USF Graduate, Commercial Real Estate
Andrew Lake is a recent graduate who has begun building his career, with a practical interest in commercial real estate and long-term development. He serves in a research and development role at a family-owned firm, where he analyzes market conditions, evaluates commercial opportunities, and supports projects in western Pennsylvania and South Florida. His work also includes identifying investment opportunities and contributing to strategies for future growth. He approaches these responsibilities with patience and discipline, understanding that careful research and steady effort are essential in a field where decisions carry lasting value.
Andrew has developed a balanced set of skills that support both analysis and teamwork. His background includes financial review, market research, project coordination, client communication, and experience with quality management systems. He prefers to understand the details of a project before offering conclusions, which allows him to contribute thoughtfully and dependably. Instead of trying to move too quickly, he focuses on being prepared and useful in each assignment. That measured approach reflects both his personality and his belief that strong professional habits are built through consistency over time.
Andy Lake built his academic foundation in entrepreneurship, with a concentration in finance, at a university in Florida. During his time there, he earned a scholarship that recognized strong academic performance and helped reduce the cost of attending school from out of state. He also remained active in student life through a fraternity, where he served for 4 years and held organizational leadership roles. In a leadership position, he helped uphold the group’s principles while supporting fundraising efforts for a cancer-focused cause, demonstrating a sincere commitment to service and personal development.
Lake showed discipline long before college through his ability to balance school and sports. In middle school, he earned honor roll recognition, and that early standard carried into high school, where he managed his coursework while participating in football, basketball, and lacrosse. His steady effort earned him multiple scholar-athlete honors across several school years. He later graduated with a strong grade point average and was recognized as a finalist for a lacrosse-related scholarship. These experiences reflect not only athletic involvement but also a lasting commitment to responsibility, time management, and personal discipline.
Andrew Lake also strengthened his leadership through experiences outside the classroom. At a summer sports camp for young people, counselors often noticed his positive attitude, work ethic, and natural ability to encourage others. He competed with energy while still taking time to support teammates and younger campers, which helped him earn respect in that environment. Those moments appear to have shaped his understanding of leadership as something expressed through example rather than attention. That perspective continues to influence the way he works with people, handles responsibility, and carries himself in both professional and personal settings.
Andrew gained meaningful professional experience early through an internship with a company focused on quality systems and auditing. During that period, he completed an intensive training program and earned a lead auditor certificate in quality system management, becoming the youngest person in that company’s history to do so. He participated in audits for several clients and gained firsthand exposure to process improvement, compliance, and operational review. He also helped improve communication between customers and the internal scheduling team. Earlier work in retail and restaurant settings further strengthened his customer service, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Andy Lake continues to build a well-rounded path through technical learning, community service, and personal interests. He is proficient in office software, has foundational knowledge of Python, and speaks basic Spanish. He has also volunteered with an organization that helps children with mental and physical disabilities enjoy baseball in an inclusive environment. Outside of work, he values time with his family and enjoys being present for his niece and nephews. He also enjoys golf, fishing, travel, food, basketball, football, and aviation. Looking ahead, he plans to earn his commercial real estate license and continue pursuing opportunities in South Florida.
