Jacob Ackerman, 38

Chicago native Jacob Ackerman is a techie — and proud of it.

“As a kid I built computers,” says Ackerman. “I just had a knack for it.”

That’s helped Ackerman build a distinguished career in technology. A Naples High graduate, Ackerman’s first real job was with Regal Entertainment, where he worked with a team that launched Fandango. He later worked for Stock Development in the housing boom, doing database administration work. (He worked for the head of technology at Stock, Joe Biasella, who became a mentor. Biasella now works for Ackerman at SkyLink.)

Naples-based SkyLink is an IT services and co-location and web hosting company, with clients in hospitality, tourism and government, among other sectors. Ackerman helped lead and plan the construction of the SkyLink data center, including the air conditioning, redundancy and the internet connections. Ackerman also helped create one of the only HIPAA-compliant data centers between Miami and Tampa at SkyLink.

Ackerman says the best thing about working in technology is when he helps a business do something quicker, faster and better. His job also allows him time to meet with clients and do inside work. “I love going out and meeting clients and solving problems,” says Ackerman. “I don’t want to be stuck in an office all day.”

— Mark Gordon

Q&A

Name: Jacob Ackerman

Age: 38

City of residence: Naples

Twitter handle: Jacob_Ackerman

Employer: SkyLink Data Centers

Title: CTO

Birthplace: Chicago, IL

Years on the Gulf Coast: 27

Marital status/children: Married, 1 Child

Alma mater: FSW

Best place to network: Linkedin or Meetup

Coolest business experience: One of our customers is Live Nation and I spent a week at their offices in Hollywood. Not only did I get to experience a truly unique office environment, I spent a week with insider access to some amazing musicians. 

Messy desk or clean workspace: Clean

Best business lesson ever learned: Success is never achieved alone.

A website that makes your job easier: At the moment, brentozar.com has been my go-to.

Community group you’re most involved with: It varies based upon my son’s interests. Up until recently both of us had been involved in the Boy Scouts.

Favorite off-hours activity: Gaming, a hobby also shared by my family as well.

Two people, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with: The first would be my late grandfather. His wisdom has served me well through the years. My second choice would be Benjamin Franklin.

What you would be doing if you could pick another career: Law Enforcement.

Top item on your bucket list: To experience Spaceflight

Skill you’d like to learn: I would love to learn how to be a writer

Who would play you in a movie about your life: Michael Chiklis, if I went based on physical similarities.