Scott Allan, 38

Scott Allan, a native of Hoboken, N.J., says when it comes to his development projects, he takes “the path of most resistance.”

He prefers the challenge within a developer’s obstacles — think rezoning, permitting, approvals — because he can innovate solutions others pass over.

Allan first came to Southwest Florida chasing a baseball career, when he was in the minor leagues. After giving up his baseball dreams (he now coaches youth teams and mentors young athletes) Allan turned to real estate.

Allan became an expert in the Iona McGregor submarket of Fort Myers, where he also lives. Projects he’s overseen so far in the area include Bent Palms and Davis Preserve, both rental town home communities. His portfolio also includes Causeway Key, which broke ground in May. The upscale community of 26 paired villas will provide artistic touches and upgrades comparable to Sanibel Island architecture, Allan says.

Outside the core projects that make up Allan Development, Allan, who also previously ran a commercial real estate brokerage, has a housing-related passion — affordable and attainable housing.

He is the lead developer with Lee County working to create the first Workforce Housing concept to address affordable housing for teachers, policemen, firemen, EMTs, nurses and others in the community. One plan is to build teacher-friendly apartments using surplus acres owned by the Lee County School District.

On all his projects, Allan takes pride in being a one-man operation. Allan Development Group was incorporated in January 2016, and Allan creates his own market forecasts and raises virtually 100% of his capital without third-party studies. “I answer to myself,” says Allan. “If I fail, I have no one to blame but myself.”

— Alicia Ceccarelli

Survey says

Name: Scott Allan

Age: 38

City of residence: Fort Myers

Employer: Self-employed – Allan Development Group

Title: President

Birthplace: New Jersey

Years on the Gulf Coast: 14

Marital status/children: Married with two children

Alma mater/degree: Montclair State University, finance

Best place to network: Community involvement

Messy desk or clean workspace: Somewhat in between

Eat lunch out or at your desk: At desk Monday to Thursday and out on Friday

Best business lesson ever learned: Always be transparent and when speaking to development investors, be sure that you are an expert in what you are discussing.

Weirdest job you’ve ever had: Grocery store bagger

A website that makes your job easier: Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

App you use the most: Boat Navionics

One thing you do everyday: Value engineer development designs

Community group you’re most involved with: South Fort Myers Little League

Favorite off-hours activity: BBQ and cocktails with friends and family in my backyard

Two people, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with: Donald Trump and Mickey Mantle

What you would be doing if you could pick another career: Professional baseball

Top item on your bucket list: Own a 40' fishing boat

Your happy place is: My backyard with my family

Your biggest fear: Being stranded in open water

Skill you’d like to learn: AutoCAD

Who would play you in a movie about your life: Vin Diesel

Describe yourself in three words: Driven, acute and loyal