Brenda Andrews: Momma Bear & Giving Back

BRENDA ANDREWS

“Momma Bear”

By Ward Walstrom, Jr

Brenda Andrews wore many hats, more than most of us. She began her Walstrom career in our store, Propellers, and

BRENDA ANDREWS November 17, 1972 - April 16, 2021

soon after became its accounting manager. Brenda started assisting Walstrom Marine with accounts payable and payroll, along with the accounting for Walstrom Dock and Dredge. Soon she became responsible for the employee health care plan, which led to her full-time position as human resources director. In this role, she was responsible for the administration of company policy across all employee related matters for all locations.

Along with her work duties, Brenda was the ‘Director of Fun’ for our team! She baked cookies and cakes, organized birthday lunches, special events, retirements, and open houses. Brenda organized the food for our annual tug ride with our in-house chefs. She had a lot of fun feeding us.

Everyone knew Brenda as our Momma Bear. She was always kind and gentle, keeping a watchful eye. But at any sign of trouble, she could go into full battle for her cubs.

In 2020, Brenda was the recipient of the Greg Krueger Scholarship Award through the Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation - one of the highest honored recipients.

Ward Walstrom recalls, “Brenda did it all. She was loyal, and took her job to heart. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She had a heart of gold, and was a 5 star All-American. She can’t be replaced; there will never be another Brenda, but she can still be our example to follow. Be your best, go back to school, keep improving your skill, always be kind and gentle to everyone and help them be their best.”

Tom Ervin says, “Brenda was quite a valued employee, and more than that, I considered her a very good friend. She was always there for our team. They trusted her, they looked to her for advice. And Brenda was always looking to better the organization and herself. Brenda came to me a few years ago and asked what type of training might benefit herself, our organization, and further her career with Walstrom Marine. We talked about accounting courses and came to realize the best thing was to work on an accounting degree. She was hesitant because it had been a long time since school and she didn’t think she was up for college-level courses but she was willing to take on the challenge. She fought and worked her way through it and was so proud. She’d get an A and come and tell me. When she had a tough class and had some questions, I could help her and point her in the right direction. When she finally received her degree, she was so very proud of what she accomplished and so was I. I can’t think of a better friend or person in the organization than Brenda. Thank you, Brenda, for all you’ve done for us and me.”

GIVING BACK

Supporting the Education of Future Industry Professionals

In 1986, MBIA created the Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIEF) with the mission: “Advancing opportunities for scholarships and training benefiting Michigan’s marine industry.”

This program specifically offers financial assistance through full or matching tuition and program funding for MBIA members, member’s employees, family, and students. Our former employee, Brenda Andrews, received the 2020 Greg Krueger Scholarship Award through RBIEF–one of the highest honored recipients. Over the last 35 years, the RBIEF scholarship has awarded more than $391,000 to recipients.

“The MBIA’s mission is to advance, protect and promote the recreational boating industry in Michigan. In its efforts to advance the industry, MBIA is committed to supporting relevant education and training opportunities to those looking to pursue a career in the marine industry, and to those who are currently working in industry and want to further develop their skills.”

With the boating industry having such a large impact on Michigan’s economy, about $7.8 billion, the mission of this scholarship has a large bearing on not just individual careers. The boating industry employs more than 58,000 people in Michigan alone. So as the industry grows and those who enjoy being on or near the water find their career path, the need for financial help will also increase.

Careers in the boating industry include but are not limited to: boat captain, technician, marine mechanic, dock worker, dock master, parts manager, sales representative, sales manager, boat detailing, fiberglass technician, gel coat specialist and yard crew.

Walstrom Marine has now created a RBIEF scholarship in Brenda’s memory, The Brenda Andrews Scholarship. To donate to this fund please follow the link at the QR Code on this page.

For additional information on who is eligible, how to apply and ways to donate please visit: MBIA.org/page/RBIEF

If you have additional questions, please contact:

Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIEF) C/o Michigan Boating Industries Association 8625 Richardson Rd. Commerce Twp., MI 48390 734.261.0123 or boatmichigan@mbia.org