Russ is a native of Statesboro. He graduated from Statesboro High and received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Finance from Georgia Southern University in May 2004.

While in college Russ was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and served as Alumni Relations Chairperson, and Corresponding Secretary. He has been a Sales Associate with Coldwell Banker Tanner Realty since October 2004. He handles all aspects of assisting buyers in purchasing and selling residential and vacation homes, land, as well as all types of investment property. Russ was a Million Dollar Producer in 2005, 2006, and 2007. He is a member of the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society for 2006 and 2007. And in 2007 was voted "Best Real Estate Agent" in Statesboro by the readers of the Statesboro Herald. Russ is a licensed Georgia Auctioneer and graduate of the Florida Auctioneer Academy and the Ringmaster School.

He is a member of the Statesboro Board of Realtors, the National Association of Auctioneers, the Coastal Conservation Association of Georgia, Statesboro Homebuilders, Kappa Alpha Order Alumni Chapter, and First Baptist Church of Statesboro