Doug Anderson

Doug had a pretty normal Utah childhood. Upon arriving home from serving an LDS mission, Doug went back to school. He received his bachelors in English in 2006 from the University of Utah, and upon expecting his first child, decided to enter law school. He went on to one of the top 25 law schools in the country, the University of Alabama. He graduated in the top 10% of his class and received his Juris Doctorate in 2010. While in law school, Doug worked at a domestic violence clinic in Alabama. And had his first child. Upon moving back to Utah and graduating, Doug practiced civil litigation for 2 years, had his second son, and realized his passion was family law. He moved to the family law field and has been solely practicing that since 2012. Over the next few years Doug welcomed his third son, and then his only daughter. After getting a divorce himself, and remarrying, he went under some serious life changes and views. They ultimately led him to leave his large firm he’d been practicing with for almost ten years and start his own firm. After only being out on his own for 6 months, Doug is already building and expanding his business, clientele, and network.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

I’ve always loved practicing family law, but I was getting burnt out and focusing more on managing at a larger firm. I wasn’t getting the same satisfaction as when I was practicing on regular basis. I wanted to reintegrate my passion for helping and making a difference for others by starting my very own law firm to refocus my efforts on helping clients through one of the hardest things that can happen in life.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I wake up early each morning to start my day by getting to the gym. The endorphins make me feel good, and that really helps me start the day on a good note. I typically return home and help my 6 children get ready for the day/school. After dropping them off at school, I head into the office. I spend my day drafting, meeting with clients, attending hearings, etc. I regularly spend lunch with colleagues or friends, but after a break, I’m back to the grind. Once I’m home, I spend my night with my wife and kids relaxing.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Feet to the ground. Pen to the paper. I try to just get out there and do it. You can only dream for so long before you take action.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The emphasis on personal vs. professional life shifting. Business no longer equals pleasure. Pleasure is pleasure, and business is a means to afford it.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I don’t like to slow down. I love to be doing. Building. Thinking. Learning. I am very highly self motivated.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Invest in real estate.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Money doesn’t solve every problem.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Exercise. It is good for your body and your mind to be healthy.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Network. Colleagues send referrals.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Investing in business that’s unsuccessful. It takes time to recover, but moving forward provides more insight and experience in business.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

An online platform for making/meeting new family friends.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A personal training app on my phone. Sound body = Sound mind

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Clio, it keeps track of all my clients, billable time, and runs payments.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. An incredible self help/motivational story.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you don’t challenge yourself, you don’t know yourself.” David Goggins

Key Learnings:

• Get out there and do it. You can only dream for so long before you take action.
• Build. Think. Learn. Be self-motivated.
• Exercise. Sound body = Sound mind