Hunter Maddox ’17, a successful senior analyst who helps clients manage their stock plan accounts, got an early start in business at Berry, which prepared him to compete in the fast-paced financial sector. “After graduating, I joined E*Trade as an entry level stock broker and worked my way up to senior specialist within one year. Berry helped make that possible,” he explains.
“One of the reasons I decided to attend Berry was because of the Intro to Entrepreneurship class that is offered,” Maddox says. “The knowledge and experience gained from taking that class was extremely helpful when I was first starting my career.”
Maddox and two friends formed the company THT Customizations, selling custom t-shirts and koozies to the Berry community. That experience, coupled with a study abroad trip to Italy his junior year, expanded his horizons.
“It sounds cliché, but Italy was life-changing,” Maddox says. “I immersed myself in my classes, the culture, exploration and traveling to other cities in Europe. Studying abroad showed me adaptability in a concrete way, and I have been tremendously helped by that experience.”
Professor of Management Paula Englis — who mentors student entrepreneurs — recalls how the trip changed Maddox’s world view: “I was very pleased with how open he was to new experiences and how he worked hard to make things happen. He was always positive and upbeat, looking for the best solutions when things went sideways.”
Maddox further honed his networking and business skills working with Berry’s Alumni Office and Oak Hill Gift Shop. Capitalizing on a winning combination of practical experience and entrepreneurial drive, he transitioned smoothly to the responsibilities of post-grad life.
