Today it was announced that H. J. Russell & Company (Russell), a family-run pillar of Atlanta real estate development and construction, was honored with the goBeyondProfit Champion Award.  This peer-nominated honor is given by Georgia business leaders to companies who consistently benefit their community and business with generous company culture, deployment of company resources and community empowerment. 

“Back in March, we selected H. J. Russell & Company for its exceptional leadership, culture and care for associates as well as community,” said goBeyondProfit founder Rick Jackson. “We are pleased that we now have the opportunity to celebrate and raise up this story of generational generosity that truly stands out as an example of the positive impact business can have on the people it empowers.” 

A complete profile is available at www.gobeyondprofit.org/champion.

“There has always had to be a bigger purpose in business than just to make money,” said Michael B. Russell, Sr., Russell CEO. “When our company was founded, the bedrock of it was to improve the community through our work. From the beginning, we've been beyond building structures, we've been about building communities where everyone has a place. Construction and development are in our bones but giving back to the community is in our heart.”

Through decades of intentional investment and focus, Russell has built the skyline of Atlanta and abiding relationships with the local community. Today, Russell CARES, the firm’s corporate social responsibility arm, collaborates with area organizations to advance dialogue, bring continuing solutions, and partner with community members and other leaders for lasting change. Russell CARES focuses on helping communities strengthen, from within, across the key pillars of education, youth, entrepreneurship and affordable housing.

Long before the revitalization of Atlanta’s westside was trendy, Russell played a vital role. This commitment continues to live on through annual signature events such as Russell Rocks the Block which celebrates the community while also providing crucial resources including workforce development, medical care, voter registration and addresses food insecurity. In addition, in 2019, the Russell family launched the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE) in historic Castleberry Hill. RCIE is the largest center of its kind in the country devoted to empowering Black entrepreneurs and business owners. 

goBeyondProfit is a statewide alliance launched by business leaders for business leaders to spur corporate generosity and improve people’s lives. To submit a nomination for future goBeyondProfit Champions, visit the goBeyondProfit website and nomination form.