In 2024, 78 flooring professionals received the Certified Installation Manager (CIM) designation. FCICA is proud of the CIM Program as an important educational training program and resource. Since it was launched in 2015, over 470 industry professionals have enrolled in the Program. 

One recently named CIM is Hayley Forcade, Project Manager with Diverzify National Accounts. Hayley answers the CIM Spotlight questionnaire in this Flooring Contractor magazine feature. 

What does your current position entail?

As a national project manager, I oversee the entire project lifecycle, from conception and site visits through to closure and maintenance follow-ups. Acting as the “glue” that connects customers, installers, vendors, and my team, I ensure that all parties have the necessary resources for a seamless project experience. I track installations daily by way of innovative technology as a remote worker, providing timely updates to customers through photos and reports of their locations. Additionally, I manage material orders in the absence of a physical warehouse. I have developed strategic solutions for optimizing delivery schedules and have cultivated partnerships with dependable logistics providers to ensure efficient inventory management and smooth operations. With my focus on customer experience, I prioritize building strong relationships with our national network of installers.

Why become a Certified Installation Manager?

As I have 2 years of experience in this industry, and a lifetime of learning left, the opportunity to distinguish myself as someone dedicated to continued education was crucial. The CIM training brought light to areas of this industry that I am still a novice in. I value daily learning, new technology, and innovative experiences. Proudly stating that I am a Certified Installation Manager does not just tell my clients that I am dedicated to offering the best possible, it shows them. Tomorrow is an opportunity to learn from today.

How did you end up in flooring?

By accident and family. I was looking to transition from restaurant management, into a more secure role after the pandemic in 2020. My father has worked in the industry for over 30 years and encouraged me to look into what I could do within the flooring world. I firmly stand by the fact that high level restaurant workers are capable of transferring all of their soft skills into any construction field. Customer experience is the most important factor in both industries after all!

What inspires you?

Young people, especially installers, project managers, superintendents, who I have the opportunity to engage with daily. Finding other 20-somethings in our industry has bolstered my community and network in empowering ways. Seeing the success and achievements in a new generation of our industry gives me such great joy. The wisdom of previous generations, moving into success for the younger generation is what is foundationally needed to keep this vibrant community moving forward.

Learn About the CIM Program - FCICA's educational certification, the CIM Program, is a professional educational program and the only certification program available to floor-covering installation project managers. A recognized flooring industry designation, the CIM Program was specifically created for the commercial flooring installation manager. The CIM Program provides video training modules led by industry experts who speak from years of floor covering experience. Paired with assessments to confirm the educational training gained, the modules enhance the qualified flooring professional’s core skill set, experience and knowledge base necessary to successfully manage commercial flooring projects. Individuals who reach this level of expertise are distinguished by the certified installation manager – CIM designation.

CIMs are required to earn 30 hours of continuing education credits every 3 years. Educational credits can be earned via webinars, in-person industry events, onsite training programs – both offered by FCICA or other flooring industry resources. The Program consists of 8 modules:

• Utilizing the Estimate to Establish
• Manage Installation Costs and Planning the Job.
• Understanding Contractual Obligations
• Scheduling and Assigning Resources for Installation
• Managing On-site Conditions
• Managing Change Orders On-site
• Financial Management; Budget vs. Actual
• Closing Out the Job

Contact info@fcica.com to learn more about the CIM Program and start the enrollment process.

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