If the word “gym” makes you want to close this tab, this one’s for you. Owner Lindsey Lieto wants to introduce you to Tranzform Fitness Grand Haven – a home for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. And this spring, the Grand Haven Area Chamber of Commerce took notice, presenting her with the Ambassador Brick Award in recognition of her impact on the community. We asked Lindsey a few questions about the honor, her vision, and what she wants West Michigan to know.
The Ambassador Brick Award has always been about community impact, not just business growth. In your eyes, what role does Tranzform play in Grand Haven beyond fitness?
Part of our mission is to “tranzform” the health of the community. For our members, we strive to help build “deep health,” including social health, by creating opportunities for gym members to participate in events outside of workouts. Beyond membership, our team supports local businesses through strategic partnerships, events, and social media callouts. Our quarterly community volunteer events help local children in need at Christmas, local families in need of food through Feeding America, and this summer, we’ll be partnering with Habitat for Humanity to provide housing for a local family.
This award has been given since 1993. What does it mean to be recognized by the Chamber and the broader Grand Haven business community so early in your ownership?
I was so honored! It feels like I’m still transitioning, still looking ahead at all the goals I want to accomplish this year. I haven’t even taken a moment to look back at where we’ve come in such a short amount of time. It was a very unexpected and pleasant surprise to be the recipient of this award!
The presenter highlighted your growth from 6 to 13 employees in just a few months. What’s been your philosophy around building that team and managing growth in a way that maintains your company culture?
Coming from the corporate world, and specifically a business where employees always came first, I’ve grown to understand that the ideas and strengths of teammates go beyond what any one person can dream up alone. And I wasn’t wrong! Meeting 1:1 with every employee in those first few weeks revealed a team far more talented and motivated than I could have anticipated. Each had interests that aligned with the gym’s goals, and I was so happy to support their growth and create opportunities for them. We developed a mission statement early on as a leadership group, and “Empowerment” is one of our top three.
The award speech described your mission as helping people “live healthy, fit lives for the long term” — not just work out. How do you explain that distinction to someone who’s never set foot in Tranzform?
I was drawn to Tranzform Fitness Grand Haven as a member because of a challenge that offered coaching and accountability for hitting fitness goals, along with personalized nutrition guidance. It allowed me to achieve my goals and be my best, healthiest self. The team inspired monthly themes and weekly tips that went beyond exercise and nutrition, like setting an alarm to go to bed early so you can get a full night of sleep. My certifications in Personal Training, Nutrition Coaching, and Sleep, Rest, and Recovery have reinforced that deep health goes far beyond exercise — stress management, sleep, social, and emotional health all play a role. The goal is to give members the information and resources they need to live their best, healthiest lives.
Preventive care is a big part of your vision. Do you think the fitness industry as a whole does a good job of that? Or is there a gap you’re trying to fill?
The industry is absolutely moving in that direction, and I think West Michigan is ready for it. There’s a real opportunity here for gyms to become a true partner in someone’s long-term health. That’s the space Tranzform Fitness Grand Haven wants to own locally. I’d love to see more fitness professionals in this community come together around that shared goal. My vision goes beyond Tranzform – I’d love to see preventative health care become something bigger than just one gym!
If you could describe Tranzform three years from now, what would it look like?
I think it will look a lot like it does today, but with full sessions at every timeslot! I want to bring the enthusiasm and energy that are our bread and butter and extend them to more people in the community. The goal is for members to feel so genuinely healthy and connected that they can’t help but bring their friends and family along for the ride. If Grand Haven is thriving as I envision, the next step is to find another community that could benefit most from what we’ve built here.
What would you say to someone in West Michigan who’s been on the fence about walking through your door?
Try it. The first class is always free. We are usually running some sort of promotion, trial, and/or challenge. These are designed to meet you wherever you may be in your fitness journey. And our gym has a range of fitness levels and body types! It’s not super intimidating like a lot of gyms can feel. Our coaches are there to help ensure you’re doing every move safely, but also to push you to your potential. We have several legacy members we can pair you with to make day one less intimidating, and we can introduce you to someone beforehand. You really have nothing to lose – except for maybe a pant size or sluggishness!
