Lakeside Companies Names David Weeks as CEO as Founder John J. Hemmingson Assumes the Role of Chairman

COEUR D’ALENE, ID – April 16, 2025 – Lakeside Companies, a leader in real estate, agriculture, and community development has announced the appointment of David Weeks as Chief Executive Officer. David succeeds John Hemmingson, founder of Lakeside, as he transitions to the role of Chairman.
Hemmingson said, “I am naming David CEO of Lakeside as we expand our mission because his enthusiasm, fresh perspective and focus has strengthened our collaboration and agility across the Lakeside companies. He is dedicated to our growth and success in this region and as CEO he will be instrumental in shaping the future of the company and its impact throughout the Inland Northwest.”
Founder John J. Hemmingson was recently named Business Leader of the Year by the Spokane Journal and has served as Lakeside’s guiding force since its inception in 1997. John will continue to drive Lakeside’s vision, strategic partnerships, and values.
As CEO, David Weeks will lead Lakeside’s expansion across a dynamic slate of initiatives — from land development to aerospace innovation and sustainable agriculture.
“John and the Lakeside team have turned small ideas into major projects that make a difference in the region,” said Weeks. “It’s rooted in community, driven by values, and unafraid of big ideas. I’m honored to partner in this next phase and pursue John’s dynamic vision.”
Since founding Lakeside in the late 1990s along the shores of Lake Washington, John Hemmingson has been guided by a singular belief: empowered people create extraordinary outcomes. That ethos has fueled Lakeside’s diverse portfolio — from launching one of the first online nursing education companies to through investments in the next generation of aerospace manufacturing, real estate development to meet the needs of our region, new agriculture projects, and beyond.
Under his leadership, Lakeside has embraced continuous reinvention, targeting opportunities that drive technological advancement and challenge conventional markets. Today, that forward-looking spirit is evident in initiatives like Lakeside’s role as a regional leader within the federally designated Inland Northwest Tech Hub — a bold initiative poised to make Spokane a center for next-generation aerospace manufacturing.
“I’ve always said the one constant at Lakeside is change,” said Hemmingson. “We are always looking for what’s next, and I’m more excited than ever about where we’re headed.”
As Chairman, John will continue guiding Lakeside’s vision and strategic direction, focusing on long-term vision, strategic relationships, and ensuring Lakeside’s core values continue to guide growth.
Current companies in the Lakeside Cos. portfolio include thermoplastic composite materials maker ATC Manufacturing, of Post Falls; homebuilder Architerra Homes, of Coeur d’Alene; canola, winter wheat, and reclamation grass grower Century Farms LLC, of Spokane; real estate development company Kootenai County Land Co., of Spokane; Hemmingson Senior Living LLC, of Coeur d’Alene; and Rainier Seeds LLC, of Davenport, Washington. Lakeside also engages in passive investment strategies, including co-investments across various industries.
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PRESS INQUIRIES: Maria Lusardi, mlusardi@lakeside-capital.com
ABOUT LAKESIDE COMPANIES: Lakeside encompasses a collection of portfolio companies, a diverse investment portfolio, and charitable endeavors throughout the Inland Northwest, including funding innovative endeavors in farming, manufacturing, and construction. Learn more at thinklakeside.com