Doug Shows is accustomed to making important decisions under pressure when the stakes are high As a nationally recognized college basketball referee, Doug has been in roles where preparation, consistency, and confidence are mandatory since he was a young adult That same philosophy is infused into his practice as a Financial Advisor, business owner, and mediator, serving individuals and families across the Atlanta area for the last two decades
Doug started officiating NCAA Division I men’s basketball in 1993 and has been assigned to the NCAA Tournament since 1998. He has traveled coast-to-coast officiating games in major conferences, receiving multiple invitations to conference tournaments and postseason play,
including several Final Four and Championship games Additionally, Doug has refereed international games in over twelve countries.
Those assignments aren't given; they are earned through consistent performance over many years, high evaluations, and trust from supervisors who task you with managing elite athletes and coaching staff on sport's biggest stage.
Life as a referee is about more than just knowing the rulebook Doug trains consistently to maintain the physical shape needed to keep up with the game He learned how to stay composed in moments of conflict, take in criticism without losing focus, and make decisions with limited time and incomplete information Doug credits many veteran officials whom have guided him in his career
Doug has also helped aspiring officials by sharing his experience in preparing for officiating, including fitness, positioning, professionalism, and more He is direct about the work required to reach the highest levels, emphasizing discipline and accountability over shortcuts or excuses.
As a Financial Advisor and Business Owner, he works with clients seeking retirement planning, financial strategy, and long-term protection
His practice serves individuals and families, as well as business owners, who seek clear recommendations, simple explanations, and prompt, efficient service
These services include retirement planning, life insurance strategies, income protection, accredited-investor alternative investments, financial consulting, and real estate planning and negotiation support
Doug was Vice President in the Investment and Insurance Division at Heritage First Bank. He gained further experience working in an institutional financial environment while advising clients on planning and protection strategies That experience has provided a unique view of both the independent advisory side of finance and the structured side
Doug holds several securities and insurance licenses and the designation of Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), which indicates extensive training in meeting the unique needs and concerns of older adults, including retirement income planning, tax planning and estate planning. His work in this area focuses on helping clients protect independence and stability as life circumstances change
Doug holds a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. He’s also a graduate of the Justice Center of Atlanta, where he became certified in General and Domestic Mediation.
As a Civil and Domestic Mediator, Doug brings a calm, structured presence to emotionally charged situations. Mediation work requires the same skills of listening, unearthing true interests beneath positions, and guiding people to solutions that Doug Shows, the referee, has embodied throughout his professional life
It's no accident that his job as a financial advisor also intersects with this work; often, important financial decisions for the people he serves center on family dynamics, business partnerships, or long-term planning
Doug believes that professional success carries a responsibility to give back As a Christian, he strongly believes in tithing and gifting not only with our finances but also with our time and talents While working as a referee, he has supported multiple charitable causes, including initiatives assisting veterans and families in need
Doug has always treated charity and service more like full-time work by maintaining long-term commitments rather than one-off activities For Doug, it’s not just how you show up in the high-visibility moments but about who and what you consistently show up for
Doug offers his thoughts on officiating, finances, professional growth, and community involvement on his website, DougShowsReferee net This site is designed as a source of information and insight for those who care more about time-tested experience and wisdom than about slogans or fads
The content you read on these pages comes from a lifetime of learning through success and hardship and from a genuine desire to help others
Doug Shows embodies a combination of roles that don't overlap but easily fit together in his life's narrative. He's a referee, financial advisor, mediator, and business owner, and he's counted on to be level-headed, listen closely, and help others navigate situations that call for good judgment
For those who value experience over theory, Doug provides a rare, and unmatched credibility grounded in decades of accountability His life is an example of how integrity, preparation and service can be applied across multiple industries to create value