Our Staff
Tom Heffner
Tom Heffner
Tom Heffner
Tom is the current President of Franklinton Rising and prior to this role, Tom served as President of Heffner Performance Group, also known as Compass USA, where he focused on mentoring and developing entrepreneurial leaders for organizations with 20 to 400 employees. His previous positions include President of The Magellan Group, a softw
Tom is the current President of Franklinton Rising and prior to this role, Tom served as President of Heffner Performance Group, also known as Compass USA, where he focused on mentoring and developing entrepreneurial leaders for organizations with 20 to 400 employees. His previous positions include President of The Magellan Group, a software/consulting start-up, VP of Franchise Sales at Gosh Enterprises, a fast-casual restaurant chain, COO of American Health Holding, a medical management firm, and Minority owner and Senior VP of Client Services at the Management Horizons Division of Price Waterhouse.
Ben Trost
Tom Heffner
Tom Heffner
Ben has extensive experience in custom home building, having owned his own company, Trost Custom Homes, from 2007 to 2017. He holds a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, graduating in 2021, and has actively participated in local missions outreach and disaster relief efforts. Currently, Ben serves as t
Ben has extensive experience in custom home building, having owned his own company, Trost Custom Homes, from 2007 to 2017. He holds a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, graduating in 2021, and has actively participated in local missions outreach and disaster relief efforts. Currently, Ben serves as the VP of Operations for Franklinton Rising in Columbus, Ohio, overseeing the planning and construction of affordable housing as well as managing trainee recruitment and training programs. He lives with his wife Lori and their three children in Columbus.
Reno Johnson
Tom Heffner
Reno Johnson
Reno, a mentor/teacher/trainer with Franklinton Rising, works closely with two to five trainees daily, teaching basic construction skills while building affordable housing. He intertwines these lessons with life discussions, helping young adults develop crucial life skills essential for success in the construction industry. With prior exp
Reno, a mentor/teacher/trainer with Franklinton Rising, works closely with two to five trainees daily, teaching basic construction skills while building affordable housing. He intertwines these lessons with life discussions, helping young adults develop crucial life skills essential for success in the construction industry. With prior experience in commercial construction and volunteering as a leader with Youth for Christ, Reno brings valuable expertise and mentorship to his role. He graduated from South High School in Westerville, OH, in 2021.
Ludwig Nelson
Ludwig Nelson
Ludwig Nelson
Ludwig, a Mentor/Teacher/Trainer at Franklinton Rising, focuses on teaching essential life skills, job skills in construction, and instilling a worldview of purpose and positivity in trainees. With over 5 years of experience as a carpenter, including work with Dave Fox Remodeling and small contractors, Ludwig brings expertise in rough and
Ludwig, a Mentor/Teacher/Trainer at Franklinton Rising, focuses on teaching essential life skills, job skills in construction, and instilling a worldview of purpose and positivity in trainees. With over 5 years of experience as a carpenter, including work with Dave Fox Remodeling and small contractors, Ludwig brings expertise in rough and finish carpentry, plumbing, and wiring. He received mentoring training through his church and has pursued education in carpentry and other subjects at Columbus State University. Passionate about supporting young adults in transforming their lives and beginning careers, Ludwig is dedicated to guiding them toward success and productivity.
Markell Wyche
Ludwig Nelson
Ludwig Nelson
Markell joined the Franklinton Rising Construction training program in 2019, quickly mastering carpentry and electrical wiring. By 2020, he was promoted to Project Supervisor and now serves as a Mentor/Teacher/Trainer, guiding young adults in life and construction skills. He also teaches construction at Oakmont Community High School. Prev
Markell joined the Franklinton Rising Construction training program in 2019, quickly mastering carpentry and electrical wiring. By 2020, he was promoted to Project Supervisor and now serves as a Mentor/Teacher/Trainer, guiding young adults in life and construction skills. He also teaches construction at Oakmont Community High School. Previously, he worked as a delivery driver for Key Blue Print and Papa Johns. Markell's dedication to youth development began during his time at West High School and continues through volunteering with Youth for Christ. He resides in the neighborhood where he works with his wife and two children.