LPM EXCELLENCE
LPM “Magpie” Awards: Applauding Excellence
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
John Voytilla, SVP of Operational Excellence for Construction, Facilities, LP, Safety, Procurement, and Project Management, Party City “Driving shrink down and saving millions of dollars for an organization is fun and exciting,” said Voytilla. “But having the opportunity to hire, train, and build great teams is the most rewarding part of the business. Seeing individuals that I’ve had the privilege to lead, now leading strong organizations and becoming leaders in the industry—that’s what I cherish the most.” Voytilla started his LP career as a store detective to help with college expenses. Nearing graduation, he accepted an LP manager role with Gold Circle Stores, which led to multistore roles with TJ Maxx and Montgomery Ward. He later accepted his first director position with OfficeMax. “I learned what it meant to have a vision for building an organization and helping the company grow, becoming an officer of the company and having the privilege to lead the loss prevention and safety programs through two mergers in the process.” Two years ago, Voytilla joined Party City to build an in-house professional LP organization while assuming additional responsibility for construction, facilities, procurement, and project management. Voytilla also believes in contributing to the industry in other ways. He’s been very active with the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC), currently serving on the Board of Advisors (BOA) and previously serving as chairman of the BOA from 2014 to 2017. He also served as a member of the National Retail Federation LP Council for a number of years. “To be a true leader in the industry, you must have integrity, humility, relentless focus, and be disciplined in all aspects of the business,” he said. “Don’t focus on a title. It’s more important to learn all the different areas of your company and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. Volunteer for stretch assignments and be a learner. When you make a mistake, own it and move on. Finally, as a leader you need to listen to those closest to the work. They’ll provide you unfiltered feedback—you just need to ask for it.”
Excellence in Partnerships and Community Service John Tabor, Senior Vice President, National Retail Systems
“When building business partnerships, listening and learning are the two most critical pieces,” said Tabor. “Whether it’s listening to customers’ needs, understanding our employer’s expectations, or listening to the employees themselves, there’s a lot of great talent with wonderful ideas that can lead to substantive change within an organization. Also, ongoing learning is critical. When you think there’s nothing more you can learn, that’s pretty much career suicide. Not allowing individuals at all levels of the organization to get out and network is probably one of the worst management decisions that a leader can make. It creates a glass ceiling for the employee.” For those working their way up the career ladder, Tabor stresses the importance of communication. “Just about every leadership tool we end up putting in our toolbox is something we’ve learned from someone else,” he said. “Too often today we see people’s eyes buried in their cell phones. No one is talking anymore. Having the ability and humility to communicate, understand, and have compassion is essential.” That same compassion and understanding has served Tabor well in his personal life. He has served as a volunteer fireman in his hometown for more than thirty years, acting as a first responder at Ground Zero during the events of 9/11. He sits on a board working with children born with Down syndrome, recognizing those who make a difference, and providing learning tools that will help them reach their full potential. He assists with autism awareness groups, Homes for Heroes, and cancer-recovery initiatives. Most recently, he was involved in a fundraiser following a fatal New Jersey school bus crash, which took place in his hometown. “I cannot say enough about the importance of getting involved and supporting your community,” he said. “Volunteering can be a life-changing experience. I’ve always loved giving back, coaching, helping with events, and so forth. Being able to contribute gives me great pride and a sense of fulfillment like nothing else.”
Nominate Your Peers at Excellence@LPportal.com 30
MAY–JUNE 2019
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LOSSPREVENTIONMEDIA.COM
