THE RUSSELL'S WELL DRILLING LEGACY

As a young boy, Max Campbell accompanied his father, Ivory “Ive” Campbell and grandfather, Jim Campbell, to well-drilling sites throughout the region. During the following years, Max gained the valuable experience and knowledge necessary to continue the family legacy. In 1955, he recognized the economic growth potential in McKenzie, Tennessee and surrounding communities. The water-digging and well-drilling techniques learned from years of working alongside Ive and Jim, combined with his understanding of business principles and practices, provided the foundation for Max to pursue his dream of owning and operating a successful business. Max Campbell’s business legacy reflected the time-honored values of integrity, trust, respect, and hard work. He and his wife, Geraldine, instilled the same values in their children and grandchildren. The Campbell’s ultimate goal was to create a business that would remain in the family for future generations. The focus on superior customer service and exceeding expectations contributed to the stellar reputation that continues to this day.

In the same manner, as he gained knowledge and experience from his father and grandfather, Max continued the legacy with his grandson, Russell. Although the equipment and products may have changed over the years, Max shared the invaluable wisdom and experience of previous generations. In his toddler and young childhood years, Russell was Max’s “shadow”, his young voice insistent on helping his Granddad at work. After-school hours, weekends, and summer breaks were opportunities for Russell to increase his knowledge of the well-drilling industry.

Encouraged by his parents, Eddie and Letha (Campbell) Basford, as well as his aunt, Beverly (Campbell) McNeil, Russell officially joined the family business as a full-time employee in 1989. He successfully balanced work obligations with educational responsibilities and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Bethel College in 1993. The combination of wisdom and techniques passed down from his grandfather, Max Campbell, his own experience drilling and servicing water wells, and knowledge gained from a college education allowed Russell to develop strategies that resulted in growth and innovation. To further develop and diversify his abilities and skills, Russell pursued an opportunity to serve as the general manager for an independent corporation that focused on meeting the needs of commercial and municipal organizations in urban areas.