Hulett Smith worked in the insurance industry and at his family’s radio station after graduation from Penn. A few years later he served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, rising to the rank lieutenant commander. After his service he served as the president of the West Virginia Junior Chamber of Commerce (1949-1950), and then was the chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party from 1956 to 1962. Smith co-founded Bald Knob Ski Slopes, a ski resort. He was elected Governor in 1964 and served one term.