Recognizing outstanding leadership, craftsmanship, and commitment to the building industry.
The Builder of the Year Award honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, exceptional craftsmanship, and a deep commitment to the building industry and our community. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who set the standard for excellence and help shape a stronger future for the Ocoee Region and Southeast Tennessee.
A native of Cleveland, Lake Mantooth brings more than 25 years of residential building and land development expertise to Bradley County. Following a 40-year career with Volunteer Energy Cooperative, Lake turned his full attention to residential expansion, having successfully developed Dry Valley Pointe, Penny Hill, and Falcon Crest subdivisions.
Known for his remarkable ability to see the latent potential in raw land, Lake returned from a short retirement in 2022 to launch one of his largest projects to date: a 150-acre, six-phase master development off Michigan Avenue Road, constructed alongside his full-time six-man crew.
Beyond his job sites, Lake has been a tireless civic servant. His leadership includes service on the Bradley County Planning Commission and the Bradley County Legislative Board, as well as hands-on volunteer labor for Habitat for Humanity. A stalwart leader of the Ocoee Region Builders Association, Lake served as ORBA President in 2012, is a longtime Board member, and was honored as ORBA Builder of the Year in both 2012 and 2025.
Lake resides in Cleveland with his wife, Kelly, and enjoys spending time outdoors and with his extended family, which includes two daughters, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
ORBA Builders of the Year Since 1972
