Russell Trim began his schooling in Grade 1 at Prince Alfred College in 1953. He enjoyed all aspects of school life, particularly basketball and football.
Russell left Prince Alfred College to begin work at Trims, the family business that his father and twin brother opened in King William Street in 1937. Russell took over as Managing Director in the early 1980s. In the mid-1990s he envisaged, commissioned, and carried out extensive renovations and expansion to the store, making it a much more comprehensive and modern store with internal concept shops for Levi's, R M Williams and Dr Martens brands.
Russell was joined in the business by the third generation of the Trim family, his sons Justin (PAC 1985-1991) and Matthew (PAC 1985-1994). Russell has maintained a close association with the PAC community, particularly for more than a decade with the Prince Alfred College Foundation including four years as its President.