John Allen: Hands-on service to community
John Allen quotes Luis Nizer to convey his business philosophy: “A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.”
John Allen and his father-in-law Bob Goff founded Southern Construction & Design Inc. in 1997. Allen is president and owner.
Typically, a SCD client is a “word-of-mouth” referral and interested in either renovation or new construction. “They’re looking for experience, knowledge and creativity in their builder, as well as solid business experience, longevity and stability,” Allen said.
Allen uses his engineering skills to find ways of bringing clients’ ideas to life. He focuses on a client’s needs for innovative, unique solutions.
SCD has numerous business partners, including Inline Electric, Bob Wallace Appliance, Richards Lighting, Park Supply, Cellpak, Ceramic Harmony, Huntsville Granite, TLC Painting and Drywall, All Star Plumbing and Wilson Lumber Company.
Even with demands of running a company, Allen said he prioritizes making time for civic volunteering. “I’ve always had an interest in local politics and local issues. You’re closest to the leaders at the local level and can see real change,” he said.
Allen said he views a political race and governing as two different tasks. “Those elected need consistent support, encouragement and expertise from the community to make wise and sound decisions for the city’s future. I’ve found with my time on many boards and committees that the volunteers that do this work all year sacrifice their time to make the community a better place,” he said. “Many opportunities exist for volunteer leadership. I encourage all to seek out a place they can make a difference.”
One of Allen’s most visible civic commitments was serving as chairman of Madison Governance Committee 2025. “It was an honor to be asked to chair this important group by the Madison City Council in 2015. The issue of local governance in Madison has been discussed since the city was formed as a mayor/council government in 1988,” he said.
Governance committee members listened to former council members and three former mayors, along with numerous leaders of Alabama communities with a city manager. The committee traveled to Mountain Brook, Pelham, Auburn and Vestavia Hills to investigate best practices. After its eight-week investigation, the committee submitted its opinion that Madison should transition to a city manager configuration: the mayor would serve on council, and mayor and council would hire the city manager.
“The city manager is accountable to the mayor and council, while mayor and council are accountable to the electorate,” Allen said. “A nationwide search for a professional city manager would bring a constant stability to the churn of elected leaders Madison has had in its 29-year mayor/council form of government.”
Allen’s determination also has helped Madison City Schools. His first opportunity was building a pavilion for Heritage Elementary School.
“Then, I started working with the Engineering Academy at Bob Jones High School and was fortunate to host six high school interns in various fields from finance, engineering and building science,” Allen said. “One intern built the marquee sign at Bob Jones’ entrance.”
His work with Madison Career Technical Committee since 2010 “has continued to show the need for hands-on, real-world learning for the students of tomorrow. I’ve always been a hands-on learner and appreciate the chance to provide that learning with future community leaders.”
He sits on Madison Utilities Board of Directors, chairs Madison Construction Board of Appeals and has served on the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board and Sustainability Committee. Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association named Allen to its Housing Hall of Fame.
Allen is past president of Rotary Club of Madison. He has earned a catalog of awards for his business, ethics and community service.
In college, Allen was a co-op student at NASA. He then worked as an engineer with Amoco Chemical Company and became part-owner of Cornerstone Engineering Group.
A Huntsville native, Allen graduated from Lee High School and then earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Auburn University. He and future wife Beth met in the AU Band. The Allens have one child.
For information, send mail to Southern Construction & Design, P.O. Box 770, Madison, AL 35758; call 256-652-6857; or email jallen@southern-construction.com.
