In October 1997, Russel followed his life long dream and opened his own business called The Work Group Advertising and Design. He quickly added to the agency’s portfolio, and with in 5 years had grown the agency to 24 employees and more than $17 million in annual billings. For over 10 years he had the privilege to work with a variety of accounts such as Tia’s Tex Mex, Pizza Inn, Brinks Home Security, Direct TV, The Fort Worth Transit Authority, City of Fort Worth, Lockheed Martin, Country Music Television and a Canadian satellite company called Star Choice Entertainment just to name a few.

The Work Group produced marketing plans that focus locally, regionally and nationally. From two one hour television shows a month to newspaper ads. They published a 324-page monthly television guide for Star Choice and a bi-monthly entertainment magazine for Country Music Television. His firm produced up to 5 television spots a month and placed media nationally. From the realm of television entertainment to the arena of national defense, The Work Group provided a full-service resource for publication design, production, advertising sales, distribution and marketing in the United States and Canada.

Almost 10 years to the day that he started his own business, Russel decided it was time to move on. With his growing interest in his volunteer work and the desire for more family time, he went back to his home town of Sanger Texas and opened a State Farm Insurance Agency.

He currently dedicates countless personal and agency hours to community service and involvement. He is the current Chairman of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Fort Worth Arts Council, and is a founding member of the Sanger Education Foundation where he serves as both a board member and as vice president of community relations. As a member of the chamber, he has helped open the Consulate de Mexico Satellite Office in Fort Worth, the first satellite office in the United States. He was also instrumental in filing and receiving a $338,000 grant from the department of labor to teach business English as a Second Langue classes.

Russel is married to Jeanette and they have 3 wonderful kids. Grayson 13, Raven 10 and Landon 8.