Blake Allen- BRC Roofing and Cladding Australia
Founder and Managing Director of BRC Roofing and Cladding Australia, Blake Allen is a proud Aboriginal man from Gulargambone whose journey from hardship to industry leadership is a powerful story of resilience, purpose, and community impact. From foster care and early struggles to building a multi-million-dollar construction business, Blake has turned adversity into opportunity—creating pathways not just for himself, but for many others along the way, earning his spot as a finalist in the 36th Annual Indigenous in Business Category.
Q: What was Blake Allen’s early life like?
A: Blake’s early life was shaped by instability and hardship. Growing up in foster care and later escaping domestic violence, he left school early and faced periods of homelessness and substance use. With little guidance or support, Blake learned resilience the hard way—but those experiences also fuelled his determination to build a better future and break the cycle for the next generation.
Q: What led Blake to start BRC Roofing and Cladding?
A: At just 21, Blake became a father—and everything changed. Wanting to give his son the stability he never had, Blake made the bold decision to go out on his own after being denied a pay rise he needed to support his family. With no business background, no financial backing, and just $1,400 to his name, he started subcontracting under the name Boston Roofing & Cladding. That leap of faith marked the beginning of what would become BRC Roofing and Cladding Australia.
Q: What challenges did Blake face in building the business?
A: The early years were relentless. Blake had to teach himself everything—from quoting and cash flow to contracts and compliance—while juggling fatherhood and long hours on-site. With no mentors or safety net, failure simply wasn’t an option. Every challenge reinforced his drive to succeed, not just for himself, but to become the role model he wished he’d had growing up.
Q: What makes BRC Roofing and Cladding unique?
A: BRC stands out not only for its technical excellence in advanced metal roofing and architectural cladding, but for its deep commitment to people and community. As a 100% Aboriginal-owned business, BRC actively creates employment and training pathways through its Pathway Program, supporting apprentices, young tradespeople, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. The business is driven by values of integrity, opportunity, and cultural accountability—building futures, not just structures.
Q: How has the business grown over time?
A: From one apprentice to employing more than 40 people at its peak, BRC has grown into a leading commercial, industrial, and residential roofing company working with Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors and government facilities. The business secured its first million-dollar turnover within its early years and has since delivered major projects across Defence, Education, Health, and Infrastructure—while becoming the first Indigenous roofing company to achieve ISO accreditation in quality, safety, and environmental management.
Blake Allen pictured with Joseph Assaf AO, Founder and Chairman of the EBA
Q: What impact does BRC have on community?
A: Community impact sits at the heart of everything BRC does. Blake has committed significant resources to Aboriginal employment, procurement, mentorship, and grassroots sponsorships—returning opportunity and economic empowerment back into community. For Blake, success is measured not just in revenue, but in lives changed, confidence built, and pathways created for the next generation to thrive.
Q: What’s Blake’s vision for the future?
A: Blake’s vision is bold: to build Australia’s first Indigenous-led, full supply-chain roofing business—from manufacturing to installation. With plans for interstate expansion and partnerships with major industry players, Blake is focused on sustainable growth that remains true to BRC’s values. His goal is simple but powerful—to prove that Aboriginal businesses can lead, innovate, and compete at the highest level, while lifting community with them every step of the way.
