Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born as Russell Weiner, Russell Savage grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Before his success with Rockstar Energy, Savage's career path included ventures in event organization and real estate, as well as a brief stint working in the vodka industry. He also considered a career in politics, running for the California State Assembly in 1998.
Rise to Success with Rockstar Energy
Savage founded Rockstar Energy in 2001. The company quickly gained traction, becoming one of the top energy drink brands globally. A key differentiator for Rockstar was its larger 16-ounce can, setting it apart from competitors like Red Bull. By 2020, Savage sold Rockstar Energy to PepsiCo for over $4 billion.
Post-Rockstar Ventures
Following the sale of Rockstar, Savage has focused on luxury real estate investments, particularly in South Florida. He has built a significant property portfolio, acquiring, renovating, and flipping multimillion-dollar homes. In 2025, he legally changed his name to Russ Savage in honor of his father.