After losing crops to flooding two years in a row, he took up auctioneering to cover the costs of raising his seven children.

He was a licensed auctioneer, real estate broker and certified residential appraiser in the state of Indiana.

[2] In 1971, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce needed fundraising for their annual classic-car show.

When a bidder's $61,000 bid for a locally-made Duesenberg was turned down, the press picked up the story, and his fame as a car auctioneer took off.

Russell was on the original Indiana Board of Auctioneers and served as chairman.