Hanon William Russell – 50th Reunion Essay

Hanon William Russell

21 Dock Rd.

Milford, CT 06460

hwr@russell-enterprises.com

203-710-7663

Spouse(s): Katherine Flynn (1970–1984); Nancy Kierstead (1993)

Child(ren): Benjamin, (1974); Rebecca, (1976)

Grandchild(ren): Joseph (J.P.) (2014)

Education: Western New England School of Law, JD 1979

Career: Real estate agent 1972–1976; Attorney 1979–2003); Owner, Russell Enterprises (1986–present), publisher of chess books; Owner, DGT North America (2002–present), importer of electronic chess clocks and related items

Avocations: Chess, Music, Baseball

College: Ezra Stiles

After graduation, I spent a couple of years on the west coast (Portland, Oregon) in radio sales, returning in 1971 to the Milford, Connecticut, area, where I was a commercial real estate agent until 1976. I then entered law school.

After law school, I joined a local law firm, specializing in business/commercial law and appeals, both in state and federal courts. I argued before the Connecticut Supreme Court some two dozen times over the years. I became a partner and stayed with the firm until 1997, when I decided to open my own office.

I had married Katherine Flynn in 1970 and we had two children. Benjamin was born in 1974, Rebecca in 1976. We were divorced in 1982. About two years later I met Nancy Kierstead. We were married in 1993. We will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in October 2018.

Around the time I went solo with my law practice, I founded a website called ChessCafe. The chief staple of the site was top-notch chess journalism and book reviews. It became one of the most popular chess sites on the web. I sold it in late 2009; the new owners were unfortunately unable to sustain its success.

In the mid-’90s, my interest turned to book publishing, chess books in particular (I know, quelle surprise!). By 2003, the firm, Russell Enterprises, Inc., with international distribution, had become the top chess book publisher in America. At the present time, we have approximately 140 titles that have been released in conventional print versions and almost as many in electronic and interactive formats.

It was also around 2003 that I made the decision to retire from the practice of law and devote my full attention to publishing. As the company achieved a more prominent profile in the chess world, we were approached by a Dutch company, Digital Game Technology, to distribute their products in North America. DGT manufactures electronic chess clocks and boards with electronic circuitry allowing chess games to be broadcast on the web in real time. And so a second company, DGT North America, LLC, was created to import and distribute electronic chess clocks, chess sets, boards, and accessories.

Personally, I have continued to play tournament chess. I was awarded the National Master title in 1985. In 2008, gray hair and all, I won the US Amateur Championship.

Over the years, I have taken in the occasional Yale football and hockey game. As far as classmates are concerned, Norman Godfrey is the one with whom I have maintained the most contact. My wife and I see Norman and his wife regularly.

I have one grandchild, my grandson Joey, affectionately called J.P. He is my daughter’s child. My son Ben works with me at our office/warehouse in Milford. With family close by, reasonable health, and doing what I love, I have a lot to be grateful for. I am looking forward to renewing old acquaintances at our 50th reunion.