2025 March - Allan Bense

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Brian Baber interviews Former Speaker of the House Allan Bense…Allan Bense, born on a farm in Panama City, Florida, exemplifies perseverance and hard work. After losing both parents at a young age, he was raised by his grandmother and worked numerous jobs to support himself through school. Allan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972 and an MBA in 1974 from Florida State University. During his last semester, he lived in his station wagon and worked nights cleaning bathrooms at the capitol.His career began in banking, where he turned around struggling institutions. Teaming up with his mentor, Charles Hilton, Allan helped build a diversified portfolio of businesses spanning real estate, construction, healthcare, and more. He was also a founding shareholder in Simply Healthcare Holdings, which sold for $1 billion in 2015.In public service, Allan was the first Republican to win his district’s seat in the Florida House of Representatives. He became Speaker of the House in 2004 and chose to step down after serving eight years, remaining true to his promise to prioritize his family and business.Allan’s leadership extends to numerous boards, including Florida State University, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Triumph Gulf Coast. Locally, he has served on organizations such as the Bay County Tourist Development Council and HCA Gulf Coast Community Hospital. His accomplishments have been recognized with awards like the NAACP Appreciation Award and an Honorary Doctorate from FSU.Allan and his wife, Tonie, have been married since 1975. They have three grown children and six grandchildren. Allan’s life story is a testament to resilience, vision, and servant leadership.