Brad Russell: From Corporate Life to Thriving Chestnut Farmer

Hey there, friends! Welcome back to another inspiring chapter of Branching Out: Growing Together. Today, I want to talk about someone who embodies the theme of growing new opportunities—Brad Russell. If you’ve been following the podcast, you know Brad as a former corporate professional who transitioned into chestnut farming full-time. His story is a powerful example of how we can shift careers and create new opportunities, even when the path ahead looks uncertain.

In this episode, Brad and I discussed some crucial lessons that I think will resonate with many of you. Whether you’re dreaming of leaving your 9-to-5 job or have a piece of land that’s just waiting to be turned into something special, Brad’s journey offers a roadmap to success.

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Let’s break down the five key takeaways from our conversation.

1. Brad Russell’s Transition from Corporate Life to Farming

When you think of someone transitioning from the corporate world to farming, you might picture a long, slow process. But for Brad Russell, the change came quicker than expected. After working for Walmart for many years, Brad found himself drawn to a different way of life—one that involved working the land and growing chestnuts. It wasn’t easy to walk away from a stable career, but Brad knew it was the right choice for him.

As he told me:

“I was really hoping that, you know, kind of the path that the farm was on, we could do this for another 2 to 3 years. But, doing both my work on the farm over the weekend and after Walmart hours for like 4 years was tough.”

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2. How Brad Russell Balanced Work and Chestnut Farming

For years, Brad Russell managed to balance both his corporate job at Walmart and his budding chestnut farm. It wasn’t easy—he often spent his weekends on the farm and commuted over an hour from his home in Bentonville. But this time on the road allowed him to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the future.

When you’re juggling two demanding roles like Brad was, it’s important to stay committed to your long-term vision. Brad’s grit and perseverance paid off, as he made the bold decision to focus entirely on farming.

“Where we’re heading and scaling up with the farm, that decision had to be made right. So, I ended towards the end of March or early April, when I left Walmart.”

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3. Finding Inspiration in Brad Russell’s Journey

One of the reasons I was so excited to have Brad Russell back on the show is because his story is incredibly relatable for anyone thinking of making a big life change. He didn’t start out as a farmer—he studied computer information systems in college and spent his career at one company. For a lot of people, that’s the path they stick with. But Brad didn’t let that define his future. He found something he was passionate about—chestnut farming—and he went for it.

I know many of you listening are in the same boat. Maybe you’re in a corporate job but dream of a different life. Or maybe you have some land and are trying to figure out how to use it. Let Brad’s story remind you that it’s never too late to find a new passion and pursue it.

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4. Scaling Up: Brad Russell’s Chestnut Farm Expansion

Scaling up a farm isn’t something that happens overnight. For Brad Russell, it took time, dedication, and some tough decisions. As the farm grew, Brad had to decide when to leave Walmart and focus full-time on chestnut farming. That wasn’t an easy call, but it was a necessary one for the success of the farm.

We talked about the challenges he faced along the way—like expanding the farm and ensuring it could sustain itself as a full-time operation. But in the end, it was worth it. Brad has grown his farm beyond what he initially imagined, proving that scaling up is possible when you’re willing to put in the work.

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5. You Can Grow Your Own Opportunity Like Brad Russell

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from Brad Russell’s chestnut farming journey, it’s that you can create your own opportunities. Whether you’re dreaming of leaving the corporate world, starting a farm, or simply finding a new revenue stream from your land, Brad’s story shows that it’s possible.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take the next step in your journey—whether it’s farming, starting a business, or something else entirely—this is it. Like Brad, you have the power to grow something great.

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Final Thoughts

Thanks for joining me on another episode of Branching Out: Growing Together. I’m constantly amazed by the stories of people like Brad Russell, who take bold steps to grow into something new. If his story has inspired you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re ready to take the leap, just remember: you’ve got what it takes to make it happen.

Until next time, keep dreaming, keep growing, and don’t be afraid to branch out.

Resources:

Website: https://unitedchestnuts.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitedchestnuts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedchestnuts/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Branching-Out

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QfQsz4sZNihYpZqS7Fkj2?si=837019faacb04efa

Learn more about Brad Russell and Chestnuts In the Ozarks: https://www.chestnutsintheozarks.com/

Follow Chestnuts in the Ozarks:

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