Many Pacific Mutual employees of the early 20^th century would have known of the legendary father and son duo of John Newton Russell and John Henry Russell. John Newton Russell joined Pacific Mutual in 1906 following the merger with Conservative Life. During his 20-plus years in charge of the home office agency, he grew it into the most successful of any company anywhere in the world.

His son, John Henry Russell, joined the company in 1919. John Henry would go on to replace his father as the head of the home office agency in 1930 and later became the head of agency service at the home office in 1938.

Like his father, John Henry had a major impact on Pacific Mutual—so much so that the company named an award after him. The annual award recognized the best all-around agency building record, leadership and professional efficiency. Several other factors were also considered, including Chartered Life Underwriter activity, a designation given by the American College of Underwriters.gency received a trophy—although the real honor came in the satisfaction of a job well done.