Chloe Muzny

Chloe Muzny '20 immersed herself in business long before stepping on Texas A&M’s campus. She entered college with a determination to turn classroom lessons into real-world applications. She started working for her aunt and uncle in high school at Small Farm Innovations (SFI), a company specializing in compact balers and other farming equipment tailored to hobby farmers and women outside the scope of large-scale agriculture. At SFI, she managed bookkeeping, balanced accounts at the end of each month, and developed an early appreciation for the financial side of running a business. As a first-generation college student, she saw education as a way to open doors beyond what she had known. When she entered Texas A&M, she knew she wanted to pursue a degree that would enhance her ability to contribute to SFI’s success.

Chloe majored in Agricultural Leadership and Development and minored in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship. It was through this minor that she encountered Dr. Ed Rister and his AGEC 425 class—an opportunity that would reshape her academic and professional journey. Seeing the chance to apply her coursework directly to SFI, she chose to analyze and develop her family’s business as her AGEC 425 project. The experience not only solidified her understanding of business operations but also revealed certain processes within SFI that could be improved. Because Chloe continued working at SFI throughout college, she was able to take her classroom insights and implement real changes. As General Manager, she handled accounts payable and receivable, balanced books, managed inventory, and even helped establish a distribution center before graduating.

A New Path

Upon graduation, Chloe was eager to see where her degree could take her beyond the family business. She spent a year working for a title company before transitioning into a managerial role at a veterinary clinic. There, she oversaw daily operations, managed scheduling, bookkeeping, and customer service, and fully expected to build a long-term career in that space. However, one unexpected phone call changed everything.

Three years after graduating, at 8:45 p.m. on a seemingly normal Tuesday night, Chloe received a call from Dr. Rister. They had not spoken directly in quite some time, but he had a proposition: he needed someone to be his right-hand in the classroom, helping guide students through the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program as they developed their own business ventures. It was an exciting yet terrifying prospect—she had only recently found stability at the vet clinic and saw a future there. But ultimately, the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Rister, mentor students, and open new doors for herself was too good to pass up.

Paying it Forward and Embracing the Journey

Returning to the program as a member of the instructional team has allowed Chloe to pursue a master’s degree in Human Resource Management, a field she has grown passionate about. She now focuses on the crucial role of human resources in business efficiency and enjoys helping students refine their entrepreneurial visions.

Looking back on her time in the program, Chloe appreciates how Dr. Rister continually pushed students outside their comfort zones. One defining moment was when he invited her to a Prof-for-a-Day dinner with Mr. and Mrs. McKinney—only for her to realize she was the only student in attendance. If she had known in advance, she admits she might have declined out of intimidation. However, by embracing the challenge, she gained confidence and walked away feeling more prepared for future high-stakes interactions.

Chloe’s Advice to Students:

  • Do not stress over every detail of college.
  • Take advantage of opportunities to design your degree path—you don’t have to follow a blueprint.
  • It’s okay to not be serious all the time.

Today, Chloe is married to her lifelong friend, Wyatt Muzny, and they are excitedly preparing to welcome their first child in April 2025. Her journey—from managing books at a small family business to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs—demonstrates the power of adaptability, seizing opportunities, and trusting the unexpected turns that shape a career. Thank you, Chloe, for all you do within the program! You are the calm in the storm and a dependable comfort for anyone who needs guidance. We appreciate all you do to ensure the success of the program and its students!