How Walmart is Fighting Crime

How Walmart is Fighting Crime

Wade Schillo, Senior Manager, Asset Protection – Associate Experience for Walmart, has a quick chat with TalkLP host Amber Bradley about the tools Walmart is using to help reduce crime in their stores.  With over 18,000 associates in an asset protection role, Wade chats about WHY Auror was the perfect fit for the broad generational scope of Walmart’s associates.  Wade also explains why it’s so important to input quality data about loss and how it enables Walmart to cut losses quick and create safer stores for customers and associates!

To find our more about Auror — check this out! 

Quick 2 Mins with Genetec: Making Tech Easier

Making Tech Easier

In this quick 2 minute chat TalkLP’s host Amber Bradley chats with Marc Bergeron, Business Development Manager with Genetec about how they are truly making working with technology easier — and more secure.  Marc sums up why it’s so easy to work with Genetec and the newest ways they are making it even easier!

Plus, Genetec’s newest product is all the rage: Clearance. This new cloud-based product helps manage and transfer video clips without all the thumb drives and envelopes!  How easy is that?

Find out more about Genetec and their newest product Clearance here.  For more information on Genetec, visit them here!

Here’s How to Work with HSI

Work with HSI

Ok, exactly HOW do you work with Homeland Security on your organized retail crime cases?  Check out TalkLP host Amber Bradley’s conversation with Allen Vanscoy, section chief for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) National Lead Development Center (NLDC).  Allen describes how retail ORC investigators can work with HSI and how HSI can support you through the ultimate goal of prosecution.  Allen also describes WHEN to approach HSI’s NLDC and what the next steps are to help in the investigation.  Amber and Allen also get REAL with how to truly gain HSI’s attention for your case.  This podcast is meaty – so get your notetaking method ready!

Ever thought about working for HSI?  Allen discusses how you can nab the coveted “Special Agent” title…and why I might have one already….Check it out today!

Top 10 Podcasts of 2022

Top 10 Podcasts of 2022

As another year comes to a close and we breathe a sigh of anticipation for another new year to come, it’s always fun and valuable to take a look back at the successes of 2022.  It’s also important to show gratitude to all those supporters of TalkLP thus far: THANK YOU!!

TalkLP has been blowing up with your engagement and we are so grateful for this industry!  Make sure to listen and engage in what TalkLP has to offer: our TalkLPnews APP bringing you breaking LP headlines, job alerts, solution provider info, research and more; as well as TalkLP podcasts, webinars and our Asset Protection Executive Xchange event series!

Stay plugged in by downloading the app, joining the TalkLP LinkedIn Group, and subscribing here!

Take a look at our top 10 most popular podcasts of 2022!

Number 10: “HSI Deputy Assistant Director Raul Aguilar on Fighting Back Against ORC” Deputy Assistant Director of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Raul Aguilar talks Operation Boiling Point, recent successes, what retailers can do to help, and gets a little personal with what makes him tick.  Raul goes into detail about the four pillars of Operation Boiling Point and how HSI and retailers are fighting back against organized retail crime (ORC).  Of course, Amber goes ‘unscripted’ asking Raul about current battles, recent successes, and the backbone of his career. Take a listen for a more in-depth look at HSI in this perfectly timed episode!

Number 9: “The One Test You Must Take” John Goldyn, Vice President of Loss Prevention for Gabes talks how to plan your next career move, why understanding the inventory process is SO important, and why partnering (or experiencing) business operations is critical to your career.  John also provides his “secret” job — and guess what, we all have (or should have) those secret jobs within our jobs that would help you get to where you want to be in your career!

Number 8: “Kroger Talks Tech & LPRC” TalkLP host Amber Bradley sits down with Chris McCarrick, Senior Manager, Asset Protection Solutions and Technology and Kevin Larson, Senior Manager of Asset Protection at Kroger to talk LP technologies and what’s new at the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC).  Hear what Kroger is prioritizing to ensure their technologies are working together such as Gatekeeper Systems, FaceFirst, Everseen, etc. — but how do you get the funding for these safety-critical technologies?  Hear these industry veterans walk through how they tackle this challenge!

Number 7: “Expert Duo DeSantis & Matas Talk Fighting ORC” Chris DeSantis,  Senior Director, Investigations & Fraud Strategy at Macy’s and John Matas, Head of Fraud Operations at Etsy chat with TalkLP host Amber Bradley at the recent NRF PROTECT conference about strategies for fighting organized retail crime (ORC).  Both gentlemen are respective experts in fighting ORC for a long time and they provide historical perspective including the recent media attention about the increase in this type of crime.   What’s the problem?  Decriminalization? Felony thresholds? Rouge DAs? More importantly, how do we work together to stop ORC?  Check out Chris and John’s suggestions!

Number 6: “How Not to Die on the Wrong Hill” Vice President of Safety and Loss Prevention at Domino’s, Nicole McDargh, CPP discusses how to communicate the value proposition for loss prevention teams and program investments.  She also explains why it’s so important to understanding how to NOT die on the wrong hill. Nicole gives practical advice on the key principles of making change in a new organization including your first task: knowing who to ask what questions.  And how important quick wins are both to new executives in an organization and even you veterans out there trying to excel at your current company.  Oh yeah, solution providers — Nicole explains why she’s probably the most difficult person you’ve ever pitched, and she provides the EXACT outline of how a solution provider introductory pitch should go.  Listen today to learn why you should know your target when pitching any internal program, sales prospects or even your own personal connections! You can check out Nicole’s LinkedIn profile here (and if you haven’t before you call her, that’s nuts).

Number 5: “Ring of Excellence Winner: Alisa Dart” NRF’s Ring of Excellence Winner Alisa Dart, Group Vice President of Asset Protection for the Albertsons Companies talks how she feels about why she won the award and what leadership philosophies she’s adopted over her career. [You can also learn how to correctly say Alisa’s name – A-Lisa.]  Alisa also provides some advice for those solution providers out there looking to help solve problems for retailers and grocers.

Number 4: “Want to Move Up? Get Really Good at Letting Go.” Will England, Vice President, Asset Protection, Risk Management, and Compliance at Weis Markets to discusses critical aspects of climbing the corporate ladder.  Will provides his insights from his career taking focus on the transition from single store to multi-store and then from district responsibilities to regional responsibilities.  Learning to trust your team and understanding how to let go is extremely important to transcending your current role, Will explains.  Hear how this multi-talented executive influences his team and people around him for the betterment of the organization.  Oh yeah, he also flies planes too!

Number 3: “Strategic (and Scary) Career Pivots” A pivot to a store manager? Yes, sir. TalkLP Host Amber Bradley grills Khristopher (Khris) Hamlin, Vice President, Asset Protection at Saks OFF 5th to explains why he decided to divert his climb up the asset protection ladder to obtain operations experience as a store manager.  This brave 25-year veteran describes how to he did it (and why) — including selecting his mentor and managing that relationship.  Khris also explains why it’s so important HOW you craft the message you’re trying to convey within a relatable sense to your specific audience.

Number 2: “Thinking Long term vs. Here & Now” Oscar Arango, Vice President of Assets Protection for Target talks thinking creatively about positions within your career journey and the importance of connecting to the daily challenges within a store.  Oscar also shares his thoughts on influencing store and field teams to positively impact the organization by gathering real-world information within the stores.

Number 1: “Managing Outliers to Make an Impact” How do you turn 17,000 stores on a dime?  Ken Peschier, Vice President of Asset Protection for Dollar General, joins TalkLP host Amber Bradley to discuss finding that needle in the shrink haystack and what it’s like to control the top 1 percent.  Ken explains how his excellent Asset Protection team tackles managing outliers to maximize labor while understanding operational opportunities as they solve shrink challenges.

Ken also explains his mindset to successfully manage a large political structure to accomplish his goals for the betterment of Dollar General. Ken also explains the mantra he hires by, “Hire for will, teach the skill.”   Also in closing, Ken shares his advice for solution providers coming in to pitch Dollar General (hint: visit a store).

These were the top 10 most popular, by super narrow margin, so check out the other value-packed podcasts at here.  And we totally realize we didn’t give many of the Q4 released podcasts a chance!  So don’t miss them here!

Don’t forget to download the TalkLPnews app for easy access to the podcasts and breaking loss prevention headlines constantly updating throughout the day!

Click here with your phone or scan the QR code below for easy downloading!  You can also find the TalkLPnews app wherever you find your favorite apps!

Amber & Gus Talk Legislation with NRF Experts

Trump hit US trading partners with sweeping tariffs. Some countries are prepared to hit back.

TalkLP host Amber Bradley teams up with industry veteran and owner of the D&D Daily Gus Downing to talk legislative updates with NRF experts Jon Gold, Vice President of Supply Chain & Customs Policy, Jason Straczewski, Vice President of Government Relations & Public Affairs and David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection & Retail Operations.  Amber and Gus cover what retailers need to know about the INFORM Act, where it stands today and how they can help get it over the goal line!

For more information on how to take action, retailers should visit NRF’s website here.

To learn more about HSI’s Operation Boiling point, listen to Amber’s interview with HSI’s Deputy Assistant Director Raul Aguilar here.

For breaking news headlines and mobile access to the D&D, download the TalkLPnews APP today – it’s free and no registration is required!

Subscribe to the D&D Daily here.

Why The Home Depot Utilizes ThinkLP

Home Depot Utilizes ThinkLP

TalkLP host Amber Bradley recently caught up with Rory Stallard, Sr. Manager of Asset Protection Investigations at The Home Depot at the CLEAR / FLEPRU Annual Conference.  Rory talks about how such a complex company organizes its investigations and ensures quality of information.  Rory also discusses why and how a large investigations team like his can easily transfer case information to different regions — because ORC groups don’t stay in one place!  Hear from this ORC expert about one of his favorite tools to close cases and deliver them to law enforcement.

This quick convo with Rory is sponsored by ThinkLP.  For more information on ThinkLP, check them out here!

A Quick Chat with NRF’s New VP of AP David Johnston

NRF

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with the new Vice President of Asset Protection & Retail Operations for the National Retail Federation (NRF), David Johnston, to discuss his new role at NRF and some sneak peeks at January’s BIG Show in NYC!

David also shares the most surprising part about his new role!  Check it out!  Find out more about the NRF BIG Show here. 

Is it a Tank…or a Farmer?

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer & Chief Security Officer at American Eagle Outfitters Inc. to discuss how he helped create and shape the asset protection program at American Eagle through the years and what he learned as a Army Staff Sergeant in the Marines.  Scott talks about why it’s so important to know the jobs “above and below you” and why you should NOT always offer your best ideas as soon as you have them! Are you willing to never use a great idea?  You should be – Scott discusses methodical preparation at a high level and how to always be ready for whatever situation arises.

Scott offers a ton of valuable insights to all levels of professionals in this meaty conversation — take a listen!

TalkLP & LPM/LPF

Vice President

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley welcomes Terry Sullivan, president of the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) (owner of Loss Prevention Magazine), into the TalkLP hot seat at the recent CLEAR / FLEPRU conference in Orlando.  Check out this chat about what’s new at LPF/LPM to include new training courses for law enforcement and organized retail crimes investigators, support initiatives for regional organized retail crime associations, most updated numbers on certifications, and more! Two industry organizations, TalkLP and LPF/LPM, working together to further the goal of educating this incredible loss prevention profession!  Don’t you just love this industry?  We do!!

To learn more about LPC or LPQ certifications, check them out here!  To learn more about Loss Prevention Magazine, click here!  

HSI Deputy Assistant Director Raul Aguilar on Fighting Back Against ORC

HSI Deputy Assistant Director Raul Aguilar on Fighting Back Against ORC

Deputy Assistant Director of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Raul Aguilar joins TalkLP host Amber Bradley to talk Operation Boiling Point, recent successes, what retailers can do to help, and gets a little personal with what makes him tick.  Raul goes into detail about the four pillars of Operation Boiling Point and how HSI and retailers are fighting back against organized retail crime (ORC).  Of course, Amber goes ‘unscripted’ asking Raul about current battles, recent successes, and the backbone of his career. Take a listen for a more in-depth look at HSI in this perfectly timed episode!

Per our discussion in the podcast, if you haven’t read this whitepaper from HSI, ACAMS, CLEAR, RILA, and LPM — check it out here!  Definitely worth your time to read as it covers multiple key definitions and explanations needed in the fight against ORC.

This TalkLP episode brought to you by Gatekeeper Systems.  Whether you need innovative technology to keep your shopping carts on your property or technology that keeps your employees and customers safe by apprehending your merchandise without ANY conflict, check out Gatekeeper Systems (a true quality company from the top leadership down) – here!