At 24 years old, Hunter J. Haselrig, the CEO & Founder of Positive Space Media, is blazing his own trail within the creative industry. Haselrig has always felt deeply connected and devoted to all things media. “I first picked up a camera around the age of twelve and never found a reason to put it down. Without my camera, my life would have looked a lot different. Being a creative is my identity. My camera gave me a ton of confidence growing up. Through media, I’ve built some of my strongest friendships, gained a deeper perspective on life, and, quite frankly, I’ve made a lot of money.” Since 2017 Hunter Haselrig has shot, edited, and produced over 15,000+ videos, photos, and other creative projects. He has worked on a variety of indie films, short films, music videos, and student films. Hunter’s film experience includes creative director, producer, director of photography, set photographer, 1st AC, 2nd AC, and key grip.
Under Haselrig’s direction, his company Positive Space Media has scaled to a high six figures in revenue within one year. On its rapid growth path, it has built a client list that ranges from Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, social media influencers, and respected small businesses. The teams specialize in commercial production, post-production, documentary & filmmaking, graphic design, talent acquisition, and website development. The multi-faceted capabilities of Positive Space Media have allowed the company to scale at a remarkable pace. He possesses a firm belief that consistency is the key to progression and success – this approach is taken with every project, client, and task at hand. Hunter is a firm believer that you have to love the work, because running your own business is a 24/7 commitment. If you are doing what you love, are genuinely dedicated to the tasks at hand, and remain consistent, success and progression will follow suit. Additionally, Haselrig also serves as the Vice President of Digital Operations for The Yard Tour & The Yard+ Digital Platform.
Hunter’s goals are to grow as a CEO and leader, cultivate Positive Space Media into a household name in the creative industry, and help people. “The inspiration behind the name of my company aligns with long-held aspirations to create a positive space through media. As a black man finding success in the entrepreneurial space and media industry, I have an increasing responsibility to be the example and set the tone for others that look like me.” Haselrig hopes to strengthen the representation of black and brown people in media. “The larger Positive Space Media becomes, the more I want to utilize my platform and resources to help others and create a path toward rapid change. I am a firm believer that the most valuable work to do is helping others. You won’t change the world by buying a Mercedes, owning a Rolex, having a high net worth, or the office with the city view. Those are tools and awesome rewards for your hard work. If I want to make lasting change and have a long-standing impact, I need to work to give back. Legacy is not about what you get; it is about what you give. I hope to create opportunities for as many people as I can and inspire others to pursue their dreams while pursuing my own.”
In the near future, Haselrig is planning to launch a nonprofit. “I am building an organization that will focus on youth within underserved communities in Chicago. My foundation will combine media, art, mentorship, and business.” Hunter hopes to scale his philanthropic endeavors nationally and has ambitions to develop a global presence for his foundation.
Haselrig believes Positive Space Media will mature into the company he envisions; he says, “for most of my life, I knew that I wanted to live in the city and run a creative agency. To think that I’m actually doing that, younger me would be proud. I have accomplished a lot over the past four years and still have a lot left to get done.”
