Ramblings Alumni Spotlight
Tyler Haines '17
A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Tyler Haines ’17 has competed in Ironman 70.3 and several half marathons – up next is a Tough Mudder.
He began his college career at the University of Hartford, where he played Division I lacrosse. After a change of heart, he transferred to Delaware County Community College, then to West Chester, where his father, brother, and sister graduated from. He was still able to complete his Bachelor of Science in Finance in the traditional four years, which he considers his greatest personal accomplishment.
According to Tyler, his decision to pursue this field of study was driven by his interest in understanding financial markets and economic principles. With aspirations to lead and manage but not having a clear “dream job” in mind, he knew the skills he would learn would be versatile and applicable across industries.
After working in mergers and acquisitions and opening several Gopuff locations across the country, Tyler set his mind – and his entrepreneurial spirit – to opening Fitness Factory WC.
Tyler is positioning Fitness Factory WC as a full-service health and wellness facility that will deliver a 360° experience. He aims to equip young professionals with tools for sustainable health, facilitate longevity for new parents, and support preventative maintenance for seniors, a multi-layered approach that he envisions will create a new dimension of physical health and wellness.
A typical workday is dynamic: he communicates with contractors to ensure progress stays on schedule; develops marketing strategies to build brand awareness; manages budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow; and recently started recruiting new hires and personnel. Most recently, he secured a Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan to start Fitness Factory WC.
Tyler also wants to create a positive impact on his community. Reconnecting with his alma mater, he made a commitment to ensuring that Fitness Factory will be accessible to WCU’s D-CAP students as both a gym and an employment opportunity.
Tyler cites resilience, determination, and commitment to continuous improvement as the qualities that have helped him be successful: “Trust the process, stay curious, and be proactive in seeking out opportunities that align with your values, interests, and aspirations. Above all, remember that your career journey is uniquely yours. Embrace it, learn from it, and find your own version of success.”