Robert and Joan Russell

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Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

Managers at Laurel Grove come from a variety of backgrounds. But as far as diversity goes, the Russells may take the cake. Together, Robert and Joan's professional resumes create a potpourri of jobs rivaled only by the famous fictional character, Forest Gump. From show business, to sales, to owning their own businesses, Robert and Joan Russell have an impressive array of experience. After spending some time with them you wonder if there is anything they can't do.

This is not the couple's first time working together. Nor is it the first time they have worked for a company called Holiday. The two met in Bismarck, ND rehearsing for Holiday on Ice. Robert took care of technical production and Joan performed as an ice skater. They got married in 1974 and lived on the road for seven years under the spotlights of entertainment.

When Joan got pregnant with their first son, they moved to Robert's hometown here in Lilburn, Ga. where Robert continued a career in show business. He worked behind the scenes of the Fox theatre, and was the production manager for the Atlanta Symphony for twenty years.

The two decided they missed working together, so in the mid nineties they opened a retail business in the mall. Their business, selling Metabalife herbal supplements was so successful; they eventually became the exclusive distributors for fifteen locations. Robert and Joan did really well (until Walmart started carrying the product and booted them out of their exclusive distributor contract.) Since then, each of them has held jobs in sales which include cars, insurance, and diamonds.

Making Laurel Grove both their home and profession is their latest endeavor. Its obvious Robert and Joan Russell work well as a team. Managing Laurel Grove is a perfect opportunity for this well-experienced and diverse couple.

Robert and Joan have three sons; Mathiew, 29 is recently married and lives in Alpharetta. Daniel, 25 recently graduated from Georgia State. Jimmy, 21 attends Jacksonville State University in Alabama. They also have an adorable, black and white dog named Oreo who is the newest canine resident here at Laurel Grove.