Russell Raymond is a highly accomplished executive with over 50 years of experience leading operations and manufacturing initiatives across multiple industries, including manufacturing, finance, automotive, and consumer goods. Known for his strategic insight, operational discipline, and hands-on leadership style, Russell has earned a reputation for transforming production environments, optimizing plant performance, and driving sustainable growth for mid-sized enterprises.

Throughout his expansive career, Russell has held several senior leadership roles, most notably serving as Chief Operations Officer at Heliae Development, LLC, a pioneering agritech company committed to microbial soil health solutions. During his tenure, he led critical operations that contributed to commercializing sustainable technologies in agriculture—one of the most urgent and innovation-driven sectors amid the global climate crisis.

Prior to that, he served as Chief Operations Officer at Pleasant Mattress, Inc., where he managed a $30 million operation with 150 employees. He held full P&L responsibility, oversaw transportation logistics for a fleet of 28 vehicles, and implemented visual systems across the plant that drastically improved production transparency. Under his leadership, the company achieved a 15% reduction in inventory value within the first year and significantly enhanced operational throughput.

Earlier in his career, Russell served as Plant Manager at Brake Parts Inc LLC and Jet Plastica Industries, Inc., overseeing facilities with revenues ranging from $20M to $50M. In these roles, he managed end-to-end operations including HR, quality assurance, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain logistics. At Crest Steel Corporation, he held the title of General Manager, leading steel distribution efforts in the Southwest with complete financial and operational oversight.

Russell’s leadership is rooted in a pragmatic and results-oriented approach, with a deep understanding of manufacturing workflows, strategic planning, and process optimization. He is recognized for his strength in building teams, streamlining operations, and mentoring the next generation of industrial leaders. His command of lean manufacturing principles, inventory control, and continuous improvement methodologies has consistently delivered measurable value to the organizations he has served.

He holds an academic background in Business Administration and Management from Los Angeles Mission College, providing a solid foundation for his career in industrial operations and strategic leadership.

Now retired from full-time operational leadership, Russell is actively seeking board and advisory roles where he can apply his lifetime of experience to help growing companies enhance their operational efficiency, improve governance, and navigate the challenges of scaling successfully. With a preference for businesses with 50–300 employees and annual revenue between $5 million and $20 million, he is particularly well-suited to guide companies in the manufacturing and finance sectors, though he remains open to other industries with the exception of energy.

Russell is also passionate about sharing his time and knowledge, having no current board affiliations and seeking his first formal advisory role. He enjoys walking and woodworking, which reflect his grounded nature and hands-on sensibility. With his vast experience, strategic mindset, and operational rigor, Russell Raymond is well-positioned to offer valuable oversight and contribute meaningfully to any organization’s board.

Character: Russell is a grounded and disciplined leader who brings integrity, reliability, and a strong work ethic to every role he undertakes.

Knowledge: With 50 years of experience in manufacturing and operations, Russell possesses deep expertise in plant management, process optimization, and P&L oversight.

Strategic: He has a proven ability to drive business growth through strategic planning, lean systems implementation, and operational transformation.

Communication: Russell excels in cross-functional communication, fostering team collaboration and clearly conveying goals to ensure alignment and performance.