Russ was a Tennessee farm boy in his teens. It was a horse farm, so he was tossing hay (and other things) after school and on summer break. Did you know that farm boys can do anything? Farms are the ultimate DIY experience, birthplace of ingenuity and industry, and Russ applies that farm boy resourcefulness to everything he does.
Growing up on the farm led Russ to a degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences from Auburn University. He was self employed genotyping horses for a bit, but shifted to the green industry (landscaping) after coming to Atlanta. That put him in another field where he can use his brain and remain active, while also appealing to his artistic side. And, he likes growing plants (TOMATOES, especially), as well as designing landscapes and grafting, so it was a good fit.
Russ has several certifications, both personal, like the HAM license, and professional, like the GCLP (Georgia Certified Landscape Professional, they say “G-clip”). He’s finishing up his ISA Arborist Certification and will get the commercial drone license next. Soon we can offer drone footage! So cool.
Russ does so much of the heavy lifting in our joint projects, both literally and figuratively. I’ve never met a person more genuinely interested in helping, first for work and family, but second, anyone.
Outside work Russ loves iron. He restores cast iron cookware. He recently took a blacksmithing class, and would like to take the knife making class next. He also likes hiking and cycling.
Looking forward, Russ is interested in forest bathing, mushrooms (growing, foraging and understanding the science) and woodworking among other things.