Zachary Russell (‘10): Serial Entrepreneur

6/9/2021

For many, a life of entrepreneurship is a dream, for some it is a career. For Zachary Russell it is a passion and lifestyle. Since finishing his studies, Zach has gone on to be a founding partner and project manager of Food Innovation Hub as well as co-founding Russell Real Estate Investments. When asked about his entrepreneurial passions, Zach had the following to say:

Where did you study after SJK?
After my time at SJK, I went into a pre-law program at Ryerson University. I quickly learned that I was in the wrong place, and by the age of 18 I was a university drop out. Coming from a university preparatory school, dropping out was really hard for me. I felt like a failure and I felt really embarrassed. Looking back on that decision today, it was the best thing I ever did.

From there I took some time and worked. I opened a restaurant and by the age of 19, I was at George Brown College getting a diploma in hospitality management. I always say that my time at college was the best experience of my life. I developed life skills while I was there. I became an exceptional communicator and I really credit this time as laying the foundation for the success I would have later in my life. From George Brown, I went back to Ryerson and received a commerce degree in Innovation and Management.

Unfortunately, at the end of my second year at Ryerson, my father Dr. Bill Russell, passed away suddenly from a myocardial infarction (heart attack). I was 21 years old when I lost my closest friend. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of him and miss him desperately. My father was the epitome of work ethic. He came from absolutely nothing, living on his own in the basement of a broken-down house in Milton at 16 years old. He became one of the most successful dentists in the tri-cities.

I went back, finished my degree, and then jumped right into my MBA at University of the People. I was accepted by many prestigious schools, however, I chose UoPeople because of the cost. In my second semester of my master’s, I was hired at Seneca College in the Business program. I paid for my entire master’s degree throughout half a semester of teaching. This degree was entirely remote and I was taking a huge risk going there. The risk paid off.

What sparked your entrepreneurial spirit?
I knew at an early age that I didn’t fit the traditional mould. If I attempted to enter the race that everyone else was running, I would lose. I don’t do well being told what to do, and I am extremely unmotivated if I am not deeply passionate about my pursuit. My entrepreneurial spirit was bred out of necessity. I also have a pretty big chip on my shoulder, so I would be lying if I didn’t say I was motivated by proving my detractors wrong. Understand what gets you out of bed in the morning and lean into it heavily. In my opinion, following your passion is the most sustainable business practice.

What was your first business venture, and what inspired you to pursue it?
If you aren’t continually failing, you aren’t continually growing. Coming from SJK, where everyone is so privileged, I believe subconsciously we develop a deep fear of failure. The only reason I’ve had the success I have, is because of the losses I have experienced. It’s so easy to sit here and just write about all the wins I have had, but I learned a lot more from when I didn’t win.

My first business was a real estate investment company that I launched with my brother, Dr. Matthew Russell, who is also an alumnus from SJK. We still run this company today. The truth is, we started it as a distraction after our father passed away. The only reason I am where I am today, is because of my brother. His work ethic is like our dad’s and he is an exceptional man. I would never bet against him.

What projects/businesses are you currently involved in?
I recently wrote and filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a really exciting new product. It is an oversized putter grip that instantly installs over an existing putter grip. The pain point we are solving here primarily lies around the installation process of grips. It is a time-based pain point that is really compelling. However, there are many tertiary value propositions for this product including a massive upgrade in customization. We have done really well with this innovation and have actually gotten a few top 25 pro golfers on board with the company, as well as notable entrepreneur, Gary Vaynerchuck (@garyvee).

Creating a brand-new product is both frustrating and rewarding. There are multiple hurdles we come across every day, nevertheless we are really excited about the direction we are heading in. If you are interested in learning more about this product or wish to sign up for a pre-order, please reach out.

With the toll that COVID-19 has taken on the workforce many individuals are considering an entrepreneurial venture. What is your advice for these individuals?

I think I would be doing a disservice if I suggested that entrepreneurship is for everyone. It is very hard, all of the responsibility is on your shoulders, and it can be very lonely. Oftentimes, your mental health can suffer greatly. That is why I am so appreciative of fellow alumnus, Harry Dearden. I believe Harry was recently featured in an SJK article where he discusses mental health and COVID-19. Harry was one of the first people to introduce me to the vastness and importance of mental health awareness. Harry is a pioneer and has been advocating for mental health, long before it was commonplace to do so.

With that being said, I do believe there are some building blocks to work off of, as it relates to potentially pursuing an entrepreneurial endeavour. I believe the best time to start a business is right now. There has never been more opportunity than there is today, and our accessibility to people is only growing. There are two main areas I would focus on: self-awareness, and passion. Self-awareness helps us understand who we are, what we are bad at, and most importantly, what we are good at. It has been ingrained in us to be constantly improving what we are bad at. I couldn’t disagree more. Understand what you are bad at so you can avoid doing it, dive into what you are good at. Become the best at it. If all you did was focus on what you are bad at, you will just become a very average person who is pretty good at everything. Become the best at what you are already good at and get paid accordingly for it.

What I tell all of my students is that passion is the most sustainable business practice. If you are doing something you hate and meet a hurdle, you are more likely to quit than if it is something that you love to do. You are more likely to push through these overwhelming moments when you are deeply passionate about your pursuit.

In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, you are an extremely well respected Professor at Seneca College. What is your approach to teaching? Are there any specific teachers from your time at SJK that have influenced your style?

While I was a student at Ryerson University, right after my dad passed away, I took a week off of school. When I returned, I didn’t receive the support that I needed—which made me vow to become a professor, and make it my mission to never allow one of my students to feel unsupported.

My approach to teaching is very simple; I genuinely care about every individual that I have the privilege to influence. My teaching style resonates with my students because I am brutally honest with them about the way things are. I teach through my experiences and try to go above and beyond for each of my people. Nothing brings me more fulfillment than knowing I have made a positive contribution to someone’s life.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge a few SJK teachers whose impact shaped me: Mr. Spackman for teaching me that being myself is more than enough, Mrs. Gallagher for teaching me to lead with my heart, and Mrs. Duldhardt for showing me that I am smarter than I think.

Finally, I want to thank one of my best friends from SJK who introduced me to entrepreneurship. Elliot Lane was a shining star at SJK. He was probably the most talented athlete that ever graced our fields. And, more than that, he was one of the most wholesome individuals that ever walked our halls. If Elliot entered a room everyone knew so because laughter and light quickly followed. Elliot had this aura around him that just made everyone feel better. Our community is privileged to say that he was a part of it.

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