Alumni Spotlight

After graduating from Salve Regina in 1998, Jonathon Russo found himself less passionate about his law enforcement career than he expected. However, he discovered that his experiences and education had prepared him for a job in the automotive industry.

“Once I realized I was a better fit in a sales environment, I started my automotive sales career in 2003 at Herb Chambers Infiniti of Boston,” Russo said. “I realized I was a people person and enjoyed the thrill of people rewarding themselves with a new car.”

Growing up with a father who was passionate about cars gave Russo a foundation that helped to facilitate his trajectory in the industry. After a short stint in sales, he transitioned into management and has been managing car dealerships since 2005.

Russo credits his Salve Regina experience for laying the groundwork for his success. “Sales and college have one major similarity,” he said. “You will only get out of it what you put into it.” After living on his own, learning to work at his own pace and holding himself accountable, Russo feels he was well prepared to succeed in his chosen career.

During his time at Salve Regina, Russo was part of the hockey and golf teams. A Cape Cod native, he said that Newport felt like home from his first day on campus. “Newport has that small little beach town vibe which I love,” he said. “I still love to frequent some of my favorite restaurants like Scales & Shells and spend the day at Gooseberry Beach. I always love finishing our stay in Newport with a trip to the Salve Regina bookstore to buy my kids some Salve gear.”

Russo said that he still benefits daily from his education, experiences and lifelong friendships, and encourages students who are considering Salve Regina to commit. “Choosing a school is a difficult decision for many, as it’s the first time many are leaving the nest,” he said. “You must be comfortable in your surroundings, and you certainly need to put yourself out there to meet people which will help you tremendously later in life.”

Salve Regina taught Russo to continually strive to be a better person, and he continues to live by the principles, values and sound judgment of the University’s mission in both his personal and professional lives. He said that with the benefit of time, he can look back and value his education and appreciate the life lessons that he’s encountered along the way.

“Today, I am more focused on trying to help others by making a difference where I can,” he said. “Life is a journey full of twists and turns, ups and downs, successes and failures. It is comforting to know that I am not going through my journey alone. Faith in God helps me stay eternally grateful.”

Russo and his family traded the New England beaches for those in Naples, Florida back in 2015, and he secured a position as the general manager of Jaguar Land Rover Naples. He, his wife and two young daughters are enjoying the quality of life in Florida and hope to visit Newport again this summer.