inventory association | National Inventory Certification Association

07 Jun 2017

NICA Member in Virginia Achieves CIS Designation

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Mike Visgauss for achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist.

The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Mike Visgauss, owner of Visgauss Consulting LLC, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms his knowledge to provide quality residential and small business contents professional inventory services.

To earn this certification, Visgauss passed specified courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated a required number of Continuing Education Units. He then passed the certification exam, which is the final step in achieving this designation.

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider.

Achieving certification is not required for the contents inventory professional. Choosing to invest in continuing education shows Mike’s desire to learn the industry and let his clients know that he has gone the extra mile to ensure he provides quality inventory services. He states, “My 20 years as a Claim Superintendent for a major insurance company and over 16 years as a multi-line insurance agent provides a great foundation to begin my inventory business.”

Visgauss specialized in Homeowners and Commercial Property Insurance. He holds a Consultants and Producers License in Virginia. Focusing on the contents inventory industry, he recently added his Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS) designation to his list of achievements. Mike previously earned a Master in Business Administration degree, the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation, and is a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Based in Alexandria, Visgauss Consulting offers residential and business asset inventory services to the geographic areas of Alexandria, Northern Virginia, Long Island, and New York City.. For more information about Visgauss Consulting, visit http://www.vcllc.us.

04 Jan 2017

Collections Inventory Course Authored by Home Inventory Professional

NICA member authored a course for the National Inventory Certification Association’s Continuing Education Program.

The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) recently released an online, self-directed course, titled Collections Inventory. Extending the Continuing Education Program curriculum, this course was written by Tricia Hoekwater, Certified member of NICA and owner of Uniquely Yours Digital Solutions.

The association seeks to provide continuing education for members and others in the industry. The growing trend of having valuables and collectibles documented encouraged the creation of the Collections Inventory course. Often business and residential clients are not seeking an inventory of all their assets, but want to have an itemized inventory of their collectibles, such as figurines, stamps, weapons, artwork, books, sports memorabilia, etc. Others who choose to hire a home inventory professional to document all the belongings in their home also want the collectibles documented item-by-item, which is a more specialized service.

Collections Inventory Course

Cindy Hartman, Managing Director of NICA, stated, “Tricia is a member of the association and has extensive experience in providing itemized inventories for client’s collectibles. I was pleased when she agreed to share her experience and knowledge with the entire industry by authoring this course.” Topics include the purposes for collections inventories, examples of how to document specific types of collectibles, process strategies, and how to market a collections inventory service. Creating a collections inventory can be overwhelming. This course breaks it down into manageable steps to ensure a quality result for the client.

Hoekwater views her membership in NICA as an opportunity to serve the asset inventory industry. She explained, “I always strive to provide the best service to my clients, which is why I became a Certified Inventory Specialist. NICA is a resource for continued learning, which has helped me grow professionally and financially. Writing this course gave me the opportunity to help fellow home inventory professionals pursue this specialty.”

In addition to providing comprehensive home inventory, collections inventory, decluttering, photo archiving, and paper management services, Tricia speaks to senior and community groups on the topics of Home Inventory, DeCluttering, Digital Legacy, and Digital Photo Libraries. For more information, call 925.206.0103 or visit Uniquely Yours Digital Solutions.

Click on this link to purchase the online, self-directed Collections Inventory course, which is available on the NICA website.

07 Dec 2016

Ohio Personal Property Inventory Professional Achieves Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Gina Wagner for achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist.

The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Gina Wagner, owner of Wagner’s Inventory Services LLC in Brooklyn, Ohio, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms her knowledge to provide quality residential and small business contents inventory services.

To earn this certification, Wagner passed specified continuing education courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated a required number of Continuing Education Units. There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider.

Achieving certification is not required for the contents inventory professional. By choosing to invest in continuing education shows Wagner’s desire to learn the industry and let her clients know that she has gone the extra mile to ensure she provides quality inventory services. Wagner explained, “I believe in serving clients with professionalism and excellence. Having achieved my CIS designation helps show my dedication to my clients, my company, and the industry.”

Mike Hartman, Executive Director of NICA, said, “I was impressed the first time I met Gina. You can hear her excitement about this industry in her voice. Having narrowly missed a house fire really drove the need for an inventory home to her. She now is on a crusade to teach others of the need for this service.” We are pleased to have her as a certified member of our association.”

Based in Brooklyn, Ohio, Wagner’s Inventory Services offers residential and business asset inventory services to the Cleveland Metro Area and all of Northeast Ohio.

14 Nov 2016

How Do You Price Your Home Inventory Service?

This is a question often asked, especially by a new business owner. As an association for the home inventory industry, we don’t advise on this topic because it is really a personal preference. There are a variety of ways home inventory professionals charge. The common practices are hourly, by the square footage, and packaged pricing. Many use a combination of these and other options, depending on each individual job, as they prepare to price their service.

Recently, a new member asked this question recently, so we offered to survey our members. To make it easy for you to answer (if you choose to), we created this one-question survey. Your input and guidance will be appreciated, and will remain anonymous unless you choose to include your name on the survey.

Here is the link.

Thank you for your input!

06 Jun 2016

NICA Member Tricia Hoekwater Authors Project Management Course

NICA member Tricia Hoekwater, certified in Project Management and Asset Inventory, authored the Project Management Course for the home inventory industry’s Continuing Education Program.

PRESS RELEASE – It is imperative that the National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) contract with qualified authors to create online, self-directed courses for the Continuing Education Program. The most recently released course, Project Management, was created by Tricia Hoekwater, a member of NICA, who is certified as a Project Management Professional, a Certified Inventory Specialist, and owner of Uniquely Yours Digital Solutions.

“We thought it would be difficult to locate someone with experience in both the Project Management and the Home Inventory sectors, who also has the writing skills required to create a quality course. We are very fortunate to find this in one of our certified members,” NICA Managing Director, Cindy Hartman said. With the asset inventory industry mind, Hoekwater included examples of how specific steps throughout the project can be applied specifically to personal property inventory projects. However, the course is written with the intent to serve any professional who seeks to gain the knowledge required to manage projects that will help ensure a successful result.

Tricia earned her PMP certification in 2008 from the Project Management Institute. Prior to achieving certification, she studied Project Management at U.C. Berkeley and received an honors certificate in Project Management. Tricia shared her background by stating, “I have worked as a Project Manager since the late 90’s in a variety of industries including law, telecom, digital media consulting, direct sales, and the cruise industry.” She used the certification professionally in website development, facilities management, marketing projects, and most recently as an Inventory Professional in the San Francisco Bay area.

What ended up merging these two interests began in 2006 when Hoekwater experienced a home robbery. She practiced as an inventory professional indirectly when she had to put her project management skills to work.Tricia explained, “I had to identify what was lost, create an items lost inventory for insurance and the police report, and then subsequently, created an inventory of my personal assets where none existed before.”

In 2008 during the weak economy, Hoekwater lost her project management position and was unable to find replacement work in the private sector. She discovered an 11-week mini-MBA program (Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment) and launched her home inventory business 30 days after graduation.

Many home and business inventory professionals fear taking on a large inventory project due to a lack of knowledge in tackling a multi-unit or multi-property opportunity. As an inventory professional, Hoekwater uses her project management skills to assist in identifying her clients’ needs, developing the contract and managing her team of onsite and back-end support – all necessary to successfully complete a project.

Hoekwater sees the value in continuing education, which encouraged her to accept the course-writing project. She concluded, “In an ongoing quest to provide the best service to my clients, I became a Certified Inventory Specialist. Having NICA as a resource for continued learning has been so gratifying to me and helped me grow professionally and financially. My business has always been about helping people document their assets, minimize paper, and have an organized system for tracking their assets. Writing this course gave me the opportunity to assist others in this industry.”

In addition to Home Inventory services, Tricia speaks to senior and community groups on the topics of Home Inventory, DeCluttering, Digital Legacy, and Digital Photo Libraries.

The online, self-directed Project Management course will be available by mid-June on the Professional Development page of the NICA website.

04 May 2016

South Carolina Inventory Professional Achieves Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Donna Courtney of Courtney Inventory for achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Donna Courtney, owner of Courtney Inventory in Little River, South Carolina, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation through the NICA confirms her knowledge to provide quality residential and small business contents inventory services.

Explaining why she invested in certification, Courtney said, “As a licensed insurance agent for 30 years, I earned various designations which enabled me to stay engaged and knowledgeable about the insurance industry. Continuing education is extremely important to me, which is what encouraged me to earn the CIS designation. This helps show my clients that I have taken the extra steps to be a leader in my industry.”

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider. Choosing to achieve certification shows residential and commercial clients and potential clients that Courtney is a dedicated professional.

Mike Hartman, Executive Director of NICA, shared that “coming from the insurance profession that requires certification and continuing education, Donna is aware of the importance of certification. Her professional background solidifies that education is essential when you want to put the client first.”

A requirement for certification and membership with NICA is to agree to conduct business according to the established industry Code of Ethics. Based in South Carolina, Courtney Inventory provides residential and commercial asset inventory services in the state of South Carolina and Southeast North Carolina.

16 Mar 2016

California Inventory Professional Achieves Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Pam Simpson for achieving designation as a Certified Inventory Specialist.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Pam Simpson, co-owner of Take Stock, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms her knowledge to provide quality residential and small business contents inventory services.

Take Stock launched in early 2016, established due to the losses Ms. Simpson observed over the past two years. “The South Napa Earthquake in 2014 and the Lake County ‘Valley Fire’ in 2015 encourage me to think about providing this service. The Lake County fire burned 77,000 acres and destroyed over 300 homes, leaving personal friends to rebuild their lives, Pam stated.

Bringing the knowledge and need for a home inventory even more personal, Simpson’s brother dealt with the insurance company, displacement, and rebuilding after a fire destroyed his home in April 2015. She stated, “The home was a total loss and the entire process was overwhelming the family. We watched helplessly as they struggled to recall their entire house only to get pennies on the dollar from the insurance company.”

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge creates a greater demand for a professional inventory service for both residential and commercial clients.

Simpson choose to achieve certification because the designation will help build trust and earn credibility. One of the key requirements for certification is to agree to conduct business according to the established industry Code of Ethics.

Based in Saint Helena, California, Take Stock provides residential and commercial asset inventory services in Napa Valley, Silicon Valley, and the San Francisco Bay area. For more information, visit their website at http://www.takestockinventory.com or contact her at 707-758-8433 or info@takestockinventory.com.

17 Feb 2016

Inventory Professional Achieves Designation

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member John Rogerson of Howell, NJ, for achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that John D. Rogerson, owner of Rogerson Inventory LLC, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms his knowledge to provide quality residential and small business contents professional inventory services to his clients in New Jersey, Southeastern New York, and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

A requirement for certification and membership with NICA is to agree to conduct business according to the established industry Code of Ethics. “When I first met John, I could tell he is a person of high integrity, and my continued contact with him has confirmed my first impression,” stated Mike Hartman, Executive Director of NICA.

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge creates a greater demand for a professional inventory service for both residential and commercial clients. Choosing to achieve certification will enable Rogerson to stand apart from other asset inventory professionals who have not yet achieved this designation. Receiving this certification shows clients and potential clients that John is a professional who is recognized by those in this field, and one who chooses to put in the extra effort towards professionalism. Rogerson achieved his certification very early in his entrepreneurial endeavor, and explained, “I am a very focused and detailed individual, and decided I wanted to start out offering inventory services with these credentials. I understand the importance for a new business to emit professionalism and this is one of the best ways I felt I could do that.”

Based in Howell, New Jersey, Rogerson Inventory provides residential and commercial asset inventory services in New Jersey, Southeastern New York, and Southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to being certified, he is also bonded and insured.

25 Nov 2015

New Jersey Inventory Professional Achieves Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Sue Gallagher for achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Sue Gallagher, owner of Inventory Solutions of N.J., LLC, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms her knowledge and experience to provide quality residential and small business contents professional inventory services.

Inventory Solutions of N.J. was established as a result of a personal loss. “I left home to attend a barbecue, and just three hours later, my neighbors notified me that my house was on fire. I returned to find that my home of 20 years was completely destroyed,” Gallagher stated. Through the daunting task of trying to remember, list, and prove ownership of everything she owned, Gallagher realized the need for homeowners and business owners to have a thorough record of their belongings.

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge creates a greater demand for a professional inventory service for both residential and commercial clients. Choosing to achieve certification will enable Gallagher to stand apart from other asset inventory professionals who have not yet achieved designation as a Certified Inventory Specialist. Receiving this certification shows clients and potential clients that she is a professional who is recognized by those in this field.

A requirement for certification and membership with the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is to agree to conduct business according to the established industry Code of Ethics as well as maintain that certification through continued CEU requirements annually. “When someone chooses to become certified, it shows that they have a desire to go beyond the basics, that they know it is important to continue to stay on top of their industry, and to always seek continuing education opportunities,” stated Cindy Hartman, Managing Director of NICA.

NICA is nationally recognized as the official certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development.

Based in Spring Lake Heights, NJ, Inventory Solutions of N.J. provides residential and commercial asset inventory services. For more information visit www.inventorysolutionsnj.com

07 Oct 2015

Zionsville Home Inventory Professional Achieves Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates Zionsville, Indiana, business owner on achieving designation as a Certified Inventory Specialist.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Jane Crawford, owner of Crawford Inventory, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms her knowledge to provide quality residential and small business contents professional inventory services.

A requirement for certification and membership with NICA is to agree to conduct business according to the established industry Code of Ethics. Ms. Crawford stated, “Becoming certified was a choice. I decided to pursue this designation because I believe it is important to stay current with the industry. Being certified also enables me to be associated with other asset inventory professionals.”

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge creates a greater demand for a professional inventory service for both residential and commercial clients. Choosing to achieve certification will enable Crawford to stand apart from other inventory professionals who have not yet achieved designation as a Certified Inventory Specialist. Mike Hartman, Executive Director of NICA, stated, “Earning the distinction of adding CIS to her name shows clients and potential clients that Crawford is a professional who is recognized by those in this industry.”

The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is nationally recognized as the official certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development. Their website is http://www.nationalinventorycertificationassociation.com/final.

Based in Zionsville, Indiana, Crawford Inventory is a woman-owned business and a Licensee of Nationwide Inventory Professionals, providing residential and commercial asset inventory services in Boone County and the surrounding areas.

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Collections Inventory Course