Russ Bergeman is a retired U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, Lieutenant Colonel, and veteran of two combat tours. Over a twenty-four-year military career that carried him from the Pyramids of Egypt to the Hollywood sign in California to combat operations in Iraq, he developed what he calls the vertical perspective — the belief that gaining a little altitude can change how we see, and face, the challenges below.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Russ carried that same leadership, mission-planning, and people-first philosophy into the private sector, where he has built a career leading organizations, teams, and complex programs. He is also a speaker and author, drawing on lessons from both military and civilian life to help people lead with greater clarity, purpose, and confidence under pressure.

His book, Kick the Tires, Light the Fires, brings those lessons together through stories from the cockpit, combat, leadership, family, failure, and reinvention. Its central message is simple: at some point, preparation has to become action.

Russ holds a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Aviation from Metropolitan State University of Denver, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Doctor of Social Leadership from Omega Graduate School.

Russ and his wife, Gayle, have been married for more than forty years. They have three children and seven grandchildren.