John L. Drake
Founder, Drake Manufacturing Services

John Drake graduated with honor from MTU in 1964 with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later returned to his hometown, Houghton, to continue his education and earned an M.S. in Business Administration in 1969. John began his career at Delphi Packard Electric in Warren, Ohio. He held the positions of Process Engineer, Manufacturing Supervisor and Manufacturing Developer during his eight years with the company. In 1972 he formed Drake Manufacturing Services for the purpose of servicing the machinery needs of industrial producers in the metalworking industry. The company is a manufacturer of grinders and a provider of remanufactured and CNC retrofitted thread grinders, cylindrical grinders and surface grinders. John feels that his commitment to the customer has allowed him to build his company from one employee to what it is today. While a student at MTU, John was the President of the Independents' Club, a member of Blue Key and a member of Tau Beta Pi. He currently is involved with many professional and civic associations including chairing the local zoning board, is a member of the Howland School Board, sits on the Board of Directors of the Association for Manufacturing Technology and works closely, with the Trumbull County Joint Vocational School. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Ohio and Michigan, a member of the MTU Presidents' and McNair Societies, and a life member of the Alumni Association.