With 26 years in the Loss Prevention industry, Gary began his career in 1999 as an in-store loss prevention officer for several major retailers, including Safeway. In 2008, he advanced to his first multi-store role as a District Loss Prevention Manager for a major Canadian fashion retailer, overseeing stores across Western Canada. Over the years, Gary has gained experience in various District and Regional Loss Prevention roles with multiple large retailers. In May 2023, he joined the Sobeys Loss Prevention Team, responsible for all Sobeys banner stores in the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario market.
Known for his outside-the-box thinking, Gary uses his extensive experience to build strong partnerships with store teams and senior leadership, offering valuable support to address operational challenges. After joining Sobeys, he quickly recognized concerns from staff and senior management regarding employee safety and the increasing external theft and violence in the Winnipeg market. This prompted him to focus on developing stronger partnerships with law enforcement and community resources.
In August 2023, Gary, along with his Loss Prevention partner, began participating in the monthly Retail Council of Canada’s Manitoba Loss Prevention working group calls. After the first call, Gary initiated an in-person meeting with a key law enforcement member to discuss ways to improve employee safety and address the growing retail crime issue in Winnipeg. This effort resulted in a collaborative partnership between the Winnipeg Police Service’s Property Crimes Unit, local retailers, and community organizations. These quarterly meetings continue to explore solutions to combat retail crime in the area.
Gary’s leadership and advocacy have made him a strong voice in the Manitoba Loss Prevention Working Group. He also played a key role in organizing and hosting Manitoba’s first Retail Safety and Security Conference in October 2024, which brought together industry professionals and law enforcement to discuss strategies for addressing retail crime and enhancing public safety across the region.