State of Success

Alumni and Insurance Agency Owner Thomas Allen Celebrates 10 Years of Building Lifetime Relationships with Families and Communities

Some entrepreneurs build businesses; others build legacies. For Thomas Allen, it’s both. A Louisville native shaped by change and rooted in resilience, he found his footing at the University of Louisville before stepping into an industry he never expected—insurance. A decade later his Allstate agency, Thomas Allen Insurance Agency, stands as proof that strong foundations, paired with vision and adaptability, can transform challenges into triumphs. In this feature, the former Louisville Business First 40 Under 40 honoree reflects on how an unread book led him to his calling, how his education at the College of Business gave him an edge in his field and how ten years in the insurance industry has deepened his commitment to community.

College of Business: Please share with us more about your background and what your life was like growing up.

Thomas Allen: I’m a born-and-raised Louisville native, mostly from Old Louisville, though I moved around a lot growing up. At the time, I hated it—but looking back, it gave me valuable perspective. Constantly adapting taught me how to make friends quickly, appreciate different viewpoints and truly empathize with people from all walks of life. It wasn’t without challenges, but I wouldn’t trade that foundation for anything.

College of Business: What made you choose UofL to earn your undergraduate degree in business administration?

Thomas Allen: For me, Louisville was never just a choice, it was always the list. Growing up here, I saw the underdog mentality that so many natives share: A drive to prove ourselves, both within and beyond the state. As a Louisville sports fan, I felt that same spirit of always fighting from behind. To me, the city and UofL were one and the same—an opportunity to excel and to prove those who doubt us wrong.

College of Business: What moment at the college most shaped your personal or professional growth-and why?

Thomas Allen: I can’t point to a single moment that shaped me. College is a journey, where every part played a role and the sum of the parts led me to my path today. Looking back, it was the combination of those experiences that mattered. Every interaction, every deadline and every time I had to think critically or solve a problem, I was being taught a lesson. Those same lessons shape how I approach challenges today.

College of Business: How did your business degree help prepare you to launch your agency?

Thomas Allen: I’ve learned that much of the wisdom you develop in business takes a long time to acquire. In my industry, many business owners have no formal business background. My degree gave me a foundation that most don’t have. Foundational elements like organizational leadership and interpersonal communication continue to guide how I run my agency, develop my team and build lasting relationships with clients.

College of Business: How did you first develop an interest in the insurance industry, and what inspired you to launch your agency in 2015?

Thomas Allen: Honestly, insurance was never on my radar. I graduated from Louisville in 2011, when the job market was still reeling from the financial crisis. Stable opportunities were scarce, but I kept seeing insurance jobs posted. Around that time, I remembered an insurance book I had bought years earlier but never opened. That was my turning point. I left my assembly line job, spent two weeks studying in Ekstrom Library, and passed the licensing exams. What started as a choice out of necessity has since shaped my career, my family’s future and the lives of the people who have worked with us along the way.

College of Business: You’ve reached a major milestone—10 years in business! What have been the biggest challenges and triumphs your agency has experienced over this past decade?

Thomas Allen: The first hurdle that always seems like the biggest one, is just fighting to stay in business during your first year or two. In my business, your phone has to ring. If your phone doesn’t ring, you won’t be in business for long. Once you get past that and your business starts to elevate, you then have the problem of growth. That is, you have to deal with the many issues that arise out of a business in rapid growth mode. In many cases you need to react and execute plans quickly to take advantage of favorable market conditions. Problems related to growth, though challenging, are always the better of the two hurdles.

College of Business: What sets your agency apart in the insurance market today, especially in a competitive city like Louisville?

Thomas Allen: Our advisor model sets us apart. We provide a personal approach with every client. Insurance can feel complicated, and people don’t want to just be sold a policy. People want someone who will guide them, explain their options and make sure they feel confident in their decisions. Our team is built around that philosophy. We do insurance reviews, spend time educating clients and make sure their coverage matches their needs. We believe an educated client is an informed client. That focus has served us well.

College of Business: You’ve built a strong reputation for being deeply rooted in the community. What does that connection mean to you, personally and professionally?

Thomas Allen: The relationships that I have built here mean the world to me. Professionally, I’ve had some of the most thought-provoking conversations in my life with other members of the business community. Many of those same professional relationships have grown into personal relationships as well. My network of friends and family is vast and more than I could have ever imagined. This city and its many communities have been kind to me and I cherish that deeply.

College of Business: Can you share a story that captures the kind of long-term relationships you’ve built with your clients?

Thomas Allen: One of my clients first found us by accident. Her son clicked an ad on her phone, and she ended up calling our office by mistake. Nearly a decade later, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside her family through so many milestones: Her son learning to drive, college graduations, an adoption and now she and her husband preparing for early retirement. Insurance was the reason we connected, but the real reward has been witnessing their life’s journey and playing a small part in it.

College of Business: What about your upcoming 10-year celebration are you most looking forward to and why, and what can attendees expect from the event?

Thomas Allen: More than anything, I am just looking forward to the celebration of this milestone with my team, clients and community partners. Attendees can expect fun activities, food, a ribbon cutting and some light entertainment.

College of Business: What’s your long-term vision for your insurance agency, and are there any other business projects or goals you are pursuing?

Thomas Allen: My long-term vision for the agency is to continue building a business that lasts—one that provides security for our clients and growth opportunities for our team well beyond me. I want the agency to be known not just for selling policies, but for being a trusted partner that families and businesses rely on for generations. I also want to continue to mentor agents and emerging leaders. As far any future projects, nothing to announce now, but stay tuned!

College of Business: What advice would you offer to current students who are considering starting their own business someday?

Thomas Allen: My advice is to have a callus mind. Entrepreneurship will test your limits, and no one will truly understand it except for other entrepreneurs. Mentality is what dooms most entrepreneurs. Make sure you are prepared for the worst and when you see success, be pleasantly surprised.

College of Business: Where can people follow the agency online or on social media, and how can they contact you to learn more about your upcoming celebration?

Thomas Allen: We can be found on every platform by searching for Thomas Allen Insurance Agency. They can reach out to our Brand Manager Rensha Allen at 502-548- 0700.

College of Business: Looking back on everything you’ve achieved so far, what is the most important lesson or insight you hope readers take away from your journey?

Thomas Allen: The truth is in the middle–this is something that I have learned. In entrepreneurship, you should never get too high or too low. Getting too high opens you up to comfort, which slows growth and leads to apathy. Being too low is a vicious cycle where if everything seems bad, everything is bad. Stay even. Being in the middle means you are prepared for both attacks and you can respond with clarity, make steady decisions and keep moving forward no matter what comes your way.

Your next chapter could be about more than profit—it could be about people. Whether it’s starting an agency that protects families or shaping solutions for your community, our entrepreneurship programs can help your dreams take root. Learn more at https://business.louisville.edu/academics-programs/entrepreneurship-programs/

About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people.

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