With over 30 years of experience in construction, Alan Holcombe, Tulsa, OK resident, has founded, co-founded, and helped small companies grow into thriving enterprises. Alan Boyd Holcombe’s ability to scale businesses is evident in the growth of his current venture, Summit Concrete and Construction Company LLC, in Tulsa, OK.
Mr. Holcombe has led Summit Concrete for 13 years as the managing member. This company, which he founded, initially focused on building residential concrete driveways. Now, he has led the firm to take on both commercial and residential construction projects. As a result, the firm has earned strong customer ratings, with over 200 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and the Better Business Bureau.
At Sawyers in Oklahoma City, Mr. Holcombe achieved significant growth as general manager. In just six months, he expanded operations to include a complete phone room, grew the team to five sales reps, and helped the company generate approximately $500,000 in monthly revenue. This scaling proficiency continued at Windows Only Inc. and Pinnacle Exteriors.
As the founder of Windows Only Inc., also in Oklahoma City, Alan Boyd Holcombe grew the company from a specialized window installation firm into a full-scale home remodeling business. At Pinnacle Exteriors, which he co-founded, he grew the operation from a one-room office with three people to a 3,000-square-foot facility with eight salespeople and support staff.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins with a disciplined two-hour gym session, which grounds me and builds the mental fortitude I need to lead. Whether I’m in scheduled client consultations or overseeing production work at Summit Concrete, this foundation of focus ensures I am fully present and effective. I prioritize clear communication and decisive action to ensure every task, from the office to the job site, moves us efficiently toward our goals.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I begin by visualizing the complete project in my head, much like I envision a finished concrete project before the first truck arrives. I then bring these ideas to my business partners for collaboration, valuing their input to refine and strengthen the initial concept. Finally, we translate that shared vision into a concrete plan of action and execute it with precision and dedication.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The trend of promoting a fall trade show is exciting because it creates a powerful, centralized event for the entire industry to connect and innovate. It’s not just about exhibiting; it’s about actively building up the local trade community, fostering new partnerships, and sharing knowledge. This kind of collaboration elevates the entire industry, which is a mission I’m passionate about supporting.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
My non-negotiable habit is a dedicated two-hour gym session each morning. This discipline does more than build physical strength; it fortifies my mental focus and resilience for the entire day. That initial investment in myself pays dividends in clearer decision-making and sustained energy, whether I’m in the office or on a job site.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to lead with curiosity by asking more questions and truly listening to the answers. There is immense wisdom to be gained from the experience of others, whether mentors, clients, or crew members. By talking less and listening more, you build stronger relationships and make far better decisions.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I firmly believe you can learn more about a person’s character from how they handle a loss than from how they celebrate a victory. A win can be met with grace or arrogance, but a loss reveals true resilience, integrity, and humility. It’s in those challenging moments that you see someone’s authentic self and their capacity for growth.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I make time for both the gym and being home. The gym clears my mind and keeps me disciplined, while home grounds me. I’ve learned that balance—between pushing yourself and slowing down—is the real secret to a good life.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I reset by either meditating to clear my mind or engaging in an intense workout to channel that energy physically. This practice, honed through years of discipline, allows me to step back and regain a clear perspective. It’s how I return to the challenge with renewed focus and a calm, decisive mindset.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Our most effective strategy has been an unwavering focus on delivering exceptional, quality work on every single project. This commitment to excellence naturally generates powerful word-of-mouth, turning our satisfied clients into our most vocal advocates. This consistent reputation for quality is what drives unsolicited referrals and has been the cornerstone of our organic growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
An early failure was not fully recognizing the seasonal nature of the concrete industry, which led to unpredictable cash flow. I overcame this by meticulously analyzing our revenue on a quarterly basis to identify the precise “why” behind our peaks and valleys. This data-driven approach allowed us to develop targeted strategies, such as offering complementary services in the off-season, turning a previous weakness into a managed, predictable cycle.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
My actionable business idea is to aggressively promote a fall trade show and marketing season in the concrete and construction industry. Most companies focus their entire year on the spring push from January to May, creating a feast-or-famine cycle. By creating a major fall event, we capture customer interest when they are actually planning their next year’s projects, generating vital momentum and sales during a traditionally slow period.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
While I’m not a big user of numerous software applications, I greatly value the seamless integration and reliability of the Apple ecosystem. The Apple operating system allows me to effortlessly sync my schedule, contacts, and project details across all my devices, from the office to the job site. This streamlined access to critical information keeps me organized and connected without any technical friction, which is essential for my productivity.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a birthday gift for my granddaughter. Seeing her face light up was a priceless reminder of what truly matters beyond business and daily demands. For me, investing in those moments of joy with my family is the most meaningful return on investment I can ever receive.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I consistently find value in Joe Rogan’s podcast due to its incredible range of fascinating guests and topics. The long-form conversations allow for a deep dive into diverse perspectives, from health science to philosophy and business. It’s a powerful tool for learning and challenging my own viewpoints, which I find directly applicable to both leadership and personal growth.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I’ve recently been enjoying Landman and Tulsa King, as they both resonate with my Oklahoma roots and business mindset. Landman offers a fascinating look into the complex, high-stakes world of energy and mineral rights, which is very relevant here. Meanwhile, Tulsa King’s blend of sharp strategy and character-driven storytelling is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Key learnings
- Discipline drives performance: A consistent morning routine, such as rigorous exercise, is not just for physical health but is a critical tool for building the mental fortitude and focus required for effective leadership and daily productivity.
- Quality is a marketing strategy: A business can achieve sustainable growth by focusing relentlessly on exceptional quality, which naturally generates powerful word-of-mouth referrals and builds a reputation that attracts unsolicited business.
- Embrace data to overcome failure: Analyzing business cycles with data can transform seasonal weaknesses into managed strengths, allowing for strategic planning that stabilizes cash flow and creates a competitive advantage.
- Active listening fosters growth: Prioritizing curiosity and listening over talking enables deeper learning from others’ experiences, leading to better decision-making and stronger professional relationships.
- Balance is foundational to success: Maintaining a strict balance between intense professional discipline and dedicated personal/family time is essential for long-term resilience and a fulfilling life.