Russ is from the Mobile and Baldwin county area and a graduate of Murphy High School. He graduated from Troy State University in the summer of 1995 with a degree in Biology and Physical Science. His life in the foodservice industry stated in high school and continued throughout college holding every position available between multiple operations. His rep career started in August of 1996 with Marketing Agents South in Jackson, MS. He moved over to RepsSouth in Birmingham, AL February of 2002. Russ joined The Hansen Group in August of 2014 when RepsSouth merged with THG. 

Russ is a proud husband to his wife Shelley of 17 years, father to daughter Emma-Reese and step father to Jacob and Hannah. He enjoys cooking, boating and muscle cars. Russ is also a proud dog parent of his two Goldendoodles, Tucker and Hazel.