About Me

In 2007, Erik Payne will graduate from the first and only four-year Concrete Industry Management (CIM) degree program in the United States, offered at Middle Tennessee State University. The program is a joint effort between MTSU's School of Engineering Technology & Industrial Studies and leaders in the concrete industry. Throughout the course of his studies, Payne has not only learned a wealth of information about concrete technology and techniques, but also valuable business and people skills.

Payne's interest in the concrete industry began as early as high school, when he read his first blueprints and place forms and learned to finish concrete in the field. Today, Payne is a registered student member of the American Concrete Industry (ACI) and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Industry (PCI) organizations. He has completed research using such American Standard Testing Materials as freeze thaw, standard cylinder and beam testing, average residual strength and standard plastic properties. He is a certified ACI Level 1 Field Technician and an ACI Grade 1 Flatwork Technician.

Payne's commitment to this industry has only solidified as he works to complete his bachelor's degree. His dedication is evidenced by his volunteer work as a CIM research assistant at MTSU where he supervised the undergraduate concrete laboratory and achieved Proctor ACI Level 1 certification for students.

In addition to the extensive training directly related to his field of study, Payne also specializes in sales and marketing and is proficient in Microsoft Office systems, as well as Partner and Marshall Software. While supporting himself financially through college, Payne worked in the restaurant business where he learned invaluable customer service and training skills and was revered by his employer and co-workers who voted him "Most Valuable Employee" at one time. Payne is an enthusiastic and hard-working