Our Founder

 Russ Parsley is an accomplished professional in the digital media landscape, starting his career in 1996 with a web design firm in California's Central San Joaquin Valley. His interest in technology began in the early 1980s with a computer programming class in San Jose. After graduating, he joined Emulog Inc. in Fremont, marking the start of his journey in the tech industry.  Throughout his career, Russ has held key positions, including B2B Computer Software & Networking Training Sales, Technology Lead Gen Call Center VP Business Development, National ISP Sales Manager, PBS Corporate Support Sales and Local Broadcast TV Producer/Director, developing a diverse skill set. Since 2006, he has excelled as Internet Sales Director & Digital Sales Manager, managing sellers & sales initiatives for FOX in Fresno and CBS in Tucson and Detroit.  After returning to Fresno in 2012, Russ worked to boost broadcast TV and digital media sales for KSEE, KGPE CBS 47, YourCentralValley.com, and NexstarDigital.com.   Now, he collaborates with clients across various states, including Detroit, Florida, Missouri, Arizona, and California, delivering results and building lasting relationships. In November 2017, he launched DigitalFIRST.us to better integrate his expertise with the resources available in the Digital & Local Broadcast TV Group. 

 **2022 Career Advancement**   

On March 21, 2022, Russ joined The Fulton Group, a full-service advertising agency & One Putt Broadcasting in California's Central Valley, owned by John and Katie Ostlund. This move also marks  Russ's return to radio, as the group owns five radio stations, including KJFX 95.7 The Fox, where he began his DJ career in 1990. These developments enhance Russ Parsley's ability to meet client needs with a comprehensive range of media services.

 Russ' desire to do something greater than himself led him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force as an Aircraft Weapons Systems Specialist. He served honorably for two tours of active duty. After completing Basic Training, where he earned Small Arms Expert Marksmanship with the M-16 rifle and graduated at the top of his class from Tech School training at Lowry AFB, CO.

Russ was assigned to RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.  In April of 1986, during Operation El Dorado Canyon, Russ' training was put to the test as he participated in a successful campaign that involved loading live weapons on multiple F-111F Aardvark aircraft for an attack on Libya and its dictator, ordered by President Ronald Reagan.  

After returning to the U.S., he was assigned to Myrtle Beach AFB in South Carolina, where he worked on the A-10 Warthog, completed NCO Leadership training, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5).  Months before Operation Desert Storm, Russ accepted his third "Early Out" offer as part of the U.S. Government's Force Reduction efforts. 

Russ' active duty service included temporary duty assignments in the countries of Scotland, Turkey & Spain, as well as the States of Florida, California & Nevada.

 Mr. Parsley returned to civilian life in California to co-manage the Truckee Hotel Bed & Breakfast with his wife, focusing on family. Realizing that the pace of life was not what they had expected, Russ relocated his family to Fresno, CA, as soon as the B&B was profitable. This move was back to the area where both families had ultimately migrated from the Bay Area during their eight years of service to our country. Driven by his passion for serving, Russ joined the California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, continuing his military career as a part-time traditional guardsman working as an Aircraft Weapons Systems Technician on the USAF F-16C/D aircraft. 

 In the 1990s, Russ held a variety of unique civilian positions that helped shape who he is today. These roles include Radio DJ, ATM Technician, Mobile DJ, Nightclub DJ, Volunteer PBS Host, Computer Training Sales, Web Development Sales, Internet Access Sales, and Vice President of Business Development at a B2B Teleprospecting Call Center. 

 In 1998, Mr. Parsley was approached by the California Air National Guard to consider cross-training in the field of Combat Camera (Videography), leveraging his media connections and experience. He put his civilian career on hold and left behind his wife of nearly 15 years and their two young sons, aged 12 and 5. Russ officially accepted the request and returned to Active Duty from July to November to attend the Department of Defense Information School (DINFOS) located at Fort Meade, MD.  He graduated at the top of his class and was chosen by the Instruction Team as the class leader, thanks to his 16 years of combined service in the USAF and California Air National Guard. His leadership ensured that no student fell behind, washed back, or washed out. All 22 students graduated successfully. With over 880 hours of video production training, Russ earned the equivalent of an Associate Degree in just five months.