Meet Andrew Vontz who went from journalist to Cycling Brand Manager. He found his passion in fitness and health and switched careers to pursue his dream. Anything is possible, just “be curious.” – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of health and wellness? I began my career as a journalist after completing my MFA in creative writing at CalArts. I worked briefly as an editor at Mountain Biking magazine then spent the next decade working exclusively as a freelance journalist. I published more than 500 stories in publications ranging from Rolling Stone and Spin to the LA Times Magazine and Outside. As a journalist I covered people, places and things at the limits of human experience. Under that broad aegis, I sometimes wrote about athletes, cycling, human performance, health, wellness, adventure travel and functional training among many other topics.

I’ve been riding geared bikes for 26 years. Cycling, bike culture and bike racing have been core to who I am since I got my first bike, a Schwinn Stingray.

In the course of exploring functional training in the mid 2000s, my younger brother, then an elite rugby player, introduced me to Randy Hetrick, the founder of TRX. The TRX product really impressed me and after several years of cajoling, Randy persuaded me to come onboard at TRX where I eventually became the director of content. After four great years there, I moved on to Strava, the social network for athletes where I now work as cycling brand manager. I help drive global cycling content and strategy and work to build and engage our global community of athletes.

Put another way, I was just born this way.

Your Job Title: Cycling Brand Manager

Company you are with now: Strava

Website www.andrewvontz.com

Social Media
 – Instagram: @vontz
 – Strava: https://www.strava.com/athlete...

A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you: Telling the stories of our product and community, working with colleagues across the team and company to develop key partnerships and relationships.

How did you get your current job in health and wellness? Doing what I love even when it’s challenging, working hard, being resourceful and being lucky.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? Resourcefulness and curiosity have been my greatest resources. They open the door to everything else.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Be curious.

 If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Happiness.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.