When thinking about a post-graduate job, most people don’t envision driving around a 26-foot peanut. While for some this might sound like fantasy, this is Hudson Ritchie’s reality. As one of this year’s three Planters Peanutters, Ritchie has spent the last eight months driving coast to coast in the company’s signature NUTmobile.
“I had no idea that I’d be driving the giant peanut or working for Planters,” Ritchie said. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. When I was a senior last year, I was just kind of applying. It’s like I was throwing darts at a dartboard, but it really feels like I hit a bull’s eye with this job. This is exactly what I was hoping for.”
Ritchie graduated from the University in Spring 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in advertising, laying out a strong foundation for his role as a Planters brand ambassador. Three Peanutters are hired as brand ambassadors, tasked with traveling from coast to coast in the NUTmobile representing the Planters brand.
As a Peanutter, Ritchie, alongside Aria Conte and Adleigh Mayes, runs the NUTmobile’s social media, schedules different promotional events and sets up interviews with local media. In addition to their behind-the-scenes work, the crew also works closely with a variety of different personalities and companies to establish collaborations.
“My favorite part is really just meeting people from all over the country, but we have so many like random encounters with people, like, all different types of people, and that’s just something I really enjoy,” Mayes said.
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The three agreed that their favorite memory so far has been their stop in Pittsburgh. While in the city, the NUTmobile collaborated with the Savannah Bananas baseball team and its cheerleaders, the Man-anas.
Peanutters spend a year in their position, bringing their energy and brand to communities across the country. Since its origins in 1935, the NUTmobile has been catching the eyes of many, including University students.
“You’ll be driving down the road on the interstate, and then people will pull up right along you, stick their phones out the window, record you, honk at you — all kinds of stuff,” Ritchie said. “But, I mean, we’re in a 26-foot-long, giant peanut. You kind of just expect that, and especially now, almost eight months into the job, I almost forget that I’m even in a peanut. I’m just like, ‘Yeah, this is my daily life.’”
While some might be surprised that this is a real, paid position, the Peanutters have grown professionally while in this role through their outreach work. The trio sees their educational backgrounds being put to use and enjoys this new way to explore their passions professionally.
Ritchie, Mayes and Conte’s term as a Peanutter will come to a close this spring, but the trio doesn’t have to start job hunting just yet. After completing the program, Peanutters are often invited to interview for a food sales service position at Hormel Foods, Planters’ parent company.
“They really want to make sure that they’re helping you with your career and making sure that you have a workplace for life,” Conte said. “So I’m excited about that.
Anyone wishing to follow in the footsteps of a Peanutter is in luck; the brand is currently accepting applications until Feb. 14. Ritchie said he would love to see the role handed to another University alum.
Like the position itself, the application to be a Peanutter is unique. In addition to a traditional application, the position also requires a video submission where applicants can highlight their personality.
“It’s really awesome that they give you a chance to show your personality and your creativity, because that’s a super important piece of what we do in this role,” Conte said.
