For more than 60 years, Herman Russell’s H.J. Russell & Company stood as a top-tier real estate and construction company.
Notable projects headed by Russell’s company include the Georgia Dome (Atlanta); OMNI Dallas Convention Center (Dallas); Centennial Olympic Park (Atlanta); Phoenix Convention Center (Phoenix); Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, Georgia.); and Hughes Spalding Hospital (Atlanta).
Russell’s leadership provided employment for thousands of blacks and inspired others to follow in his footsteps. Before his death, Russell sat down with rolling out and discussed his journey and book, Building Atlanta.
During his book release event, Russell revealed why he decided to write the book. “I was fortunate to write a book that detailed my life as a young man,” he says, “I want to inspire others with my story. I want it to be an inspiration to future business leaders.”
Russell also gave advice to fledgling entrepreneurs.
“My advice to younger business owners is to work hard, stay focused and remember [there’s] no free lunch,” he says. “And when you become successful, remember to give back. You get more when you give back to the community.”
