Russell R. Franques, APMA™, AAMS™, CFS®

Russell’s multi-faceted career brings a unique perspective to financial advisory services.  His background in finance, law, education, and as an entrepreneur help him to empower the wealth and legacy goals of his clients.

Russell has earned the Certified Fund Specialist® (CFS®) designation from the Institute of Business & Finance, and Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor™ (APMA™) designation and Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ (AAMS™) designation by the College for Financial Planning®. Areas of study include Investment Risk and Return Analysis, Modern Portfolio Theory and Performance Evaluation of Equities, Debt and Fixed Income Valuation and Analysis, Mutual Funds and Other Pooled Investments, Investing in Real Assets, Derivatives and Structured Products, Taxation of Investments and the Regulatory Environment, Ethical Considerations, Investment Strategies and Retirement Needs Analysis, Behavioral Finance, Client Suitability and Constructing Portfolios.

Prior to beginning his career as a personal financial advisor, Russell was the Director of the Innovation Center at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi developing strategies for early-stage startups, and teaching various business classes. 

Before relocating to Corpus Christi, Russell became the CEO of Dakota Sciences in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and continues that role today. Dakota Sciences has produced patented contact lenses for medically necessitated indications since 2005.

Prior to this startup, Russell enjoyed a career at Microsoft Corporation at the home office in Redmond, Washington as a Product Manager in the Finance organization. In this role, Russell developed strategies for the global organization focused on developing software solutions that optimized outcomes and increased business unit profitability. 

Early in his career, Russell practiced both public accounting as a CPA and Law in his native Louisiana.  In each of these professional careers, his primary focus was on complex commercial transactions, corporate taxation, and business consulting.

Russell has an eight-year-old son.  His hobbies and interests include golf, snowboarding, traveling and keeping up with his son.