My first car.
I was raised in Santa Paula, California, in the ’70s and ’80s with two siblings and loving parents who owned a small local business. I was a latch-key kid that worked from an early age in the family business, performing various jobs from sweeping floors to washing heavy equipment and taking care of the security dogs. The money I earned afforded me the funds to purchase my first car—a bright yellow 1967 Chevy ll Nova Super Sport, with a V8 Chevy motor and 375 horsepower of pure pleasure.
The '80s era, in my opinion, was one of the best eras, especially for music. You know the band Journey, we couldn’t stop listening to their albums, and one of our favorite songs was “Don’t Stop Believin'.” After high school, I attended university, joined a fraternity, and became the Kitchen Steward, where I managed the kitchen for a house with 150 active members. This taught me a lot about people, management, and patience.
Me and my father when I was 4 years old.
While I was obtaining my bachelor's in business administration, I worked part-time for Shearson Lehman Brothers. I found out rather quickly I did not want to become a stockbroker but rather a financial advisor, where I could focus on a client’s overall financial picture. Shortly after graduation in the early ’90s, my father passed away unexpectedly and left my mom financially in despair. My dad was my rock. He was always there for me and I knew that whatever I did in my life, if I fell, he would be there for me. After he passed, I realized that it was all up to me to support myself and my mom.
Remember the song “Don’t Stop Believin'”? I never did stop believing, and I never will stop believing for my family and my clients. So that’s when I decided to pursue a full-time career in financial services to help ensure that other families have a more certain financial future. I hired my mom more than 25 years ago to perform administrative tasks, which she still happily does today in her mid-80s. Becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and specializing in retirement planning and widows has been very fulfilling for me and our firm and is my passion.
However, my first joy is my family. I met my wife, Alissa, at Pierpont Racquet Club, a local tennis club in Ventura. We hit it off great, got married, and have two wonderful children, Andrew and Ella, both of whom are teenagers . . . we are “the 4 Musketeers.” We travel and play together. Oh how I wish time would slow down; I am really treasuring them. When I’m not spending time with family, I enjoy tennis, skiing, and motorcycle riding.
Coach Russell.
I am a past officer of the Ventura CPA/Law Forum and a past board member for Oxnard College. I have been involved with or supported Care Givers, Goodwill, Food Share, The Boys & Girls Club of Ventura, Ventura Missionary Church, Santa Paula Animal Rescue (SPARC), and City Center. I have also served as head coach for The Santa Paula Youth Softball League, Saticoy Little League, and The Pierpont Racquet Club Youth Tennis Team.
This is a little bit about me. If you decide to work with Skeels & Fox Wealth Management, I look forward to learning more about you, your family, and your interests. Remember, “Don’t Stop Believin'” in your dreams and goals!
Russell, Ali, and their two children.
CA Insurance Lic #0B06003