Primary Menu Close Menu Site search: SEARCH We are built on a rich history of tradition and core values that has dictated our path over the last 36 years. Home » About Us » Our History BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS The history of Russell begins much like any other story - a man, a dream and a business card. James V. Russell founded Russell Construction Company, Inc. in 1983 upon graduating from Iowa State University. The economy was in decline and Jim had a desire to take a risk and be his own boss. Armed with a stack of business cards and $10,000, Jim opened up shop in Bettendorf, Iowa. That next year, brought the company's first two employees, and their first project - a small remodel of a local hotel. Today, Russell employs over 150 individuals and completes construction and development projects on a regional and national platform - and they say the rest is history. 1980 Award of first major project at the Steeplgate Inn - Davenport, IA Employees travel for work in order to survive in a struggling Quad Cities economy Construction on the first of 20 Super Saver Cinemas and 14 GNC stores begins with locations all across the country First federal government contract awarded Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies By the end of the 1980’s Russell employs 22 individuals and grosses nearly $5.9 MM in sales 1990 First project valued at over $1 MM awarded Relationship with SSAB Steel, which spanned 10 years and $25 MM in projects, begins Work with Genesis Health System begins – resulting in a new focus on healthcare facilities First educational project begins at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL First of 14 Von Maur projects begins - resulting in a long-term relationship spanning $85 MM in projects Revenue exceeds $50 MM by the end of the 1990’s 2000 Relationship with Deere & Company begins – the value of work to date is over $130 MM First of 29 Walgreens stores begins - total client value over $40 MM Previous headquarters location of Russell in Davenport opens Construction of $35 MM Figge Art Museum Department of Defense Task Order Contracts begin at Rock Island Arsenal - valued over $89 MM Revenue exceeds $120 MM by the end of 2010 – employee count nears 100. 2010 Russell named one of Iowa’s Best Businesses by IA Biz Magazine Recognized as a Top 400 Contractor by Engineering News Magazine Relationship with Galesburg CUSD #205 begins - resulting in over $56 MM in projects (3) Employees become one of the first Certified Healthcare Constructors in the State of Iowa New Russell Headquarters opens at 4700 E. 53rd Street Revenue exceeds $200 MM – employee count is over 150 2020 Recognized as a Top 400 Contractor by Engineering News Magazine (again!) 1 Million Hour Safety Goal with Zero Lost Time Incidents Achieved Celebration of 37 Years in Business! Merger with HBD Construction in St. Louis, MO Employee count exceeds 200 CONTACT US MEMBERS SITEMAP ACCESSIBILITY PRIVACY POLICY SPONSORSHIPS & DONATIONS NEWSLETTER SIGNUP FIRST NAME LAST NAME EMAIL ADDRESS © 2021 Russell Inc. All rights reserved. Created by Twin State Web Design. CLOSE