What first motivated Emma Brett ’25 to join the Dianne and M. Edward Rister ‘74 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program? Her desire to succeed not only as a dentist but as a business owner.  Born and raised in Hardin, Texas, Emma knew from a young age that she wanted to attend dental school, but was concerned, because she knew many dental practices struggle as they focus only on the technical aspects of the business, rather than the business side.  After sharing her concerns with her advisor, they suggested the Rural Entrepreneurship program because it offers a hands-on approach to running a business, rather than learning from a textbook. 

For her AGEC 425 project, Emma decided on an orthodontics practice based out of Liberty, Texas. Her biggest challenge has been figuring out the numbers for things such as inventory and capital assets because she understands that technology is constantly evolving and she wants her numbers to be as accurate as possible for her future benefit. She has worked to overcome this issue by working with an orthodontist who has a practice similar in size to what she wishes to run.  Emma can compare her numbers with his, to allow her a better understanding of what her business would cost.

Emma says one of her favorite parts of the program so far, has been the Kathi and Murray Edwards ‘73 Mentoring Forum. She feels that she has grown since the Fall mentoring forum meeting. At the Spring mentoring forum, Emma enjoyed talking to both Randi Mays-Knapp and Wayne Dover. She says that Knapp emphasized the importance of a good culture in the dental business and how Emma can keep her clients returning. Emma and Dover discussed the importance of insurance, walking her through areas in which she could improve.

Another thing Emma has enjoyed during her time in the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program was the Prof-for-a-Day dinners. She gains a lot from getting to speak with professionals who all have a different story. She was able to attend dinner with Lorenzo Gomez III in both the Fall and Spring semesters and thoroughly enjoyed hearing his unique perspective on business and life. He helped Emma realize that it is okay to change your plans in life, and to find what fills your cup.

When Emma is not working on AGEC 425, she can be found helping Assistant Professor of Practice Troy Thompson in AGEC 324 as the teaching assistant for the class. She says her favorite part of AGEC 324 has been getting to meet new people. Emma is also involved in Aggie Southern Darlings, where she helps with their philanthropy Big Love Cancer Care. She also is in the pre-dental society as well as a volunteer in Texas A&M’s Big Event.

Since joining the Rister ’74 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, Emma has a better understanding of what an entrepreneur is saying that it is “someone who has an idea and believes in themselves to take the risk to see their dream come to life”. She has also been grateful for the bond she now has with other AGEC 425 students saying that throughout the year they have been able to “lean on each other and help one another out”.  She will be competing in the Alpha Painting Preliminary Business Pitch.