Meet RLPSA’s newest Board Member, Ken Gladney, CFI in this revealing and inspiring interview:
- What is your greatest quality/strength you are best known for?
My integrity and self-discipline. I know that sounds a bit like a cliché, but as a Marine we are taught to take great pride in our integrity and discipline and, I do that both professionally and personally.
- What would you consider to be your area of expertise?
This is an interesting question. I think at different stages of my career I considered myself an expert in different facets of the business. For instance; when I was a robbery investigator that was my area of expertise. Now, at this point of my career, and having touched and learned so much about the business of retail, I would consider operations to by my area of expertise.
- What is your greatest professional achievement?
That would be my professional diversity. I have been very fortunate to be able apply my skills and expertise to work in various retail segments in the industry.
- What about RLPSA inspired you to accept a Board position?
I was actually inspired to accept by our Board President David Johnston. What led me was the fact that I was impressed with the organization, and the need for a unique organization like this that targets just restaurants. If you think in terms of comparison to brick and mortar retails, there are as many restaurants as there are brick and mortar retail stores.
- What are you looking forward to accomplishing while serving on the RLPSA Board?
I hope that my experience, my knowledge, and my career diversity can bring a different viewpoint to the organization that will assist in the continued growth of the organization.
- What advice would you give a new LP professional as they launch their new career?
Learn the business! There is more to retail Loss Prevention other than catching bad guys. Don’t become one dimensional or singular focused. Yes, catching bad guys is what we do. However, I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to see the evolution of our industry and profession to where we are now. We are valued and have a seat at the table to discuss the business on other terms other than the amount of bad guys that were caught.
- What is your educational background?
I actually went to college, twice. After high school, I went to Jr. College to pursue a career in football. Well, after realizing the NFL was not in my immediate future I left school and worked as a body guard, and club bouncer before enlisting in the U.S. Marines. However, in 2014 I completed my BA Degree in Criminal Justice from American Military University.
- What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Wow! How long do I have? The majority of my off work time is spent coaching youth sports, and watching my 11-year-old son play baseball and football. Also, I have an 18-year-old college freshman that teaches me things now. I enjoy cooking for my wife and boys, as well as perfecting my Texas BBQ skills. As a family we love attending Rangers and Cowboys games, amusement parks, and motor sports. My “me” time is working in my yard, and playing golf.
- If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
As corny as this may sound, I’m happy right where I am. Whether it’s at the office, on the ball field, or on my patio cooking. I just enjoy wherever I am.
- What is your favorite book?
Anything by the late Tom Clancy. I really liked the Jack Ryan and John Clark characters.
- Who are your heroes/role models?
My role model is my Uncle Al for a number of reasons, but most importantly his lessons of how to be a good man, and a good father.
- If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why?
To fly. I hate traffic.
- What keeps you up at night?
Too much to list here. But, this would be a great topic for a conference break out.
