A suitcase, a toolbox, and five hundred bucks—that is where it all began for Steve Allen, owner of Tallen Builders, LLC.
It was 1982, and with nothing but the aforementioned items to his name, Steve chose to make a move that would alter the course of his life and subsequent career. Without knowing a soul, he selected Ocala as the city he would come to call home. He was eighteen years old, and the world was his oyster. Steve was ready to lay the foundations of his career in carpentry. But it didn’t happen overnight. It happened because of the blood and sweat of hard work and an unwavering commitment to excellence. And for 35 years, that has been the heartbeat behind Steve Allen and his team at Tallen Builders.
Growing up as a paperboy in a town on the outskirts of Boston, Steve developed a strong work ethic at a young age, as he and his six siblings were raised to not only embrace hard work but to enjoy it. Delivering newspapers taught him the importance of tracking and handling money and being held accountable in his work without taking shortcuts or cutting corners. Integrity was just as—if not more—important than the work itself. This speaks to the businessman and community leader Steve is today, never begrudging long hours at the office or on site with his committed team.
After graduating from a vocational technical high school in Massachusetts, where he completed four years of extensive, hands-on education, Steve had never ventured outside of New England before his move to Florida. The choice to relocate with little to his name was as challenging as one can imagine for a teenager. But for Steve, challenges have always been welcomed—and without them, he and his team wouldn’t be where they are today.
Choosing to explore Central Florida, Steve parted ways with his northern roots to chase after a dream in the Sunshine State. What follows is a story marked by passion and persistence, reflected in the work he and his team have done and continue to do here in horse country and beyond.
There were obstacles to overcome as he built his business—obstacles that would soon become stepping-stones that helped him successfully establish Tallen Builders, LLC in 2005 alongside his business partner at the time, Terry Talbot. Together, Steve and Terry created the company name “Tallen Builders,” a merging of their last names. In a tragic turn of events, Terry passed away from a rare disease in 2009. Steve kept their company name in her honor as he forged ahead after her passing.
Whether building a customized luxury home, an equine facility, or a commercial project, Steve believes that it is not his job to spend his clients’ money for them. He understands it is their right to call the shots and make the detailed decisions they invest in. This is one of the qualities that differentiates Tallen Builders in the industry. It is not just about giving clients what they pay for—it is about going above and beyond to make the experience as exciting as the end result. Considering the rapidly changing times and competitive growth within the field, this speaks volumes about what Tallen Builders represents.
For thirty-five years, Steve has remained loyal to his business with no interest in moving beyond the name he has built for himself and his team. With only one job as a contractor prior to founding Tallen Builders, his loyalty has never wavered.
It is Steve’s passion that propels him to play an active role in all projects, never more than a phone call away if questions or concerns arise. Client satisfaction and pride in their high-end investments remain chief among the priorities at Tallen. Because of this, clients never have to worry about empty water bottles or leftover materials and trash being tossed and left on site after hours. Instead, they can rest easy knowing that the company’s standards of perfection go above and beyond the end product. Excellence in detail has never been compromised in Steve’s 35 years in the industry—and it never will be.
For Tallen Builders, every detail behind their labor is upheld by the backbone of their unwavering commitment to the principles of integrity and immaculacy, with which Steve has consistently aligned himself.
Such principles can be seen reflected in their online portfolio, which showcases an impressive array of work in and around areas such as The Villages retirement community, Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club, and the surrounding residential developments.
Tallen Builders maintains a steadfast commitment to the ethics of honesty, integrity, and quality, whether on-site or in the office. They understand that fulfilling clients’ needs goes far beyond simply completing a job—it is about exceeding expectations in both interpersonal interactions and the project itself. This is what Steve has prided himself on since making the decision to pack up his suitcase and toolbox, with little to his name, and construct his dream from the ground up here in Central Florida.
When not on site or in the office, Steve enjoys taking in the coastal waters of the ocean, whitewater rafting, and the excitement of sports such as golf and hockey—and of course, the comfort of his family.
You can check out some of the ways in which he and his team have given back to the community by scrolling down.
Tallen Builders, LLC is versed in construction management and is bonded, certified, insured, licensed, and Lead-Safe Certified.
