Fargo Famous: Russell Schell Conserves Energy, Comes Home From The West Coast 🌿🌊🏠

Conrad Fargo interviews Russell Shell, a military veteran and entrepreneur, about his fascinating journey.
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Russell shares insights about his time on the West Coast, living in California, Portland, and Seattle. He recounts how his family moved to Libby, Montana, after his father bought a gas station, and eventually moved back to North Dakota. Russell's career took him to Hill Air Force Base and then to Lockheed Space and Missile Company, where he contributed to the Hubble Telescope project. After various stints in Montana and Spokane, Washington, he finally settled back in North Dakota in 2007.
Russell dives into the challenges and opportunities he faced in his entrepreneurial ventures, from running a gas station to owning a refrigeration and heating business. He discusses the environmental cleanup that forced him to sell his company to Johnson Controls, which led to his move to Spokane and then Portland. The passing of his parents brought him back to North Dakota to be closer to his family.
Returning to Fargo, Russell initially worked for the Trane Corporation but soon realized his desire to start his own business. Despite initial resistance from his wife, Lisa, who worked as the office manager at Royal Jewelers, Russell founded RJ Energy Solutions in 2013. He describes the early days of brainstorming business names and models, relying on his HVAC experience to generate income while working on various inventions. Over the years, the business has grown, and he is now looking at hiring more staff and bringing new products to market.
The interview also explores Russell's involvement with the El Zagal Shrine, a fraternal organization known for its charitable work. He recounts his initial curiosity about the Shriners, which led him to visit their Arabian Room Bar and eventually join the organization. Russell's commitment grew after visiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children in the Twin Cities and Florida, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of their work. As the membership chairman for four years, he played a significant role in recruiting new members and supporting the Shrine's mission.
The episode wraps up with a teaser for an upcoming event organized by El Zagal Shrine, highlighting their continuous efforts to raise funds for their charitable initiatives. Conrad and Russell emphasize the importance of community involvement and the meaningful difference the Shriners make in the lives of children and families.
Tune in to this episode of The Fargo Five for an inspiring story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community service, showcasing the spirit of Fargo and its extraordinary residents.