BlackStar Construction
Les Allen Jr., CEO - The BlackStar Companies
Les Allen Jr. is the CEO and founder of The BlackStar Companies, which includes BlackStar Construction and BlackStar SIPs. Based in Tampa, Florida, the company specializes in construction services and structural insulated panel (SIP) manufacturing. BlackStar holds multiple certifications including SBA 8(a), HUBZone, MBE, and DBE status.
Current Position and Expertise
Les Allen Jr. serves as CEO and founder of The BlackStar Companies, where he oversees construction operations and the company's newer SIPs manufacturing division. With over 27 years of experience in housing and construction services, Les has worked in roles ranging from site supervision to executive leadership.
The company holds SBA 8(a) certification, HUBZone status, and multiple MBE/DBE certifications. BlackStar specializes in general construction, federal contracting, and manufacturing structural insulated panels (SIPs). Les focuses on sustainable building technologies and has positioned the company as a minority-owned contractor in both commercial and government sectors.
His experience spans all aspects of construction projects, giving him hands-on understanding of every phase from initial planning through project completion.
Educational Foundation and Early Career
Les graduated from Hampton University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Hampton University is a historically black research university in Virginia, known for its strong academic programs and notable alumni.
Before focusing on construction, Les built experience across multiple industries, developing the business skills that would later prove valuable in managing complex construction projects and federal contracting requirements.
His background in psychology has influenced his management approach, particularly in understanding team dynamics and client relationships. This foundation helped him develop the leadership skills needed to grow BlackStar from a startup in 2006 to a certified federal contractor.
Career Accomplishments and Recognition
Before founding BlackStar, Les served as Assistant Director of Housing for the City of Dallas, where he oversaw approximately $40 million in infrastructure improvements, commercial developments, and affordable housing projects. This public sector experience provided him with deep knowledge of government contracting and compliance requirements.
In 2017, Les received recognition from Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for his achievements in minority employment and business development. This acknowledgment highlighted BlackStar's commitment to creating opportunities in the construction industry.
Under his leadership, BlackStar launched its SIPs division in 2024, receiving Florida Product Approval for their structural insulated panels. The company has maintained its track record of completing projects on time and within budget since 2015. Les is recognized as an award-winning entrepreneur and frequently speaks on topics related to construction, federal contracting, and minority business development.
Professional Philosophy and Future Focus
Les emphasizes what he calls the three P's in his management approach: patience, planning, and perseverance. He believes in building a team-centered culture that prioritizes collaboration and consistent delivery of high-quality results.
His vision for BlackStar focuses on sustainable construction technologies, particularly the company's SIPs manufacturing capability. He sees structural insulated panels as an important part of the construction industry's future, offering faster build times and superior energy efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Les is committed to BlackStar's role as a minority-owned business in the federal contracting space, viewing the company's certifications and capabilities as tools for creating broader opportunities in the construction industry. The company's motto, "Builders of a Better World," reflects his belief that construction companies have a responsibility to improve communities through their work.