Jeff Russell
Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Russell is CEO of Russell Cellular. Jeff and his wife Kym established Russell Cellular in December of 1993 as a home-based business. A testament to the American Dream, Jeff had the humblest of beginnings selling cellular phones from the trunk of his car and cold-calling businesses. Today Russell Cellular is one of Verizon’s largest and most successful authorized retailers in the nation. For 30 years, Jeff has led the company through exponential growth adding retail stores both organically and through acquisitions to a current count of more than 750 retail locations with more than 2,600 employees operating in 43 states.
Jeff is passionate about the ever-evolving, fast-paced wireless industry and committed to maintaining the family culture of the business and empowering the team to accomplish the mission: “Providing the best wireless experience to every customer, every time.” Jeff and his company have earned many accolades, most notably:
• SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year Kansas City District 1998 • Springfield Chamber’s Small Business of the Year finalist 2002 • Springfield Business Journal’s “Dynamic Dozen” 10 times taking top place in 2004, 2010, & 2020 as the fastest growing company in Southwest Missouri. • Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies for 10 consecutive years • Verizon Partner of the Year 2018
Personal Background
Born in California and raised in rural Arkansas, Jeff and his wife Kym moved to the Springfield, Missouri area in 1993 and currently reside in Battlefield, Missouri. Jeff is most recognizable by his charismatic smile and credits his strong work ethic to the example set working side by side with his parents on their turkey farm. He is especially proud to work with both of his children as they help lead the family business, serve on various boards and committees and support charitable causes. Jeff enjoys traveling with family and friends, collecting wine, and spending time at the lake or with his granddaughters.