Associate Spotlight: Casey Russ

Casey Russ

Assistant Manager

Born and Raised

Bolton Landing, NY

A Pivotal Moment

Growing up in a small town, Casey was involved with lots of sports, his favorite being baseball. When he first started with baseball, Casey described himself as a ‘short and pudgy’ child—needless to say, he wasn’t very good. He was also disappointed to find out that when he attempted to make the T-ball league, he didn’t even make the team and was placed in the minor T-ball league.

His mother took him aside and told him “Don’t let someone not choosing you, keep you from achieving what you want”.

Casey recalls this moment as being his most pivotal moment. He spent the next year practicing as often as possible and ended up surpassing T-ball and going straight into little league.

His mother took him aside again and asked “If you sat on the bench last year when you didn’t make the T-ball league, you wouldn’t be on the little league team now.”

To this day, Casey remembers this moment and applies it to any situation that calls for him to work harder to reach his goals.

What do people not know about Casey?

“ I secretly love all rom-coms.”

What does this business mean to you?

“The best way that I can put this is that other careers are almost like you are on an island and fending for yourself both professionally and personally. Here, successful individuals surround me and they have all taught me something or other about the business and myself. These people commit themselves to helping me and that’s one of the main reasons why I am so committed to their success as well”.

You recently got promoted, Congratulations! What advice would you have given yourself a year ago that has helped you reach your goal?

He laughed and answered, “Put your ego aside. Humble yourself—there are people in this business who know more about success than you do. Don’t just be present when they try to help you, but listen to what they say, because they have already been in these situations and know how to succeed. The best part is that they will actually help you succeed and offer their help willingly, it’s just up to you to humble yourself and listen”.

Role Model

“Pete Rose—He wasn’t the most talented baseball player, but he never just took a play off. That’s what separated him from everyone else, his heart and his drive. He always gave 110%”