CIM Graduate
Souriwong Kayasith
School: Middle Tennessee State University
Graduation Date: 2013
Employer: Hilcon, LLC
“This program allowed me to learn concepts but did not require that I sit in a classroom all day. CIM was a perfect combination of classwork and hands-on experience, which is a good introduction to the concrete industry.”
Souriwong Kayasith is a graduate of the CIM program at Middle Tennessee State University in 2013. As a superintendent at Hilcon, LLC – a concrete subcontracting firm servicing Charlotte, NC - Souriwong is responsible for managing commercial projects including strip malls, grocery stores and hotels. His varied and diverse duties include manpower and material management as well as scheduling concrete deliveries. He is also responsible for predicting work for the week as well as tracking time and cost. “Hilcon is a smaller, growing company,” said Kayasith. “I know the owners personally and this has allowed me to have a voice in the management of the company. I chose to work for Hilcon because I genuinely enjoy construction. I love seeing a structure become an actual building. This gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.”
“I chose the CIM program primarily because I am someone who loves to work with my hands,” said Kayasith. “This program allowed me to learn concepts but did not require that I sit in a classroom all day. CIM was a perfect combination of classwork and hands-on experience, which is a good introduction to the concrete industry.” Continues Kayasith, “I was further drawn to the program because the professors and faculty are so passionate about the subject.”
When asked how the CIM program prepared Kayasith for his current job responsibilities, he replied, “CIM gave me a strong, solid foundation in concrete. Once I had field experience, I was able to use the background knowledge I learned from my coursework and apply it which allowed me to grow in my role at my job. Along with hard work and dedication, I was able to move up to where I am today.”
Souriwong’s advice:
Work hard and apply what you learn in class, but also listen to those around you. In this industry, the education never stops.