Heather Abbott of Powerhouse Brands Consulting was interviewing for a credit card job with a major retailer 15 years ago when they suggested she'd be a better fit for the gift card role, initially entering her into the incentive industry. It was through her work on IMA's Board of Directors that she first heard about the credential program. When she first got her IP, she took the class and exam the same day in person. And last year, she completed the process of getting her CPIM, which she says has added an additional element of industry credibility for her personally, and is some thing she hopes newer members will aspire to.