Get to know Michael B. Russell Sr., the CEO of H.J. Russell & Co., a Black-owned construction firm in Atlanta, Georgia, which aims to reach $1 billion in revenue by 2029.
According to Black Enterprise, the company generates about $300 million in revenue and Russell plans to achieve the $700 million increase by focusing on projects for Fortune 100 companies on the back of the increasing demand for technology infrastructure largely due to AI advancements.
Also, the company is involved in modular construction for aviation projects. It is a major partner in the $1.4 billion project to widen Concourse D at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Before starting this project, Russell worked on a modular expansion at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2022.
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All in all, Russell believes that the $700 million target is a major goal for growth, expecting a major share of it to come from the company’s mission-critical projects like data centers and healthcare facilities.
H.J. Russell & Company has long been a trailblazer in the construction industry. From its humble beginnings, the firm has played a pivotal role in shaping Atlanta’s skyline, contributing to iconic projects such as the Georgia Dome, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Its other projects include State Farm Arena and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
H.J. Russell & Company was founded in 1952 by H.J. Russell, Russell’s father. Russell succeeded his father as Chief Executive Officer of the company in October 2003 and has continued to build on this legacy. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its portfolio, taking on larger projects while maintaining its core values, according to Black Enterprise.
What is more, he has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the construction industry, ensuring that minority and women-owned businesses have opportunities to thrive.
While the path to $1 billion is filled with promise, it is not without challenges. The construction industry is highly competitive, and economic uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages can pose significant risks.
However, H.J. Russell & Co. has demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout its history, and its leadership is confident in its ability to navigate these challenges.
