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Thursday, 04 October 2007 |
by LINDSAY TIGAR
Lifestyles Editor
Since he graduated from Appalachian State in 1999, Brandon L. Russell has been trading spaces all over the country.
Ironically, his traveling has led him to The Learning Channel and Trading Spaces itself.
Russell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Appalachian State and was very involved as a student and a leader.
“I was a member of Delta Chi and held positions of social chair,
service chair, vice-president and president,” he said. “I was an SGA
senator, and the first president of Club Council.”
Dino DiBernadi, associate vice chancellor for student development, remembers Russell.
“Brandon was always very energetic, enthusiastic, and willing to help
others,” he said. “I think that was reflected in the kinds of
leadership roles he had. He made friends easily, and others enjoy being
around him. He really was a fun student to be around.”
Post-graduation, Russell pursued a career in modeling and acting in California, New York City, Atlanta, Ga., and Miami, Fla.
He’s also appeared as a featured extra in the major motion picture, “Sweet Home Alabama,” and on CBS’ Guiding Light.
His chance to become the new carpenter host for Trading Spaces came with chance and tragedy.
Five years ago, Russell’s father died from cancer.
“My father was a master journeyman in carpentry,” he said. “All my life
I learned how to build and I decided to do something in carpentry.”
Russell inherited his father’s tools, bought a home in Charlotte, and created a company called “HomeCierge” in September 2006.
He was invited to audition for the carpenter and designer host position and received the callback.
Russell believes that he has always had the confidence to act and it was an Appalachian professor that first encouraged him.
“I took the freshman Introduction to Theater class with Ed Pilkington,”
he said. “Believe it or not, I may have been stubborn and didn’t
realize what he saw in me. But he planted a mustard seed in my heart
and he always gave me encouragement.”
Ed Pilkington has since retired from Appalachian State, but continues
to help students through the Ed and Pat Pilkington theater scholarship.
Now, after filming episodes of Trading Spaces across the country,
Russell plans to keep a base-home in Charlotte and eventually own a
cabin in Blowing Rock.
He hopes to inspire others through Trading Spaces.
“My whole goal in this is to see it as a blessing from God,” he said.
“In all honesty, my whole purpose is not to be super rich and famous,
but that people will see me and hopefully listen to my voice and be
motivated in a positive way.”
Ten years from now, Russell sees himself as a household brand name.
“My goal is to be a TV personality and already have my own show,” he
said. “I plan on being one of the leading philanthropists and to always
speak and help with cancer and Special Olympics.”
DiBernadi sees great potential in Russell for the television industry.
“I think he has the personality and presence, if you will, to be a successful as an on-air personality,” DiBernadi said.
The Learning Channel’s Trading Spaces will premiere Oct. 6 at 10 p.m.
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