Russ grew up in Rock Hill, SC and now lives in Fort Mill, SC with his wife, a special needs teacher, and their two daughters — one in high school and one in elementary — plus the family dog, Luca. They enjoy board games, discovering new TV shows, and taking walks on local trails. Russ is the neighborhood go-to guy for all things DIY, from changing brakes to installing ceiling fans. He's also played guitar, piano, and drums since his early teens and gives lessons to neighbors. Russ served in the Marine Corps from 1996 to 2001, earning both a meritorious and a combat promotion in rank. His motivation to enter insurance came after his best friend passed without a plan in place, leaving a wife and two young boys to figure everything out. Russ stepped in to help and saw firsthand how the lack of coverage affects families in more ways than just financially — and he's committed to helping others eliminate that burden.