It was Barry Farber on W O R who likened Russo to the famous Italian artist when Tom worked with the radio star on a popular program. Russo has appeared frequently on radio, television and even movie shows about auto accidents. His experience as an insurance adjuster taught him how poorly prepared claims to an insurance company eventually show up as a loss to the car owner in time lost, property value and money.

The Brooklyn businessman sees himself as a spokesman on behalf of his craft and fellow tradesmen as well as a voice for the consumer. He has many words of advice reminding folks who get into accidents that what they say can be used against them. "Do not give too much information," said Tom. "Let me do the talking for you if there is an automobile accident. Remember all insurance people are not necessarily your friends. They may be your adversaries in some instances."

Tom Russo does more than expertly restore cars with custom painting, refinishing and details. His Collisionville helps establish facts relating to the accident. He helps complete reports to state Motor Vehicle Bureaus and insurance companies if the help is needed. Russo attempts to keep the file open with insurance companies until all possible damage is discovered and he represents car owners in negotiations with the insurance company adjustor.

Tom Russo has a collection of awards and plaques that fill several boxes in his office at 14 Coles Street, down under the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at the beginning of Red Hook. Stevie Wonder is in one framed picture of thanks after Tom restored the singer's car. Steve Wonder was in the car at the time of an accident but was not driving.

Among Tom's awards is the highest one possible from Lions International. Tom Russo was president of South Brooklyn Lions Club and is still active in civic work. He was the Man of the Year for the Prospect Heights YMCA in 1990. Tom is still active in community affairs, including founding the Red Hook Chamber of Commerce in 1989. He is the Chairperson of the Red Hook Committee of the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, of which he is currently co-chair.

Born and bred in Brooklyn, Tom Russo, after taking courses at the College of Insurance, he received his Insurance Adjuster License. He came up with a guaranteed auto theft protection plan MVID, a permanent etching of the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto all the windows and all the stealable, saleable parts of a car. The MVID process is a Passive Anti-Theft Device and it may qualify a person for an insurance premium reduction.

Ready and and anxious to do more radio and television programs about automobile accidents, about what to do and what not to do, Tom Russo keeps his workmen busy and happy. Social and civic clubs looking for a good speaker might just find Tom Russo an interesting and good person with his sense of humor and his thorough knowledge of what a person should do to prevent theft and to recover damages if a car is in an accident.