As the snow-coated Planters NUTmobile turned onto University Place Monday afternoon, the gatekeeper grabbed his cellphone to take a picture of the giant peanut on wheels while the vehicle slowed down in front of Watson Hall.

Peanutter Jordyn Hack clicked the intercom microphone, asking the dozens of students waiting at the bus stop if they wanted a ride. Sophomore Will Scott took her up on the offer.

“What is going on? This is crazy!” he said as he stepped inside the 26-foot-long vehicle. The three Peanutters welcomed him on board and escorted him to his South Campus apartment.

The NUTmobile arrived in Syracuse this week to recruit future Peanutters — brand ambassadors who spend a year driving the NUTmobile across the United States. The vehicle weighs “3 million peanuts-worth,” said Peanutter Paige Jeschke, whose nickname on the job is “Pecan Paige.”

Three Peanutters will remain on campus for the rest of the week, hosting various workshops and presentations about how students can apply to become a Peanutter after graduation. An information session about the program is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Hall of Languages.

Jordyn Hack, known as “Just Nutty Jordyn” within the company, drives the NUTmobile through university neighborhood streets as a brand ambassador. Haley Robertson | Feature Editor

The NUTmobile has made appearances at other colleges, state fairs, parades, festivals, car shows, grocery stores, sports games and additional events. During one week dedicated to community service, Jeschke said they visited nursing homes and volunteered at a food bank.

For Jeschke, one of the most memorable moments on tour was driving out to Los Angeles to film the Planters’ Super Bowl LIII commercial. Another highlight, she added, was being invited to a fan’s house in Clinton, New York, and making an appearance in the family’s annual Christmas card.

When traveling on the highway, the Peanutters said the reactions are mixed. Some people will honk or wave, while others will hold Planters nuts out the window if they happen to be snacking on some while driving.

“Babies love Mr. Peanut and the NUTmobile, then the older people who grew up with Mr. Peanut love seeing us on the road,” said Hack, also known as “Just Nutty Jordan.”

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Job training for the Peanutters is two weeks long. During “Peanut Prep,” the new hires train with police, learn how to drive the vehicle and go over company policies. No specialized license is required to operate the NUTmobile, Jeschke said.

Jeschke said at first she was nervous to drive the NUTmobile. But after miles of practice, she said operating the vehicle is “smooth as peanut butter.” The farthest she’s driven in the NUTmobile is from North Carolina to Los Angeles, a trip she completed in four days.

“This job is a lot about attitude,” Jeschke said. “You gotta be outgoing, you gotta be upbeat, you gotta want to have adventure.”

Peanutter Patrick Golden, also known as “Peanut Pat,” said this job has helped him get used to long car rides. He noted that this 2014 model of the NUTmobile has clocked around 150,000 miles. This vehicle is one of three NUTmobiles currently touring the country.

Driving a giant peanut for a living is one of the best jobs someone could have after graduation, Jeschke said, no matter their major in college. Hack agreed.

“You learn so much about yourself and about what you love to do,” Hack said. “While also getting paid to travel the whole country.”

Published on February 19, 2019 at 12:38 am

Contact Haley: hrober03@syr.edu