#289 - From $1.60 to a Legacy Built One Customer at a Time | Kenny Russell

In this episode of In The LOOP, Jordan Jo sits down with Kenny Russell—the owner of Russell Feed & Supply—for a conversation about humble beginnings, hard work, and building an American dream that can last for generations.

Kenny’s journey began in 1975 when his high school agriculture teacher helped him land a job at a local feed store for just $1.60 an hour. What started as a part-time position became a lifelong career—one built by unloading trucks by hand, serving customers well, and learning from mentors who believed in him.

After working for the original owners for more than 22 years, Kenny was given the opportunity to purchase the business. Today, Russell Feed & Supply has grown from three locations into a family-run company with 12 stores, hundreds of employees, and deep roots throughout the agricultural community.

Kenny shares how customer service became the foundation of the company, why he hires for personality and trains for skill, and what it takes to compete against big-box retailers while remaining locally owned and operated.

They also talk about investing in employees, creating opportunities for the next generation, working alongside his daughter Megan, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can shape the direction of your life.

At the heart of Kenny’s story is a simple reminder: The American dream is still alive—but you have to be willing to start at the bottom, remain patient, take care of people, and keep showing up.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Kenny Russell turned a $1.60-an-hour feed store job into a lasting legacy built on faith, mentorship, service, and more than 50 years of hard work.