Born and raised in the Abilene, Texas area, Russell graduated from Clyde High School in 2001, McMurry University in 2008 with a BBA in Computer Information Systems, and The University of Texas at Arlington in 2011 with an MBA. Participating at every level of student government and academic extracurricular activity, he took every opportunity offered to be involved in creative and challenging endeavors. Russell became a comfortable and encouraging leader, as well as a meticulous and diligent student.

He spent a year as an Exchange student in central France, where he became eternally captivated by the language, life and culture. He has spent almost three years, collectively, living in the country and exploring the European continent. First fascinated by Europe, Russell's interests have spilled into the entire international arena of culture, languages, financial markets, diplomacy, politics, and travel.

At a very young age, Russell was drawn into the world of technology in 1994 when he was given his first computer, and of course, the internet. A computer teacher at the local junior high school would become his mentor, his co-conspirator, his friend. She introduced Russell to the possibilities of computers and technology and showed him how to harness their full potential. It would be years later when he realized his desire to turn his passion and his hobby, into his future and his career.

Russell has faced, and subsequently conquered, many challenges to arrive where he is today. He has suffered set-backs, both external and self-imposed, but has come a very long distance to now be in a position of serious potential success thanks to the love and support of his family, his friends, his mentors, guides, and role models, and an internal well of perseverance and determination.