Russell Vinson always had a love for home building and his country. When 9/11 occurred, he was a local college student plugging away at the books. Yet, something was gnawing at him. While college has its value, Russell felt stirred to DO MORE and be an active crusader for the USA. His calling led him to join the United States Navy to protect and serve our great nation in a time of duress.

In the Navy, Russell learned the value of being a frontline responder. His knowledge and caring manner helped his fellow soldiers during a time of stressful engagements. He served as a Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy from 2001-2011, and a Surgical Trauma ICU Nurse/Travel Nurse from 2015 through January 2020. While in the Navy, Russell was in combat twice through multiple deployments throughout the world.

Vinson shined in his military career, earning many accolades and honors. He has received three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor for heroic action in combat and meritoriously advanced, and Sailor of the Quarter for 2nd Battalion 8th Marines. With 10 years in the Navy, Russell developed leadership skills that led him to transition to his civilian life with ease and fulfill his love of real estate by becoming a real estate agent. Vinson started his career in real estate in February of 2021.

Where did Russell’s initial passion come from for real estate? It’s in his blood from childhood.

Vinson explains, “My passion for real estate came at a young age, working with my father as we renovated houses on the weekends. I remember at the age of 6, painting a living room in a rental house. It was a thrilling experience for me. I had felt so much responsibility in that moment. My love for homes only grew over the years. I could remember countless evenings throughout middle school working with my family on investment properties.”

Returning home from the Navy, Russell jumped into real estate by buying his very own investment property and his first personal home. Walking through the process was intriguing to Russell. As he grew his property portfolio, it became natural for Russell to work his way into the real estate licensing and his current career.

Russell shares what he loved the most about real estate with a smile.

“I love the freedom that I have now. I am self-driven, so I make sure to show up every day and put my best foot forward. I want to grow my passive income as well by obtaining more investment properties.”

When thinking about success, Vinson notes: “Success is what I see in being passionate about what you do every day – waking up to strive for your goals. Success isn’t only monetary; it is reaching those milestones you set for yourself.”

Russell is enjoying his career and being able to help others obtain the American dream of homeownership. Serving his country in the Navy allowed Russell to demonstrate his patriotism as well as see the world. Having traveled to so many ports around the world, he is quick to welcome a newcomer.

“I know what it is like to enter a new country, not speak the language, and have to rely on others to help you navigate your way around. As a result, I’m sensitive to being available to help and put people at ease by giving them the tools and resources they need to be comfortable.”

Vinson’s advice to rookies is plain and simple.

“Take time for you, and don’t schedule yourself silly. People will understand if you have obligations or can’t make a time. Don’t burn out.”

When enjoying some downtime, Russell loves to try new restaurants and go to festivals. When he hits the road, Russell heads to Atlanta to see friends, or he travels to destinations abroad. Russell loves spending time with his family, who all share a passion for patriotism and service commitment. His father, Wayne O. Vinson, was in Intelligence in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star, and his mother, Naomi Vinson, is a retired second-grade schoolteacher. Russell’s brother, Wayne O. Vinson Jr., served in the U.S. Navy, and his brother, Jason, works for a Fortune 100 technologies company.

It’s an honor to share Russell’s patriotic journey in serving others with the readers of Charlotte Real Producers – thank you and all the current and existing veterans for their part in making America safe and free for us all!