Russ grew up on the plains of Northeastern Colorado. He graduated from the University of Colorado with honors. He has lived in the Denver area since 1977.
He and his wife Diane live in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. They have three grown children and four grandchildren. Diane is a retired registered nurse, the first woman in her family to graduate college. Most of her career was in labor and delivery and women's care at Denver Health. She also taught as a clinical scholar for Regis University. She has published a memoir "My Love Letter to Nursing."
Russ has worked in financial services since 1984. He particularly enjoys helping individuals plan for their financial security, their personal impact in their second half or third third of life, and the inheritance they will leave their loved ones. Russ prefers to work with families across generations, helping clients document and transfer their wisdom to their children and grandchildren while coaching younger generations towards responsible financial behavior.
Russ served on the board of COMPA Food Ministry for 12 years. Russ and his wife Diane are regular volunteers at Arrupe Jesuit, an inner city high school that serves disadvantaged students. Over 80% of the students are the first in their family to graduate high school. The students work one day a week in the schools Corporate Work Study Program in businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the Denver metro area, to earn half their tuition. Volunteers help train the students in basic business skills. Russ and Diane have established a nursing scholarship for Arrupe graduates at Regis University. In addition, he and Diane have led small groups for their church, and mentored other small group leaders.
Russ is the author of two books: "Visions to Do Good: The Personal Philanthropy of Benjamin Franklin", and "Launching Towards Independence: A Handbook for Young Adults". In addition, Russ writes a blog about individuals who work or actively volunteer well beyond "normal retirement age." The blog is at www.strategicexit.medium.com
Like the individuals Russ interviews for his blog, Russ could retire but chooses to continue to work, while taking time for volunteering, travel and family, until health or death make it impossible to continue.
Russ holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and CKA designations.