Herman Russell Schuster, Ridgefield corporate executive and professional mentor, stands out for his genuine empathy and compassion in a society that glorifies hustle culture and often gauges success by material wealth and influence.
For the past 25 years, Schuster has been dedicated to serving others as a corporate executive, achieving notable success in his career while leaving a positive imprint on countless lives.
During a recent interview, Herman Russell Schuster offered insights ranging from his unique leadership approach to the keys to achieving career success. Delving deep into his experiences, Schuster shared valuable wisdom gleaned from a journey marked by innovation, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“I tend to choose jobs with the following opportunities – accelerated growth, operational improvements, and safety performance,” Schuster shared. “These opportunities usually come in the form of needed transformation, which generally requires a fresh team of executives and leaders. I have been very fortunate to have worked with phenomenal team members who work extremely well together.”
Ridgefield's Herman Russell Schuster Is Committed To Corporate and Community Success
Schuster, a native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, is dedicated to making a difference in the boardroom and the community. His leadership style is rooted in his deep understanding of building relationships and empowering people. He firmly believes that to inspire others, one must first connect with them personally.
As a visionary leader, Schuster talks to everyone he meets, asking them questions about themselves and their passions. This genuine interest in others fosters a sense of belonging and creates an inclusive community where others feel valued and empowered to contribute.
He is a father of three daughters and tries to treat fellow employees with the same respect he gives his family. Schuster is incredibly passionate about working with companies in the industrial services community.
“The reason for this is that I enjoy the variety of environments in which I can work and lead,” Schuster explains. “I love being in the field with Frontline Employees – helping make their jobs easier so they can serve our customers. I also love to be in strategy sessions with execs, private equity team members or consultants who are experts in their field.”
Most importantly, Schuster says, he desires to have an impact on others, “whether that’s with a first-generation immigrant working in the shop,” he says, “a second chancer driving a truck, a newly appointed manager trying to figure out people, or a shareholder looking for results. I’m here to help anyone else involved in the process of success.”
Roots of Leadership: Insights from Herman Russell Schuster's Upbringing
Ever since he was a young boy, Herman Russell Schuster has dreamed of impacting the world.
He grew up in Ridgefield, Conn., nestled in the scenic countryside of Fairfield County with historic, New England charm. The vibrant community spirit of the town fostered a sense of belonging, and Schuster spent his formative years as a young leader destined to impact the world.
“Ridgefield shaped much of who I am today,” Schuster shares, “beginning with my graduation from Ridgefield High School in 1991. My high school years were transformative, particularly the year I spent studying abroad in Argentina. That experience sparked a lifelong passion, interest in different cultures, and dedication to helping others.”
After graduating high school, Schuster pursued a higher education at High Point University in North Carolina, majoring in International Business and Spanish. He later received his MBA from New York University.
“My career began at Western Union, which took me to Central America and the Caribbean,” Schuster says. “The profound poverty I witnessed there moved me to action and set me on a path of service and aid.”
Schuster and his wife eventually landed in Florida and immersed themselves in volunteer work.
“We supported many homeless shelters,” he explains, “and coached a soccer team of underprivileged boys; these experiences greatly enriched our lives.”
Balancing Corporate Success with Community Engagement
After completing his MBA, Herman Russell Schuster and his wife returned to Ridgefield to raise their three children, and all three girls attended local public schools. Even with a busy family, Schuster gave back to the community by helping senior citizens in Stamford through charity work, providing them much-needed assistance and companionship.
Schuster soon climbed the corporate ladder and relocated to California, Canada and Texas as a highly sought after C-level executive celebrated for his dynamic and charismatic leadership.
During this time, he spent his evenings as a referee for youth soccer games, participating in NDSS Buddy Walks and serving meals at homeless shelters while assisting Hurricane Harvey victims. He has also served on numerous boards of directors and is a faithful member and donor to Ridgefield Congregational Church.
He’s also a former board member of a local organization called Ridgefield A Better Chance (RABC). The nonprofit provides talented and highly motivated young, less privileged the opportunity to study at Ridgefield’s public high school. They provide educational, social, and cultural enrichment opportunities to prepare scholars with positions of responsibility and leadership in American society.
“The persistent issues of racism and inequality in our country are particularly troubling to me,” Schuster said. “Inspired to make a difference, I contacted a few friends to see how I could get involved with the Ridgefield ABC organization. I briefly joined as a board member and considered it a privilege to help the organization. The greatest gift was learning from the girls and making a positive impact together.”
Schuster says all his life experiences have prepared him to be a servant leader in the workplace, boardrooms, community, and home.
The Three Pillars of Herman Russell Schuster's Leadership Philosophy
Herman Russell Schuster says there are three leadership areas of focus that he possesses:
Servant
- Motivational
- Genuinely cares about people
- Strong communicator and seeks to engage employees
PaceSetter
- Sets high expectations
- Focuses on results (not emotions)
- Seeks competency
Strategic
- Big-picture oriented
- Persistent and bold
- Risk taker
- Engaged in the details
Herman Russell Schuster’s Life Beyond The Workplace
Beyond his professional role, Schuster is a devoted husband and father, eagerly sharing stories about his daughters with anyone who will listen while celebrating their latest milestones.
His advice to future leaders are the same words he shares with his children: work hard and build relationships.
“I always tell young people to embrace diverse roles to learn various aspects of a business,” Schuster shared. “Be genuine, focus on self-growth, and become an expert in what you love.”
Besides his career achievements, Schuster is a keen traveler, finding joy in personal and professional exploration. From the deserts of Sedona to the hops farms of Germany, each trip offers growth and bonding opportunities.
While travel can be challenging, Schuster sees it as a learning opportunity. Skiing in Vermont is one of his favorite adventures, embodying his approach to leadership: facing challenges head-on and emerging stronger. These trips provide adventure and reflection, helping Schuster recharge for his next business endeavor.
Ultimately, Herman Russell Schuster’s career epitomizes achievement and success, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future leaders. His journey underscores the importance of balancing professional dedication with personal fulfillment.
“I have only worked for a few companies, but in many positions,” Schuster shared. “Each role was different and had something unique that I could learn. Those vast and varied skills have helped me grow and achieve different companies’ COO and CEO roles. Learn something! Be an expert if you’re lucky enough to know what you love. To be a general manager, you will need to know a little about HR, finance, safety, operations, sales, and so on. But most importantly, you will need to work and inspire people, and you do that by being genuine and yourself.”
