Brett Smith
Whitley’s Peanut Factory, Business and Product Development Manager
Young Alumni Council Member Bio
How did you end up at Virginia Tech and in your major?
- I am a third-generation Hokie, so Virginia Tech has always been a second home to me and my family! I originally came to Virginia Tech studying communications to write for an outdoor magazine such as Field and Stream, Sportfishing Magazine, etc. Realizing quickly I did not want to make my hobby into a job, I pivoted to my second passion which is business, specifically in the food industry after being around our family business (Whitley's Peanut Factory) my entire life. In my sophomore year, I switched to Agribusiness with minors in Entrepreneurship (New Venture Growth) and Communications.
Class year(s) and degree(s)
- 2019, B.S. in Agribusiness
Favorite Virginia Tech memory
- Spending Saturdays in Lane Stadium of course!
Why should a prospective student consider agricultural and applied economics?
- AAEC is a great major because it takes a large and overwhelming place like Virginia Tech and turns it into a small and cohesive environment. You know everyone's name, your professors and staff know your name, and it encourages real-world work environments for accountability.
Fun fact about yourself.
- I have played electric guitar for over 10 years (yes, I can play Enter Sandman).