About Us  >  Meet the Team  >  Robert A. Lake

Robert A. Lake President & Chief Operating Officer

 

Value Delivered

As president and chief operating officer of one of the nation's largest mechanical services
contractors, Bob ensures that the firm meets clients' end-to-end needs for high-performance
services and efficient, cost-effective energy solutions. In addition to guiding the firm's
immediate and long-term strategic direction, he establishes key organizational policies and
processes, oversees all company profit centers, manages planning activities, and helps
develop innovative and cost-effective ways to meet current and emerging market needs.
During his tenure, he has established quality assurance and controls guidelines that helped
the company achieve ISO 9001:2000 compliance, created award-winning loss control/risk
management programs and added seven branch offices. Activities like these enable the firm
to continue providing the advanced technical expertise and high-quality service clients need
to meet today's complex business challenges.

 

Expertise

Over the course of his career, Bob has built substantial sales, financial, operations and
administrative expertise. He began his career with Ernst & Young and Deloitte & Touche
certified public accounting firms, where he worked his way up from staff accountant to audit
manager. He then founded his own CPA firm which he grew for nine years before selling it
to Corbin & Wertz in 1995. At the same time he joined Mesa as chief financial officer. In this
position, he was responsible for all financial reporting and administration of what was then a
$28 million company with 125 employees. He also negotiated venture capital funding for
Fieldcentrix, Inc., a Mesa start-up, implemented new technology for the company's software
system and office network, negotiated the sale of the company's engineering services
division, and both negotiated and coordinated the firm's move from a non-union to a union
contractor.
Bob holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting from California
State University, Long Beach. A certified public accountant (CPA) in California and is a
member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, he is treasurer for a board
member of the Saddleback Community College District, past president of the National
Exchange Club of Irvine, past treasurer of the Child Abuse Prevention Center of Orange
County, and past president of Southern California Wrestling Association. He is also serves
on the board of directors of ARCA/MCA of Southern California (Air Conditioning
Refrigeration Contractors Association/Mechanical Contractors Association) and the Air
Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Joint Trust Funds of Southern California.

 

The Personal Side

Married to Lisa for twenty two years and they have two children, Eric and Lindsey. Bob
enjoys golf (6 handicap), running and travel with the family.