EUSTIS, Fla. - Lake Mechanical Contractors, an HVAC and plumbing contractor, recently donated 6,500 patriotically decorated cupcakes to GeorgeFest in celebration of its own 65th anniversary.

GeorgeFest, now in its 109th year, is one of the nation’s longest-running festivals celebrating George Washington’s birthday. It attracts large crowds each year to Eustis, Fla. This year it took place Feb. 25-27; Lake Mechanical handed out the 6,500 cupcakes on the 26th.

Lake Mechanical chairman and CEO John Smith, and president Tom Sherman, were on hand for the festivities. The contractor has participated in GeorgeFest for 65 years, throughout the company’s entire history.

The company does not distribute any marketing materials at GeorgeFest, said Smith. “We see this event as an opportunity to celebrate our community, our employees, and our friends.”

The company is involved with several community organizations. “We support the Educational Foundation of Lake County, Eustis High School Booster Club, Harper Limbach’s Golf Weekend, Bay Street Players Historical Renovations Committee, First Harvest Food Bank, Achievers Banquet at Gethsemane Baptist Church, Construction for Worldwide Evangelism, and most recently, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life,” said Smith.

LAKE'S BACKGROUND

Founded in 1945 by Barto Smith, Lake Plumbing and Appliance Co. sold and installed residential and commercial plumbing and heating systems. From there, the company evolved into a full mechanical contractor with 122 employees, eventually adding HVAC and process piping to its offerings.

Today, with statewide and regional capabilities, Lake Mechanical participates in construction projects for some of the country’s largest owners and general contractors. As a member of the development team, the contractor has contributed a value-added dimension to projects for Coca-Cola, Disney, the State of Florida Board of Regents, Hyatt, Wackenhut, and other leading companies.

Its construction projects have included commercial structures, hotels, office buildings, correctional facilities, educational institutions, industrial sites, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, partnering projects, and design-build and fast-track construction.

The company says it invests heavily in attracting and retaining “the finest craftsmen in the industry.” Many of the company’s superintendents have been part of Lake’s family for more than 20 years. Company-sponsored training helps ensure that safety, performance, and quality needs are met. “All personnel are fully empowered and encouraged to identify and contribute solutions,” the company says on its website.

For more information, visit www.lakemechanical.net.

Publication date: 04/18/2011