2025 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Allen Higens, South Coast Improvement Company

“Allen Higens is a quiet force redefining leadership in construction. With 18 years in the industry and 10+ in the military, he blends discipline, integrity, and emotional intelligence to lead $360M+ in successful projects. A mentor and culture- builder, Allen balances grit with grace – holding high standards while empowering his team. His impact is undeniable, and his future in the industry is bright.” - Alyson Therrien, Director of Management Operations at South Coast Improvement Company.

Recent milestone or project you’re most proud of? A recent milestone I was proud to achieve was being promoted to Senior Project Manager. I’ve worked nearly 20 years in industry, including a decade of military service, hard work and strong leadership have always been central to who I am. It’s been particularly rewarding to apply these qualities at South Coast Improvement Company, a place that genuinely supports growth and development. Earning this promotion within a company that values its people makes the achievement even more meaningful.

Advice you’d give someone starting out? My advice would be simple: dig in and learn. This is a tough industry, and the amount of knowledge required can seem immense early on. Take every opportunity to absorb as much as you can, whether it’s through hands- on experience, asking questions, or learning from the people around you. Every project, big or small, offers a chance to develop your skills. Be proactive, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – that’s where real growth happens in this industry.

Challenge you’ve overcome, and what it taught you? One challenge I’ve faced throughout my career is facing unfamiliar project requirements or specifications that I haven’t encountered before. Each time, it’s pushed me to learn, ask questions, and develop new skillsets to meet the demands of the job. These experiences taught me that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. There’s always going to be an opportunity for further development. The more you invest in building new skills, the more rewarding the results will be. Over time, that growth accumulates in positive ways that far surpass any challenge faced before it.

Person who shaped your development, and how? My family has played the biggest role in my development, both personally and professionally. They always encouraged me to work hard, stay disciplined, and push myself to succeed. Even when challenges felt daunting, I can count on their motivation and support every day. Their constant support and belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities, tackle obstacles head- on, and stay committed to my goals. I credit much of my growth and success to the foundation they helped build.