This summer, at around 2:45PM each weekday, a familiar voice can be heard echoing through the halls of the Holland Aquatic Center. Smooth, calm, and unmistakably professional, it sounds more like something you’d hear on the radio than in a recreation center… but that’s because it is. The voice belongs to Jared “J” Fritsma, Guest Services Representative and award-winning broadcaster. Whether he’s wrapping up the workday with announcements or helping a guest navigate their first visit, J brings polish, professionalism, and a dry wit to the table, making him a standout presence at HAC.
Originally from East Kentwood, J earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communications from Central Michigan University before launching into a successful career in radio. He served as the Production Director for WHTC and WYVN, two local stations in Holland, where he honed his voice, production skills, and signature style. These days, you can still hear him outside of HAC in The Disappearances of Lydia Fountayne, an independent audio drama podcast where he lends his voice as a cast member.
At HAC, J describes his role simply: “Assisting everyone with using the facility and getting people where they want to go, whether that is getting them signed up for programs, telling them about our hours, or providing tours of the facility.” He half-jokingly calls it “traffic control,” a nod to the fast-paced nature of the job and the many moving parts he and his Guest Services coworkers handle with grace and efficiency.
What drew J to HAC was the community aspect of the work. “It’s nice to see someone who is excited to be here,” he says. “When they leave happy after a positive experience, I definitely share in their happiness.” That love for connection goes back to his college days, when he was involved in student orientations—a natural fit for someone who thrives in people-facing roles. Though he could be described as a “quiet extrovert,” it’s clear that J shines in environments where he can help others feel comfortable, informed, and welcomed.
Outside of work, J values quality time with friends and enjoys diving into a good book. His hobbies are as down-to-earth as his demeanor, and he brings that same thoughtful energy to everything he does at HAC. Whether he’s answering the phone, solving a problem, or offering directions with a dash of dry humor, J makes a lasting impression on everyone he meets. We are so lucky to have his voice, humor, and steady presence greeting our guests each day!
Learn More About J
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite place to visit: Traverse City… and Galway, Ireland
Best vacation: Costa Rica! One of the most fun places I’ve ever been. The views were gorgeous, the food was so good, and the people were so nice.
Favorite sport: Hockey. I grew up playing hockey (among many other sports) and consider myself a lifelong Red Wings fan.
Best advice I ever received: “Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!”
Bucket list item: Traveling to a few European countries, including Hungary, so I can see where my grandparents and great-grandparents grew up.
At Holland Aquatic Center, our facilities are awesome and so is our staff. In this We Are HAC! series, we will introduce you to the people who love to teach, coach, protect, serve, and inspire here. Our amazing team, more than 150 strong, is passionate about empowering healthy, connected lives through aquatics and wellness programming.