Hi, I'm Bret
I have been writing grittyventure.com since late 2024. Most of my writing is related to economics, how it intertwines with your everyday life, and how learning about it can help you improve your life. I also publish a popular weekly newsletter titled Unseen Forces that is sent out each Friday.
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Why Does This Matter?
My entire life I have been interested in improving, trying different things, and a continual pursuit of knowledge. This pursuit eventually led me to the field of economics, where I became enamored with trying to understand the world around me.
The central question I dig into with this blog is “Why do people and firms behave the way they do and how can I use this understanding to better myself?”
Over the years this has led to questions like:
- How does opportunity cost relate to the habits that people form?
- How does scarcity influence the choices people make?
- If people will gamble $10 on a football game, why will they not gamble $40?
I spend a decent amount of time writing about relevant topics and their implications for you and your daily life.
Most of what I write about isn’t groundbreaking or new. I spend hours each week researching topics I find interesting and trying to find ways to apply the thinking to real-world scenarios. I find inspiration all over the place, but mostly from business, human interaction, economics books, work, and several different intellectual fields. I don’t get it right every time. There are and will be articles on this website that you likely don’t agree with. That’s ok.
I still have a lot to learn. What’s important to me is that I continue my learning process and push the boundaries of what I know. My way of thinking isn’t the only way, but it’s my way. I hope you enjoy the information available on this website.
About Me
- I try to stay somewhat anonymous, but here’s a little bit more about me…
I am an Economist by education
- I have a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management.
- I have a Master’s of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics.
- Although I graduated 10+ years ago, I am still very active with the university I went to and do everything I can to support current students.
I am a Commodity Trader by Profession
- I have spent the last ~10 years trading commodities and managing physical commodity procurement for some of the largest food companies in North America.
- My primary area of expertise is agricultural commodities, but I also have experience in energy and packaging markets.
- The “weirdest” thing I have ever had to buy in my career was a truckload of chicken skins…. yes, a full truckload of chicken skin.
Creator of Gritty Venture and Unseen Forces Newsletter
- Both were created in late 2024 with first publications in early 2025.
Other Interests
Other topics that I find interesting and may occasionally write about.