Brandi Russell, dedicated real estate professional. Photo by Lindsay Steele Photography.

Talks about being a gateway to real estate success with unmatched professionalism, unparalleled results, and exceeding expectations, every time.

Story by Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Brandi Russell was just four years old when her family moved to East Texas from her birthplace of Monroe, Louisiana. It did not take long for this gifted child to fall in love with the caring people, lovely landscapes, and vibrant nature of East Texas. The region of whispering pines appealed to her in every way, and she has made it her career.

Her older brother, their father Leon Banda and beloved late grandmother Evelyn Banda instilled in her a devotion to family and the support drawn from loved ones. This positive influence has carried over into her status as a real estate agent. She hates to take no for an answer and appreciates the values and profits that come from hard work. Perseverance and the rewards it brings are her guiding principles.

Furthermore, Kilgore High School is immensely proud to count Brandi as an alumnus. Prior to her 2002 graduation, she shined in academics and athletics. Her exploits on the soccer pitch and in the classroom marked her as an exemplary specimen of young womanhood. From there, Brandi moved on to Richland Community College and spent two years studying and playing soccer. She not only loves the sport, but it has sharpened her attributes of self-discipline and working as part of a team.

But wait. There is more.

After transferring to Sam Houston State University as a junior, she became a sister of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, where she began learning yet more about leadership and connecting. By the time she graduated in 2007 with a degree in public relations and a minor in mass communications she was totally savvy and prepared for the marketing vocation for which both her education and delightful, outgoing personality made her natural. She headed back to the Pineywoods.

Equipped with her college degree and teamwork experience, Brandi determined to make a positive difference in her adopted hometown. Hence, she started out working for the American Heart Association, serving eight years as corporate marketing director for East Texas. Her innate and developed skills in this field resulted in millions of dollars raised both for heart health and the community in general as citizens received ever-better healthcare. Thanks to her. Countless residents were blessed with better treatment made possible by Brandi’s raising of crucial funding for research and education on how to recognize signs and symptoms of developing cardiovascular conditions. 

There were other perks for returning home.

After establishing herself as a major mover in her area, she reconnected with high school paramour Matt Russell, marrying him in 2013. Their bond of love was just too strong for their college-caused separation to break. Nowadays they, seven-year-old son Houston and four-year-old daughter Evelyn are a family bound by love and laughter.

Houston and Evelyn are showing strong signs of following in their parents’ glowing footsteps. As pupils of Trinity School of Texas, they stand out for their brightness and compassion. Favorite family activities include boating and exploring the hauntingly beautiful East Texas outdoors. They need only follow mother’s sparkling example.

That is not all.

Brandi has moved into the field of real estate with Trina Griffith Real Estate, LLC selling millions of dollars’ worth of her beloved East Texas to invariably delighted clients. These clients/customers have come to trust her impeccable ability in locating and purchasing their dream homes. She unerringly guides first-time homebuyers, ranch owners and out-of-state clients as they relocate. In addition, Brandi treats everyone with care, professionalism, dedication, and unconditional honesty. She guides each of her clients with the insight and expertise they need to make informed decisions.

It is important to note, Brandi has established herself as a paragon of virtue and professionalism through her total knowledge of the local market and her unwavering commitment to excellence. She loves to guide her clients to putting down successful roots and establishing themselves as successful area residents. Her love of making friends and making dreams come true dovetails perfectly with her inborn love of helping others as a real estate agent, community volunteer and cheerleader at her children’s activities.

Brandi who likes Mexican food with its chips and salsa, uses real estate both as a personal career and to give back to her beloved community. Her unselfish passion, perseverance and purpose make East Texas a better place… one home at a time.