Jake, born and raised in Pekin, Illinois, discovered his passion for craftsmanship and manufacturing early on. His journey began in a pattern shop during high school, sparking his interest in the mechanics of building and solidifying his determination to pursue a career in manufacturing. After graduating from high school in 2004, Jake embarked on a path that exemplified his strong work ethic and dedication to education. He attended Illinois Central College (ICC) and Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) through an innovative off-campus program, earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology with a focus on Manufacturing Management in 2011.

During his college years, Jake played a pivotal role in launching Presley’s in Bartonville, where he designed and built the webstore while also contributing to operations after school hours. His experiences as a subcontractor at Caterpillar (CAT) further enriched his understanding of manufacturing processes and customer service, laying a solid foundation for his future career.

Jake’s professional journey continued at Excel Foundry in Pekin, where he excelled as an engineer, designing and manufacturing components while gaining valuable insights into global markets through extensive travel. His expertise and leadership caught the attention of Brian, a former VP of Engineering, who recruited Jake to Alcast in 2017. At Alcast, Jake has ascended swiftly, currently serving as VP of Engineering and Technical Services. In this role, he oversees all aspects of production—from quality control and machining to foundry operations and finishing processes. His trajectory at Alcast has been marked by notable achievements, including the successful implementation of critical projects such as the powder coat line and robotic degating systems.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jake’s passion for archery has been a lifelong pursuit, beginning competitively at a young age. His talent led him to compete in multiple national championships and even qualify for the 2004 Olympic trials, all while maintaining his commitment to his community in Peoria.

Jake is known for his unwavering dedication to hard work and excellence in everything he undertakes. His journey from a pattern shop apprentice to a key executive at Alcast reflects not only his technical expertise but also his leadership and vision in the manufacturing industry.