Russ Touchberry was born and raised in Summerville and loves the Summerville community. After being a Fort Dorchester Patriot, Russ graduated from The Citadel in 2001 – Go Bulldogs! He and his wife Jamie, also a native of our community, moved their family back to Summerville in 2013 after several moves between Charleston and the midlands of SC for his work. Russ is a Civil Engineer and works at HDR, where he manages transportation infrastructure programs and projects for local clients. His faith is very important to him and he hopes to reflect the love of God in all that he does.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Jamie and I have been married for 18 years and have two kiddos who keep us on the move. Sage is 14 and loves swim and volleyball. Beckham is 13 and enjoys swim and gaming. Our family motto is “As we live, we grow.” Jamie and I laugh that I have a long way to grow!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After completing my Engineering Degree at The Citadel, I worked locally in bridge construction. I had the awesome opportunity to work on the Cooper River Bridge replacement project that exposed me to many key leaders in my industry and accelerated my career. I have spent the last 20 years working in both the public and private sectors of the transportation infrastructure industry and love helping bring my clients’ projects to completion. One recent example was my service to Berkeley County as the Project Manager for the Nexton Parkway Interchange, which was complete on time and under budget. I enjoy the people in our industry and helping improve our community’s quality of life with every completed project. I take pride in being a steward of the public’s funding and strive to maintain trust through transparency and active communication.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Touchberrys love to eat, so I may have more than a “couple.” Coastal Coffee Roasters for their coffee, breakfast, lunch, and atmosphere; Accent on Wine for their wine, lunch bites, charcuterie, and service; Montreux for that comfortable back patio where the kids can play while you relax; Oscar’s for their service and excellent food; Sweetwater 123 for their delicious food and personal service; Icehouse for their local vibe and exceptional meals; SOL for their margaritas and awesome tacos; and Hall’s for those special occasions and attention to detail in the entire dining experience.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have spent 36 of my 42 years living, working, and playing in the Tricounty area.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My wife Jamie! She is an amazing person and has a servant’s heart. The more I learn about her the more I appreciate and love her! We met on the track in my Senior year of high school. She was a Summerville high school runner whom I had to pause and watch whenever she was competing.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Doha, Qatar. My brother and his family are stationed there for the Air Force, and I would enjoy spending some time with him.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie would be Last Holiday for the life lessons and humor. My favorite TV show would be Southern Charm (I know I should not share that) for the local scenes and mindless entertainment.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Try to seek the good in all you meet. You will be amazed at what you can learn from others when you have an open heart and mind.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Playing with my future grandkids, God willing!
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Cold Play or U2
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I know it is not a business, but the Christmas Parade always makes me the most nostalgic about our community.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would enjoy spending time with General Jim Mattis. I really enjoyed his book, Call Sign Chaos, and would appreciate gaining a glimpse of his global perspective. I believe I would take him to Hall’s for some red meat and a quiet place for discussion.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing is when our community comes together. Whether it is a Third Thursday, local festival on Hutchinson Square, the Farmer’s Market, or the Azalea Festival. I love our diverse community coming together to enjoy all our blessings.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living in Summerville and finding ways to contribute more to our community. And traveling to keep up with where Sage and Beckham are during those years.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I wanted to be an astronaut when I was growing up and loved my time at Space Camp and Space Academy.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Lowcountry of SC has provided the most beautiful scenes to me. From the Toogoodoo to springtime flowers in Summerville, I would put the beauty of the Lowcountry up against anywhere.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December, Christmas, and June 7th. December and Christmas for time with family and reflecting on our blessings. June 7th because that was the day my wife and I shared our first kiss in 1997 and our first kiss as husband and wife in 2003.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
People who positively contribute to their community
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Jamie – no doubt she has inspired me to grow more than anyone!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Salt air and wisteria – Love them!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace Be Still
