Raised in Orlando, Doug Ackerman's early lessons were framed by his parents' respect for work. By 15, Doug was washing dishes at the Melting Pot in Maitland. Over the subsequent years, he worked in kitchens in Miami, Melbourne, and Orlando.

Doug attended the University of Miami, where he earned a B.A. in English in 1990; not stopping there, he secured an M.A. in English from Stetson University a year later. Meanwhile, he took on teaching roles at Valencia Community College.

Realizing that academic life was not for him, Doug chose Florida State University law school over a Ph.D. program. He completed his law degree magna cum laude in 1997.

After law school, Doug found himself under the tutelage of Thomas G. Pelham in Tallahassee. The association with Pelham, a noted figure in Florida's legal community, provided Doug with invaluable experience.

In 2001, Orlando beckoned Doug back. Joining Kirwin Norris, P.A., Doug navigated the complex terrains of construction law for the next 22 years.