CIM Spotlight 

A core tenet of FCICA is education. The Certified Installation Manager (CIM) Program is FCICA's industry certification, a professional educational program and the only certification program available to floor-covering installation project managers.

The CIM Program consists of 8 video modules presented by industry experts who speak from years of floor covering experience. Viewing the CIM modules is actually only the first part of the Program. The second being the requirement to earn CEUs to maintain one's CIM designation. Like any certification program within an industry, earning continuing education units or credits, is required. Once a candidate completes the CIM Program, he/she must earn 30 CEUs every 3 years. Credits fall under a number of different categories:  Business, Installation, Moisture Mitigation, Polished Concrete, Standards - to name few. 

FCICA is proud of the CIM Program as an important educational training program and resource. Since it was launched in 2015, over 500 industry professionals have enrolled in the Program. 

One long-standing CIM, is Jeremy Prather, Director of Production at Profloors in Atlanta, GA. Jeremy completed the CIM Program in October 2019. He is now starting his 3rd 3-year CEU earning period - and remains a committed CIM and advocate. 

Jeremy answers the CIM Spotlight questionnaire in this CIM Spotlight Feature. 

How did you enter the flooring industry field?

I have been in flooring, in some capacity, all my life. My Dad was an installer; so early on, I was helping carry materials and in and out of customers' homes. Later in life, I realized how much I enjoyed the mix of problem-solving, fast-paced projects and working with people. What started as just having fun turned into a long-term career because I connected with the work and the people behind it.

What does your current position entail?

I oversee all production operations including project management, field management, warehouse operations and subcontractor coordination. My role is to make sure schedules, quality, communication and workflows stay aligned so our teams can deliver successful projects start to finish.

Why become a Certified Installation Manager?

I wanted a credential that represented professionalism and real industry knowledge. The CIM Program gave me a deeper foundation to lead teams, support installers and bring a higher standard to the projects I manage.

Has there been an instance the CIM training helped you with a project? 

Absolutely. There have been multiple times where the CIM structure helped me approach complex situations, especially around documentation, jobsite communication and substrate preparation. Having that framework makes it easier to navigate challenges and keep projects on track.

What inspires you about your work in the flooring industry? 

I’m inspired by helping teams succeed and watching a project come together from planning to completion. Seeing people grow, solving problems and delivering something we can be proud of is what keeps me motivated.

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.