Bob Russell celebrates half century of life in real estate

Russell & Jeffcoat Real Estate, the largest and one of the most recognized residential real estate firms in the Midlands of South Carolina, turned 50 years old this month.

Staying in business in itself wasn’t an easy task, let alone for half a decade, according to founder, Robert R. “Rip” Russell Jr., who at 85 years old, still serves as chairman of the board. Russell, who goes by Bob, started the company from scratch in 1965 with an idea and hard work. As he sat his office at Assembly and Calhoun streets, Russell said this week that he set a number of goals for his personal life, too.

He wanted to run in a marathon, which he did at age 49. He wanted to write three books. Russell has written two: “Be Your Best Self” (1985); “Touching the Face of God” (1992). His third is to be an autobiography – motivational in nature. But Russell said he can’t get motivated to do it.

How was Russell & Jeffcoat founded?

After working for another real estate agency in Columbia for eight years, Russell began his own company at the age of 35 along with his wife, who worked as secretary and one salesman. The first “real good” salesman Russell hired was the late Abb Jeffcoat. Russell eventually made Jeffcoat his sales manager, then sold him a 25 percent share in his company, then a few years later gave Jeffcoat another 25 percent share to make him a full partner.

How did Russell & Jeffcoat navigate the Great Recession?

“We went from about 530 salesmen all the way down to about 350. We have now built back up to about 450,” Russell said. “We’ve had to borrow money a few times to keep the doors open, but overall, we’ve stayed in good shape.”

What does the future hold for real estate in Columbia and for Russell & Jeffcoat?

The new home market is coming back strongly.

“One thing about America, is that people want to own their own home,” Russell said. “If there’s any way for them to buy a house, they’re going to buy it!”

What does Bob Russell do for fun?

“I still play golf. That’s still my favorite advocation.

“Clemson is included in my will,” he said. “Clemson has meant a lot to me. I started there when I was 16, because I graduated in the 11th grade back in those days. I really needed the discipline that I got at Clemson. It sort of shaped my life.”

This story was originally published April 10, 2015 at 12:11 PM with the headline "Bob Russell celebrates half century of life in real estate."