John Allen - Entreprenuer

"Northland's great faculty and curriculum taught me to be inquisitive, to be compassionate, to look at problems from multiple angles," says John N. Allen, the CEO and owner of Industrial Equities, LLP, a Minneapolis real estate investment company.
John majored in broadfield social science with minors in history and political science and then went on to earn a law degree from Hamline University. From an early age, John knew that he had no interest in practicing law in the traditional sense. But he had the foresight to know that a law degree would give him a competitive advantage in a complex business world - and, it has.

He credits his one-on-one experience with professors and trustees for developing his public speaking skills and his ability to build persuasive arguments. These skill served him well in law school and later in business.

"My professors didn't teach me what to think, they taught me how to think, how to problem solve," says John.

"If you're prepared to work hard, work smart and define your personal long-term vision, Northland will drive you," he says. "There are no limitations on what you can learn."

Today, Industrial Equities owns more than three million square feet of commercial property in several areas of the country. Unlike many in the real estate business, John hasn't bought and sold property in quick deals. The company avoids looking for the fast dollar. They've simply collected good investments over time, and focused on a solid, long-range plan rather than a
boom-and-bust business model.

"Northland gave me a diverse educational background to prepare me not only for law school, but also to found a successful company," says John. Not all of that education came from a classroom. During his time on campus, John served as a senator in the Northland College Student Association and later as a student trustee on the Northland College Board of Trustees. That experience was pivotal for John.

"Those small steps early in your career help you decide if you want to reach high-take big chances-or go the comfortable route. I wanted to reach high," says John.

As a Northland student, you will build long-term, meaningful relationships with your professors as they help prepare you for a successful and fulfilling career.