Introducing Rusty Russell

A note from Kerrie Phipps – I was delighted to meet Rusty last week after this fabulous nomination from his coach, Kristen Hansen. I can see immediately that Rusty’s eagerness to learn and connect with entrepreneurs and thought leaders is outstanding and it’s an honour to share his story here.

Kristen says – I’m proud to nominate Rusty because he is completely dedicated to his professional development and his company – a very fast growing business in regional NSW. He attended an Australian Institute of Management course on managing leading and developing people. He then engaged in executive coaching to develop his leadership skills. His attitude and results are exceptional.

Rusty Russell is the founder of Double R Heavy Equipment Repairs based in Mudgee and services additional regions including Dubbo, Gunnedah and the Hunter Valley. Driven by a good challenge Rusty has thrived on his journey to date including an agricultural upbringing, taking on an apprenticeship with (then) NSW Caterpillar dealer Gough and Gilmour and winning apprentice of the year. He then continued his career with six years of overseas work and travel in PNG, Europe and South America. Rusty considers mastering the Spanish language as one of his highest achievements along with being a country kid and adding surfing to his abilities.

Developing and growing Double R from a one man operation to a team of forty personnel over the past seven years since returning from overseas has been the latest chapter in this adventure story.

1. How do you love to explain your business to others?

Once I get past the services that we offer all owners of earth moving equipment, I love to expand on what makes us who we are. That is clearly our TEAM.

With a staff retention rate well above the industry average, our Company is more than just myself. We have a team of dedicated supervisors, leading hands, senior technicians and trades people who consistently surprise our clients and competitors with their enthusiasm and commitment.

Building this team, creating opportunities and enabling our people to develop is the greatest part of being involved with Double R.

2. Who are your greatest supporters?

Definitely my wife Kate, who I have been fortunate to share many adventures along the way from traveling through eastern Europe, working in Peru, developing Double R and raising two gorgeous daughters.

3. What do you love about doing business from your regional location?

From world wide experience I can say with confidence that Mudgee is one of the best places to live and work in the mining industry.

4. How did you move from dreamer to achiever?

I don’t really think of myself as an achiever, yet I do agree we have come a long way. The fact that we still have a long way to go holds back my thoughts on achievement. Though I am getting better at celebrating the successes along the way.

You cannot achieve without the dream in the first place. You can’t expect to say “Wow I made it!” without some idea where it was that you wanted to go.

All of the major steps in my journey to date have resulted from stepping out of my comfort zone. This has always come relatively easily to me with a natural thirst for adventure combined with being fiercely independent thanks to my upbringing.

5. What do you believe are the essential qualities or attributes of a successful person?

Integrity – I believe this counts. I hope I am not proved wrong as my journey continues.

6. What does success mean to you personally?

Our successes to date provide myself and our team a platform to build upon for our next opportunities.

I recall that most of my first 3 – 4 years in business was a mix of night shifts, weekends and constant exhaustion. Now with the support of our team on common goals I have rediscovered a drive for self-development. I have the opportunity to make the time to absorb knowledge through reading, attending courses when I can or listening to audio books. The Australian Institute of Management has a great selection.

The control I now have over my time provides great opportunities. It is not helpful to be so busy you can’t think on a big scale or meet an important person on short notice.

It’s not that I am not busy, I am just busy in better areas than earlier on.

7. What plans do you have to expand your business further?

Our immediate expansion plans include the construction of our purpose built workshop in Mudgee. A facility of this size and capacity will be a first for our region and will support our clients and teams in Dubbo, Gunnedah and elsewhere.

The work shop construction program during 2013 will not inhibit other growth options. An entrepreneurial mind set and keeping an eye for opportunity will remain a key driver for myself and the Company.

Contact Details
Name: Rusty Russell
Role: Managing Director
Business Name: Double R Heavy Equipment Repairs
Address: PO Box 1051, Mudgee NSW 2850
Phone: 02 63 733 735
Website: www.dblr.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Double-R-Heavy-Equipment-Repairs/