History
After a decade in elected office and working in government Jake Shade founded The Lockhouse Group to fill a much needed void that our public entities face each day. He found many organizations lack staff bandwidth to complete large-scale one time projects, fulfill grant administration, and keep projects on schedule. The difference between success and failure across projects and organizations is highly correlated with the initial planning process and who is empowered as decision makes.
It’s essential to have a firm that uses real world experience, expertise, and leverages deep state-wide contacts to make projects move forward. We help navigate and cut through the holdups that delay and derail many projects. Bringing an outside group to assist your organization is a major decision, it’s essential you bring in a firm that can deliver.
Unlike other firms, we don’t just give you a written document. We work with you to plan, develop, then implement a custom plan that fits your needs, budget, and timeframe.
Unlike other firms, we don’t take on as many projects as possible. At this time, The Lockhouse Group is strictly limited to 3 clients in order to provide only the highest quality deliverables and results.
The Lockhouse Group opened its doors in Spring 2023.
Get in touch
At The Lockhouse Group we know hiring an outside group to assist your organization is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
The team
Founder
Jake Shade
Jake Shade is the Founder of The Lockhouse Group, a Cumberland, Maryland-based consulting firm that specializes in assisting public entities with expert consulting, grant administration, project management, and strategic planning.
Jake brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise. He served two terms as President of the Allegany County Board of Commissioners, where he was responsible for an $100 million operating budget and 450 full-time employees. During his time as Commissioner, Jake focused on making local government a partner and conduit with businesses and organizations to spur entrepreneurship and growth.
Some highlights of Jake's tenure as Commissioner include leaving office with a record $4.2 million surplus, the first income tax cut since 1998, a completed $53 million new Allegany High School, and an upgraded county bond rating. Jake also oversaw the overhaul of economic development processes, the modernization of zoning and liquor laws, the remodeling of two libraries, and the implementation of a $2 million Invest Allegany Program. In addition, Jake played a key role in the development of a new medical cannabis industry, the hiring of experienced senior professionals to key positions within the county government, and leading Allegany County through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jake's dedication to improving his community and supporting economic growth make him a valuable asset to The Lockhouse Group and its clients.
Education
University of Maryland
MPS, Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation, 2015
University of Maryland
B.A., Government and Politics, 2013
Experience
• Allegany County Board of Commissioners (2014-2022), President of the Board of Commissioners (2016-2022)
•Former two-time Chairman of Tri-County Council of Western Maryland
•Former Legislative Director, Maryland House of Delegates
Activities & Affiliations
• International Churchill Society, Member