Chopper Russo: A Man for All Seasons
No grass grows under Chopper Russo's feet.
It's been this way since childhood. At seven years old he held a car wash, and a sign he made for it read: “Try us, you will like us.” Ever since then, it’s been one marketing-advertising-volunteer (ad)venture after another.
Chopper Russo was born in Saddle Brook in 1961.
He adopted the nickname “Chopper” after a cartoon character, that he had given to his brother.
In 1921, Chopper’s grandfather Tom, who was a first-generation Italian-American, established a furniture manufacturing company which the family ran until 2010. Grandfather Tom was Chopper’s mentor, best friend and teacher in business, marketing, advertising and helping friends and community.
“We looked and acted alike,” Chopper recalls. “Grandpa Tom was always giving back. He helped a lot of people.”
During his high school years, Chopper worked delivering newspapers, lifeguarding, umpiring, working at the Market Basket and, when time allowed, at the furniture factory in Union City. At Don Bosco he played football and was captain of the team, along with the school yearbook committee, prom committee and a multitude of other events.
While in college at Marquette University, he worked for the Pabst Brewery where he was number one in sales from ’81-’83.
Afterwards, he joined the family manufacturing facility, running the sales and marketing along with helping manage the family real estate ventures.
He came out of college with a degree, a working education in business, sales and valuable experience in volunteering. After college, Chopper sat on the Don Bosco Board of Trustees and was chairman of the alumni organization.
Today he is a champion of education in Oakland.
He participates in the Knights of Columbus, the Oakland Dog Park committee, Oakland Education Foundation, Oakland Green Team and the Oakland Chamber of Commerce. He has worked to help the fire department, Mothers’ Club, plus numerous other town organizations.
He has helped with the annual Oakland Carnival, run events promoting local eateries, which he underwrites for free dining on his birthday. Rarely a week goes by that Oakland’s residents don’t receive one of his colorful, comprehensive flyers in the mail with the iconic photo of Chopper and his dog Bosco wearing a matching bright red tie.
The Chopper Russo Team includes his brother, and three other people.
They work as a real estate team which in nine years has achieved Hall of Fame status in the industry. Today, the group is ranked number one in Oakland, 37th in the U.S., 78th in the world. He combines his work with his many activities for children, athletics, charities, and Oakland’s diverse organizations.
Recently, Chopper was honored with the “Home Town Hero” award by Congressman Gottheimer for his many contributions in Oakland.
He is guided by his grandfather’s advice: “Don’t burn bridges, “Treat people as you would want to be treated,” “Go on instinct,” “We rarely succeed unless we are having fun.”
Chopper believes strongly in motivating others.
A huge smile formed on Chopper’s face as spoke about Tom Kindergan, an Indian Hills High School Senior, who is studying for his real estate license and will be attending Montclair State University this fall. Chopper says, “This kid has a natural talent for sales and for people and will become the youngest member of our team.”
Add “mentor” to Chopper Russo’s long, long list of roles.