Luke Allan, Broker Associate, Kunkel Commercial Group Inc., O’Fallon

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE
    Luke Allan got a very early start on establishing a lifelong career in real estate. He began by selling properties at auction in the family business, Allan Auction Service, when he was just 12 years old.
    An Illinois licensed auctioneer, his chosen vocation was further inspired by working summers in high school at the Madison County Assessor’s Office.
    Allan became a licensed real estate appraiser in the 1990s, and has been a broker for the last 21 years. He attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and has plans to complete his business marketing degree through McKendree University.
    Born in Collinsville, he moved to Troy eight years ago and has remained there ever since. He and his wife Beth of 23 years have three children. In his spare time, Allan volunteers his auctioneering services for various charitable organizations and community events. He also enjoys boating, riding ATVs, and working on classic cars.
    At Kunkel Commercial Group, Allan is involved in all facets of the day-to-day operations, listing properties and assisting management in serving the firm’s clients. He made the move to Kunkel in February.
    “KCG intrigued me due to their focus on quality, not quantity with respect for their listings. We at KCG choose personal service versus mass listings,” he said.
    He added that they focus on listing properties that create a positive image on the community. “It is exciting to bring life to a new business or expand an existing endeavor. Connecting the business community with opportunity is what we at KCG do best.”
    Allan pointed out that a career in real estate is definitely a roller-coaster ride.
    “There are long waits, ups and downs, surprising turns, and abrupt stops. It is not for the squeamish,” he said. Coming from a hard-working, honest family has also provided Allan with a foundation and a work ethic that underscores the importance of not only giving your word, but also in keeping it.
    Kunkel Commercial Group Inc. was founded in 2007 by Dave and Gail Kunkel. The firm’s offerings include a wide variety of properties, including office, medical, retail, industrial space (including self-storage facilities) and land.
    The company focuses on growing its Metro East market. Each of its seven team members grew up there and continue to reside there today, giving  them the advantage of a thorough knowledge of the features and benefits of each community in the region.