Oct 1 2025

Egan Foreman Nicole Hines Earns Tradeswoman Hero Award from NABTU

Monthly Honor Recognizes Exemplary Tradeswomen in U.S. and Canada

Grand Rapids, Mich.—Nicole Hines, a general foreman at mechanical contractor and fabricator Andy J. Egan Co. (Egan), has received the August 2025 Tradeswoman Heroes Award. Each month, the North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU) recognizes four tradeswomen – two apprentices and two journey-level -- across the U.S. and Canada that lead by example and perform their duties at an outstanding level.

Nicole is a member of Local 174 Plumbers and Pipefitters and has been working in the trades since 2010. A highly skilled welder, she is a graduate of Hobart Institute of Welding, and past experiences also included fitting, developing plans and layouts, rigging, installing piping and equipment, operating lifts and heavy equipment, and hydrotesting. Nicole is passionate about teaching others in field -- especially women in the trades -- and is the founder and current leader of the group, Sisters and Allies of Local 174.

“Nicole rises to leadership roles in all of her assignments,” noted Egan Vice President, Amy Jones. “We’re glad to see other organizations recognize her for talents and support of other women in the field. Egan is proud to have her as part of our team and congratulates her on this much-deserved award.”

“I’m just working very hard to show up for my brothers and sisters and do the best that I can,” said Nicole. “I don’t do it for the recognition. I do it so that each sister after me can know they too can do it and maybe their path can be a little easier to follow their dreams.”

When announcing the inaugural awards in 2020, NABTU President Sean McGarvey said, “These Tradeswomen Heroes are exemplary building trades’ members and represent our affiliate unions to the highest degree. They are role models and trailblazers and reflect what we love and honor about our workforce.”

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