You’ve read our stories, seen our bylines and maybe even hung out with us at an event or two, but who are the people behind Campus Rec? Faces Behind the Features is a series to help you better understand the writers who bring you industry news and best practices daily.
Heather Hartmann is the managing editor for Peake Media and Campus Rec Magazine. She joined the team in 2014 after graduating from Michigan State University. Whether it’s with a pen or a camera, she loves telling stories that help positively impact the world. If Heather isn’t at the office, you’ll find her coaching CrossFit, serving at her church, traveling to some far off place or enjoying the wild wonders of the outdoors.
Learn more about her — in her own words — below.
How long have you been with Peake Media?
I have been with Peake Media for almost eight years — it’s been eight since the start of my internship, but it will be eight officially come September 2022.
What is your favorite story topic to write about?
Anything that showcases a positive impact, from a personal story to a unique program to a new facility.
What is your favorite thing about the campus rec industry?
Campus rec gets to impact people during some of their most developmental years. Students are coming to college malleable and if they can establish routines and education around wellness — physical, emotional, mental — they will be set up for success outside of college. All in all, the fitness industry is changing lives in positive ways, and I simply love having a hand in helping those who run fitness operations to impact people daily.
How do you live a healthy lifestyle?
I’ve been physically transformed since working at Peake Media. I do CrossFit religiously, mixed with triathlons and adventurous hiking. I can be talked into trying pretty much any physical activity, from rock climbing to skydiving to sea kayaking. I eat clean Monday through Friday, cutting loose on the weekends. Who knew being healthy would feel so good?
What’s your process for turning a bad day into a good one?
A solid walk outside, appreciating naturing and spending time praying, always helps lift my spirits. Also, journaling has been quite helpful.
What are you currently reading?
“Unoffendable” by Brant Hansen as well as the “Red Rising” trilogy by Pierce Brown.
What’s your go-to podcast?
I’m not a huge podcast person, but when I do listen it’s to one of three: “The Place We Find Ourselves,” “Stuff You Should Know” or “Deck the Hallmark.”
Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.
Any of the advice I would share all boils down to one thing, rooted in my faith in Jesus Christ: Love one another. It’s the best advice I’ve been given. To love others as Jesus did means sacrificing your own desires, being kind in all circumstances, being unoffendable in all things, and serving and giving of yourself daily. Whether that’s in my email responses at work, in the sources I talk to for the stories I write or during the events I help at, it all comes down to loving the people on the other side of the screen, phone or table. I’m not perfect at it, but in the end that advice guides everything I do and is truly the best I’ve ever received.
What is something people in the industry may not know about you?
When I first joined Peake Media, I was pretty unhealthy after a stressful college career. It started to turn around with a steps challenge at the company, after which I joined a CrossFit gym to learn more about it. Since then, I’ve physically transformed and can do things I never thought I’d be able to do — like hike the Inca Trail in Peru or summit 14ers. With a life so radically changed, I had to help others. As such, I’ve coached CrossFit for five years and hope to get my Level 2 certificate in Fall 2022.
Be sure to connect with Heather on LinkedIn!
