Harris Crumpton on tractor in crop field
This summer, Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) student Harris Crumpton completed an eight-week internship with PRADCO Outdoor Brands, where he explored how AI could be applied to strengthen marketing across the company’s portfolio. The project focused on moving beyond theory to evaluate practical, real-world applications of AI in customer engagement, product promotion and business operations.
Crumpton’s responsibilities included researching emerging AI tools, analyzing current marketing trends and reviewing competitor strategies. He also examined customer feedback and product pages to identify areas for improvement. Building on this research, Crumpton developed recommendations and AI‑driven marketing concepts tailored to several PRADCO brands, including Moultrie, Whitetail Institute, Summit Treestands, Knight & Hale and Code Blue. He closed out his internship by sharing his final recommendations with PRADCO leadership, giving him a chance to highlight the work he completed over the summer.
“One of the most valuable parts of the internship was seeing how effective AI can be used as a practical business tool rather than just a passing trend,” Crumpton said. “I also gained experience collaborating across teams and presenting ideas that were well received by leadership.”
His background within Auburn’s Wildlife Enterprise Management program played a key role in preparing him for the internship. By leveraging the marketing knowledge and skills he’d gained in the classroom, Crumpton shared valuable insights that enhanced PRADCO’s brand engagement.
“My degree helped me connect marketing strategies to real outdoor consumers, which made my recommendations more relevant and impactful,” he said.
The experience also influenced Crumpton’s long-term goals.
“Overall, the internship strengthened my interest in the intersection of business, technology and the outdoor industry and further reinforced my long-term goals in real estate development and entrepreneurship,” Crumpton said.
Crumpton’s internship with PRADCO reflects the CFWE’s mission to prepare students for impactful careers that combine innovation, stewardship and hands-on learning. His work demonstrates how Auburn students are applying classroom lessons to real-world challenges and shaping the future of industries that connect people to the outdoors.
