Prior to entering the seminary, Russell had been running an insurance brokerage for 9 years and was a fishing guide on the side. Russell had experienced a high level of success in the industry and even held the number two position in his company for several years. Eventually, the glamour of success began to fade, and the spiritual life became more important.

"I had actually spoken to my diocese about 10 years ago about going to seminary and due to several of life's twists and turns it didn't work out. More recently, I remember slowly losing my zeal for the insurance industry and one day in confession, I found myself very thankful for the priest who was hearing my confession. I was thinking that he had given up his time so that he could be here, hearing my confession, and I felt very drawn to that sacrificial call. That, plus some very significant experiences in prayer, lead me back to the front door of my diocese to complete an application to the seminary.  This time it finally worked out."