Andrew Lake

USF Graduate, Commercial Real Estate

Andrew Lake is a recent graduate who works as a Research and Development Manager at Lakefront Development Group. In this position, he is responsible for conducting market research and detailed analysis for commercial real estate projects in the Pittsburgh and South Florida regions. His work includes developing strategies to identify new opportunities and implementing plans that support investment and development growth.

He applies a range of practical skills to his role, such as financial analysis, market research, quality management systems, client relations, and project management. These abilities allow him to contribute effectively in both analytical and client-facing aspects of the business.

Academic Experience

Andy Lake earned his Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship with a concentration in Finance from the University of South Florida. His academic efforts were recognized when he received the Green and Gold Scholars Award in 2020. This award is presented to out-of-state students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, and it offers a tuition reduction during their first year.

During his time at the university, he was also involved in community and organizational activities. As a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity for four years, he contributed to events and programs while serving as Ritual Chair. In this role, he promoted the fraternity’s values and helped lead fundraising efforts for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. His work reflected a balance between academic achievement and service to others.

His Earlier Education

His focus on academics and activities began at an early stage. While attending Marshall Middle School, he earned Honor Roll status for the 2014–2015 academic year. This recognition provided a strong foundation for his later education.

In high school, he maintained his academic performance while participating in sports. Lake earned multiple Scholar Athlete Awards from the North Allegheny Unified Boosters Organization for football (2014–2015, 2015–2016), basketball (2014–2015), and lacrosse (2017–2018).

His leadership qualities were also evident during his participation in Summer’s Best Two Weeks Camp, a program designed to build athletic skills and personal development. Counselors frequently observed his strong work ethic, ability to motivate others, and willingness to support his peers. He followed the camp’s “I’m Third” philosophy, which emphasized humility and service, and became a role model for younger campers while maintaining a competitive spirit.

He graduated from North Allegheny Senior High School in Wexford, Pennsylvania, with a 3.6 GPA. He was a multi-year Scholar-Athlete and was also a finalist for the John Rullan Lacrosse Scholarship in 2020.

Professional Experience

Before completing his degree, he gained meaningful work experience that strengthened his professional skills. At SRI Quality System Registrar in Wexford, Andrew served as an intern and successfully earned an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certificate for Quality System Management. This credential required completing a rigorous two-month training program with SAE International. At the time, he became the youngest in company history to achieve this certification.

During his internship, he was involved in conducting quality management system audits for clients. This gave him valuable exposure to business process evaluation and quality control methods. He also worked on improving communication systems between customers and the scheduling team, helping streamline operations.

He also held positions at The Toy House and Emporio Restaurant, where he gained experience in customer service and problem-solving. These roles allowed him to work in dynamic environments, sharpening his ability to adapt and communicate effectively.

Technical Skills

Andrew is proficient in Microsoft Office and has introductory knowledge of Python programming. Additionally, he possesses basic skills in Spanish, which enhance his ability to communicate in various settings.

Community Service

Service has been a consistent part of his academic and personal life. At the University of South Florida, he supported fundraising efforts for the Huntsman Cancer Institute through his role in Sigma Chi. Additionally, he volunteered with the Miracle League, an organization that enables children with mental and physical disabilities to participate in baseball. His involvement gave children an opportunity to enjoy the sport in an encouraging and inclusive environment.

Personal Life

Andrew was born in Marietta, Georgia, and maintains close ties with his family. He has four siblings and values spending time with his niece and nephews, a role that brings him joy.

Sports continue to be part of his personal interests. He is an avid golfer with a 14 handicap and also enjoys basketball and football, activities he shares with his siblings.

His hobbies extend to traveling, fishing, and exploring the culinary arts. He has also taken aviation lessons during high school, adding to his range of personal experiences.

He plans to continue building his career in commercial real estate. With his background in Finance and entrepreneurship, he is preparing to obtain his commercial real estate license, with a focus on the South Florida market. His combination of education, professional experience, and community involvement gives him a foundation to pursue future goals with clarity and dedication.

Andrew Lake remains committed to applying his skills and experiences toward continued growth while keeping the values of leadership, service, and perseverance at the center of his journey.