CIM Graduates

CIM Graduate

Natalie Martin

School: Middle Tennessee State University

Graduation Date: Class 2016

Employer: Cresset Chemical Company

“This program helped me grow into a smart, confident and strong woman in the concrete industry. I graduated with seven job offers and became a motivational speaker. Having a strong knowledge base and a passion for concrete has taken me far in my short five-year career.”

Which CIM program did you graduate from and in which year?
I graduated from the CIM program at Middle Tennessee State University in 2016. I am currently a technical sales manager at Cresset Chemical Company and serve as the vice president of the CIM Patrons board as well as the chair for the CIM outreach committee. I also speak at high schools in Tennessee to recruit new CIM students.

How did you get involved with the CIM program?
I was a nontraditional student at a local community college when I met Dr. Heather Brown. With her encouragement, and after meeting Sally Victory and Nicole Green, I knew I would get the support I needed to succeed in the CIM program. This program helped me grow into a smart, confident and strong woman in the concrete industry. I graduated
with seven job offers and became a motivational speaker. Having a strong knowledge base and a passion for concrete has taken me far in my short five-year career.

Tell us about your first job experience after graduation.
The first company I worked for after graduation was Stalite Lightweight Aggregates and I was their third CIM hire. They knew that our knowledge base of concrete mix design and quality control certifications would make us great technical sales representatives. From day one, we were able to help customers in their labs and on jobsites.

What benefits do you think CIM graduates bring to companies?
From my experience, I was very quick to learn company products, organize customer lists, build relationships, and make sales. My current employer, Cresset Chemical Company, has also benefitted from the networks I built as a student with associations like ACI, NRMCA and ASCC.

What are your thoughts about the industry/academic partnership between CIM and its industry partners and Patrons?
I am so proud that the industry started and continues to strongly support the CIM program. This goes further than raising funds. Any CIM student or graduate can contact an industry leader for advice and support no matter who they work for. When I graduated, I had a list of Patrons and industry people to contact if needed. To this day, anytime I
need help solving a problem, I reach for my CIM contact list to get the assistance I need. I don’t know many degree programs and industries that continue to support you after graduation.