When I was presented with the opportunity to pursue the LPC certification, I jumped at the chance!”
“The best way I can describe it is as an at-home, self-paced, full college course. It is a truly cumulative approach to the many facets of the industry,” Crippen said of the LPC course. “It is challenging, and you must be regimented in your approach to going through the course; however, the knowledge you gain and the industry recognition you receive from earning the LPC certification make the work you put in so worth it.”
Crippen had some thoughts for those considering pursuing their LPC certification, “Find a mentor. There are so many great leaders in our industry that have been where you are and who are more than happy to help you along the way. Get involved with the Loss Prevention Foundation community. There, you will find like- minded LP professionals who are committed to driving growth and development in the profession and who are fostering open dialogue with others in the industry. Use those resources to your advantage.”
“The loss prevention and asset protection industry is constantly evolving,” continued Crippen. “Make sure you have a hunger to learn and that you can adapt to change. Raise your hand often, be relentlessly positive and proactive, don’t hesitate to seek support from others, and always, always work to serve those around you.”
Greg Dupuy, LPQ
Market Asset Protection Manager, Meijer
LPQualified in October 2020
Greg DePuy, LPQ, thought he was going to be a police officer. After completing the police academy and while applying for positions at area departments, Greg realized he needed an interim job and applied to Meijer. He was given the opportunity there to be a part-time store detective, and he never looked back. Greg is now a market asset protection manager with Meijer.
When DePuy was asked why he decided to pursue his LPQ certification at this time, he said, “Meijer has made a commitment to continuing education. Twenty managers and team leaders were provided LPQ or LPC course scholarships recently, and I was fortunate enough to be a recipient. I’ve been in the retail loss prevention and asset protection industry for almost thirty years, but I strive to seize any opportunity to learn and develop myself. Certification provides professional credibility and sets the standards and expectations for the LP and AP industry.
“The LPQ course was more involved and detailed than I expected. One thing that stood out to me was the attention to the financial impact of retail and how the numbers relate to our profession. The coursework helps LP and AP professionals speak the same language as our business partners in operations, which allows us to be far more influential and effective.”
He concluded, “I’ve been in the industry for a while, and many of the things we do are simply because we have always done them. Providing the reasons why is crucial when training and hiring the next generation of LP and AP professionals. The LPQ course does just that; it explains the why as it is geared toward the practical application of knowledge rather than just knowledge. The LPQ certification provides professional credibility that raises the expectations for those in our field.”
Newly Certified
Following are individuals who recently earned their certifications.
Recent LPC Recipients
Robert Agee, LPC, TJX
Lesa Allen, LPC, TJX
Hedgie Bartol, LPQ, LPC, Axis Communications
Jason Bridge, LPC, TJX
Erin Escobar, LPC, Staples
Brad Finch, LPC, TJX
Raquel Flores-Shippey, LPC, AT&T
Ronald Foss, LPC, Albertsons
Jeremy Gehrke, LPC, Home Depot
William Hedspeth, LPQ, LPC, Walmart
Caleb Hussong, LPQ, LPC, Goodwill Industries of Seattle
Jacquline Jakubowski, LPQ, LPC, Festival Foods
Alexandria Jeffery, LPC, Rite Aid
Carolyn Jennette, LPC, TJX
Anjelica Kendrick, LPC, John Lewis PLC (UK)
Justin Kettel, LPC, Victoria’s Secret
Casey Kwasigroch, LPC
Eugene Mayba, LPQ, LPC, Festival Foods
Thomas Reagor, LPC, CPP, CFE, Walgreens
Jean Shawlis, LPC, TJX
Mellisa Slavik, LPC, Amazon
Korey Smith, LPC, Ascena Retail Group
Randy Vasser, LPC, Home Depot
Erin Walker-DeCastro, LPC, Rite Aid
Marcus Young, LPC, United Supermarkets
Recent LPQ Recipients
Daniel Adams, LPQ, Security Industry Specialist
William Allen, LPQ, The Grocery People
Shannon Ansell, LPQ, Whole Foods Market
John Bradford, LPQ, Home Depot
Michael Conley, LPQ, Axis Communications
Gerald Connors, LPQ, AT&T
Lawrence Curka, LPQ, Fanatics
Ricardo Eastman, LPQ, TJX
Julius Garcia, LPQ, TJX
David Gibson, LPQ, TJX
Joshua Grabel, LPQ, TJX
Christopher Hallam, LPQ, ALTO
Sean Harper, LPQ, Ralph Lauren
Michael Hawkins, LPQ, Home Depot
Joachim Henze, LPQ, Home Depot
Hallie Hunziker, LPQ, University of Indianapolis
Byron Iverson, LPQ, Goodwill Industries of Seattle
Kailey Kopus, LPQ
Justin Lee, LPQ, Goodwill Industries of Seattle
Bronwyn Libeer, LPQ, TJX
James Magdaleno, LPQ, Home Depot
Matthew McBride, LPQ, Envysion
Sean Michelson, LPQ, TJX
Tressa Mira, LPQ, TJX
Eric Moore, LPQ, Home Depot
Derek Mute, LPQ, Home Depot
Connor Pease, LPQ, TJX
Jennifer Press, LPQ, Whole Foods Market
Marcos Rodriguez, LPQ, ALTO
Ramiro Rosales III, LPQ, Ralph Lauren
Teresa Selleck, LPQ, 7-Eleven
Blake Steele, LPQ, TJX
David Wickerham, LPQ, CST Solutions Group