Although Allan's hometown is Tokoroa, most of his education was completed in Mt Maunganui when the family relocated there. He then moved to Hamilton and worked in accounting offices gaining invaluable experience for the commercial world, while continuing his studies at the Waikato Polytechnic. He then became branch accountant for Fletcher Merchants Ltd before moving on to be an area accountant. Allan was then approached by NZ Aluminium Franchising to be the management accountant. In 1990 he joined Harcourts as their in-house accountant. In his spare time he was involved in Archery, becoming President of the local club and was a level 3 coach. In 1998 he shot in the World Field Archery competition winning a bronze medal in the barebow division.