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Starting her career as a union painter, Andrea Symonds joined BWL five years ago, and ever since, she’s been making her mark in a role that often flies under the radar. With over 15 years of industrial painting experience, Andrea brings a strong work ethic, quiet confidence and a deep appreciation for a job well done in the BWL Paint Department. 

As a woman in a traditionally male trade, Andrea has built her career through determination and a fondness for hands-on work. She holds multiple certifications including OSHA, CPR and lead paint safety, all of which have helped her stay busy year-round. “I like being able to see that I’ve done something for the day,” she says. Whether she’s painting stairwells, fire hydrants or working on swing stages high above the ground, Andrea says she likes a challenge and takes pride in her work. 

The BWL Paint Department plays a vital role in keeping our facilities clean, safe and functional. Andrea is part of the small but mighty team that preps, primes and paints various assets throughout BWL and the community, from behind-the-scenes spaces to visible infrastructures that serve our customers every day. 

When asked about how long the paint jobs are, “A lot of times, it depends on the job,” she explains. Some days they’ll finish three different projects, while other days may be one big job that takes more time. Every job starts with prep work, scraping, sanding or even sandblasting, before applying primer and the final coats of paint. While some assignments are solo, others involve coordination with other painters to complete the job safely and efficiently. 

Born and raised in the Greater Lansing area, Andrea still lives in the same farmhouse she grew up in. Before entering the workforce, she was a stay-at-home mom to her three children. After her children grew up, she needed a change and joined her husband as an industrial painter, quickly proving herself in the trade and bringing that experience to BWL where she’s been a steady force ever since. 

When asked what she enjoys most about working at BWL, Andrea says it’s the people. “Everyone’s easy to get along with, and they’ll all get with you to get what you need.” 

Whether she’s working high above the ground or handling detailed prep work below, Andrea brings a strong, steady presence to everything she does. Leading with dedication and craftsmanship, she’s someone who’s always ready to take on the next challenge with care and confidence.