Many of Russ’ closest friends call him a serial entrepreneur. Having an insatiable desire to learn and explore, coupled with the ability to identify strategic opportunities, over the last 32 years Russ has created successful companies and provided leadership in the industries of construction, insurance negotiations, electronic commerce, media, nonprofit, church and retail sectors.

As he continued further down this path, Russ’ heart became more and more impacted by people who were beat up by life. It became easier for him to see the incredible value of human beings, and the radiance of individuals living with purpose, unleashed from the constraints of their past.

During his second half of life Russ has become focused on making a lasting difference in the lives of the poor. Pulling from the storehouse of wisdom acquired through business and life experience, Russ began to envision an organization where the working poor who were truly ready for change could connect with those who had learned how to live life well. Where people were not projects, but treated as the highly valued individuals they are. A place where people of faith could make a difference through their vocational calling. These values are at the core of Elevate Lives mission to provide opportunities for families to move from poverty to flourishing through discounted housing, mentoring and training.

National banks and companies like Lowes and Walmart, and the Federal Home Loan Bank are involved in supporting the work Elevate Lives is doing.

Russ spent his early years in California where he met and married his wife Sharon. They adopted two children and moved to Colorado Springs, and eventually moved to Springfield, MO. The couple has 3 adult children and two grandsons.