The CIM Executive MBA Program has made a tremendous impact on my career. Currently, I am the Director of Safety and Assistant QC/QA and Operations Manager at Capitol Ready Mix in Springfield, Illinois. Our company operates three plants across two sites and my responsibilities are multifaceted. As the Director of Safety, I oversee both driver and plant safety, conduct inspections, develop training programs and ensure all employees meet certification requirements. On the quality side, I ensure our materials comply with State of Illinois specifications through weekly testing and field evaluations. Additionally, I assist with dispatch operations and batching concrete, and help maintain order flow. One of my recent accomplishments includes securing National Ready Mixed Concrete Association certifications for our plants to produce Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), contributing to our sustainability goals.

Pursuing the CIM Executive MBA was an easy decision for me. After completing my undergraduate studies at Illinois College, I knew I wanted to earn an MBA. Learning about the CIM program at an Illinois Ready Mixed Concrete Association meeting piqued my interest. Unlike traditional MBA programs, the CIM Executive MBA tailored its curriculum to the concrete industry, perfectly aligning with my passion and professional goals. This program gave me the skills to manage business operations effectively while deepening my expertise in the concrete industry. The program not only gave me the knowledge needed to effectively operate a business, but it also targeted material toward the concrete industry, which is where my true passion lies.

One significant benefit of this MBA program was the opportunity to directly apply coursework to my full-time job. For example, a class on environmental impacts introduced me to EPD certifications, which have since become a key initiative at Capitol. Additionally, the program broadened my professional network, connecting me with influential mentors and industry peers who share similar goals.

If you are passionate about the concrete industry, I highly recommend the CIM Executive MBA program. This program has enriched both my career and my understanding of the industry I love.