To view Mr. Lake's award acceptance at the Mechanical Engineering Convocation, 2016, click here.

For pictures of the event, click here.

The Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented each year by the Mechanical Engineering Department. It is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in the field of mechanical engineering. This year’s recipient is an outstanding reflection of the values and qualities recognized by this award and also serves as an example to future mechanical engineering graduates – to see what they too are capable of and can aspire to. This year’s award recipient is John Lake ‘70.

John’s career started with Rain for Rent in 1974 and worked his way through many aspects of the company’s operations, such as the Engineering, Manufacturing, Leasing and Wholesale Divisions.  He served as President of Rain for Rent for 24 years, starting in 1990 and stepping down from his position as president & CEO in 2014.  He recently came out of retirement to assist the company with its sales efforts as executive vice president.

During John’s tenure as president and CEO, the company expanded into the industrial and environmental tank, pump, pipeline and water filtration business with 70 sales, rental and manufacturing locations and over 2,000 employees. He also oversaw the expansion of the company into the Rocky Mountains, East Coast, Midwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast, Canadian and European markets; the creation of Power Prime Pumps which manufactures pumps for the agricultural and industrial markets; and the Specialty Rental Division that specializes in the rental of filtration and large emergency pumping units to niche markets with specific application requirements.  In addition, he designed and holds numerous patents on products used in the pipeline and tank rental business.

In 2004, John facilitated Rain for Rent’s hosting of President George W. Bush for his economic forum held in Bakersfield.  This event brought international interest in the community and Rain for Rent.  In 2005, Rain for Rent assisted in the pumping out of flooded New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and in 2012 the emergency pumping in New York and New Jersey due to Hurricane Sandy. Rain for Rent is currently involved in the 2016 clean-up efforts post-Hurricane Matthew.

John serves on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo University Foundation Advisory Board; is active in the Bakersfield Quest Club, Idaho Irrigation Association, Safari Club International; and served as chairman and director of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. 

John and Sheila are now residents of Montana, the Big Sky State.  They have two sons, John Paul, 39 years old; Ryan, 35 years of age; and three grandchildren, Troy, Thomas and Olivia.