President Pete Russo learned early to drive himself toward excellence and thus, fosters achievement throughout the organization. He successfully created and ran several businesses, developing talent, business savvy, and wisdom along the way. He eventually turned those abilities toward to leading corporate departments. Ultimately, he chose to work in the financial services industry, where he now presides over Insurance Marketing Solutions, a retirement planning firm. Pete is the embodiment of perpetual motion. “It’s a blessing and a curse,” he says. “I love challenge. I don’t get tired because I’m doing what I find fun.”

Raised in the melting pot of the Bronx, New York, Pete developed a skill for communicating with people from all backgrounds. He also learned to identify needs, then find ways to fill them. Early entrepreneurial successes helped him develop his overarching philosophy: “I put talented people in pivotal roles and allow them to thrive.” And even now, if an employee is struggling with something, he will jump in and help. This builds respect and admiration on both sides. A close look at the teams he has built shows how effective this dynamic is.

Pete holds a Business Degree from Iona University in New Rochelle, New York. He now lives in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife and three children. His hobbies include restoring classic cars and redesigning properties.