After graduating from Auburn University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Doug joined the Mechanical OEM Division of Westinghouse Electric as an inside salesman and was responsible for AC electric motors and controls. Over the next two years, he held various positions within Westinghouse, including outside sales and sales negotiator for the Controls Division. In 1987 Doug left the corporate world and took a newly created position of Automation Specialist with Interstate Electric Supply, a Square D distributor in Columbus, Georgia. While at IES his experience within the automation field broadened as he managed several lines of industrial automation components such as variable speed drives, sensors, digital controls, operator interfaces, safety equipment, and PLCs. In 1989 Doug joined R.L. Matus & Associates as a sales representative covering the western North Carolina and South Carolina territory. On October 1, 2000, along with Don Baldree, Doug purchased R.L. Matus from founder Bob Matus.