Having worked briefly as an independent stained-glass artisan Jerry became an apprentice glazier in Boise, Idaho in 1975 and was a member of Painter & Allied Trades Union 477. Two years later he began working as an apprentice carpenter in the residential market. He continued as a carpenter after coming to San Francisco in 1980.
RD Rice Construction, Luddington Construction, and Jones & Kiefer were firms where he worked as a carpenter and foreman. In 1986 Jerry built the first Burning Man and founded Acker & James Construction in 1987. He moved to Ryan Associates from 1989-1997 as a carpenter and foreman. From 1999-2002 he continued as a foreman, estimator, site supervisor, and project manager at CVC, Moroso Construction, and Thompson Brooks.
