By Jamie Martin
After graduating from Freed-Hardeman University, Adleigh Mayes found herself in one of the most exciting marketing jobs on the road — driving the Planters NUTmobile, a 26-foot peanut-shaped vehicle. As a “Peanutter,” Mayes works with two fellow graduates, Hudson Ritchie and Aria Conte, on a year-long nationwide journey spreading happiness and peanut samples.
Planters recruits recent marketing and communication graduates to travel the country as brand ambassadors. Mayes’ path to this job began when her father sent her the application link, noting it suited her personality. Out of nearly 900 applicants, she made it to the top eight, attending final interviews in Chicago. Her collaborative spirit and communication skills earned her a spot on the team.
The trio began their travels in June 2025, visiting Midwest and East Coast cities, with plans to head South and eventually reach the West Coast by June 2026, coinciding with the Super Bowl in San Francisco.
A native of Dothan, Alabama, Mayes feels a personal connection to her work — her hometown is known as the “peanut capital of the world,” and her father works in the peanut industry. “We get to meet people everywhere we go, and driving a peanut-shaped vehicle always draws smiles,” she said.
"They flew eight of us to Chicago for in-person interviews, and we split up into teams and worked on projects together," said Mayes. "At the end of it, they pulled us individually and asked who in our groups we felt we could work with. I selected Hudson and Aria, and they selected me,"
Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels
Categories: National