What makes you uncomfortable is the only way to grow.
You have 5 seconds to move from Idea to Action ... or just hit the snooze button. Your choice.
Meet Mr. Russo
About the Program
Small Business Entrepreneurship is a one-year program in which students learn to conceptualize, vet, and implement their entrepreneurial ideas. For more information, click on the "Small Business Ownership Program Page" link in the blue box to the right.
- Instructor at ROC since 2006. KHSD staff 1989 - 1996; 2006 - Present.
- California teaching credential in CTE Marketing, Sales, and Services.
- BS, Human Resource Management with minor in Political Science, CSU Bakersfield.
- MBA, CSU Bakersfield.
- ROC Instructor of the Year, 2012 and 2024; ROC Spirit Award, 2022.
- ROC’s Jim Burke Education Foundation Teacher of the Year nominee, 2011.
- Co-owner, Russo’s Books, 1989 – Present.
- Adjunct faculty, Bakersfield Adult School & KHSD Career Resource Dept., 2006 – 2020.
- Adjunct faculty, Bakersfield College & Kern Community College District, 2001 – 2015.
- KHSD job training instructor / Support Services Technician, 1989 – 1996.
- Previously co-owned Career Concepts (job search consulting firm) and Market Concepts (marketing consulting firm).
- Retail / Shipping & Receiving experience at The Broadway, Gottschalks, and Montgomery Ward, 1981 – 1990.
- 43 years of retail experience; 30 years in education & job search assistance (simultaneously, I’m not that old!).
- Served on and presided over multiple community boards and associations.
- Married with 3 children, all four of whom took ROC/CTEC classes while in high school ...as should you!
Posts
Advice from Entrepreneurs who have been there.
Russo's Books Marketplace Staff
So one of the great things of Small Business Ownership is assembling your team. It is kind of like one big family where you (as the boss) get to choose who you are related to.
Portrait of a local business owner. Your teacher, Michael Russo.
Mark Cuban on Entrepreneurship
Mr. Cuban lays it on the line. Listen and learn.
