Our Team

The Franklinton Rising team is a diverse group of Christian men and women who are committed to building positive, trusting relationships with our apprentices and supporting their growth into a productive life.

We love to teach and model a productive life that honors God and supports others, while demonstrating enthusiasm and patience to see the next generation of construction workers enter the workforce.

Our team is dedicated to advancing our mission with integrity, compassion, and a clear vision. Drawing from diverse backgrounds, we provide the strategic direction and day-to-day guidance that keep our program strong and impactful. Our collaborative approach fosters innovation, accountability, and a culture of inclusivity—empowering our organization to grow and thrive while staying true to our core values.

Tom Heffner, President

Prior to becoming President of Franklinton Rising, 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. theffner@franklintonrising.org

President

Tom Heffner

Ben Trost, VP of Operations

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 oversees the planning and construction of Affordable Housing as well as manages Apprentice recruitment and training programs. He lives with his wife Lori and their three children in Columbus. btrost@franklintonrising.org

VP of Operations

Ben Trost

Reno Johnson, Neighborhood Director

In addition to overseeing the construction operations of one of our Neighborhood building efforts, Reno is a mentor/teacher/trainer. He works closely with two to five trainees daily, teaching basic construction skills while building affordable housing, along with providing construction management at the build sites. 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. rjohnson@franklintonrising.org

Neighborhood Director

Reno Johnson

Patrick Johnson, Neighborhood Director

Patrick is a Neighborhood Director of Construction and Training with Franklinton Rising. He is guiding construction projects in Franklinton, teaching, training and mentoring trainees. Patrick learned construction working in remodeling for several years including operating his own business in remodeling, learning a wide variety construction skills. He then spent almost seventeen years overseas teaching English and mentoring. In 2019 he returned to remodeling with a focus on bathrooms. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design from Universitas Kristen Maranatha in Indonesia. His greatest passion is to help others understand how God’s love brings hope and direction into their lives. Patrick is married with grown children and attends Dwell Community Church. pjohnson@franklintonrising.org

Neighborhood Director

Patrick Johnson

Kan'ye Davis, Site Supervisor

Kan’ye is a former Apprentice and now a staff member. Graduating from Franklinton Prep High School in 2023, Kan’ye became an Apprentice at Franklinton Rising and learned construction skills and life and job skills in our program. After completing his training at Franklinton Rising, Kan’ye joined a local construction company for two years. He re-joined Franklinton Rising, but this time as a site supervisor, with a specialization in job site safety. It’s great to have Kan’ye back at Franklinton Rising, where he can share his story with Apprentices and enjoy training them. Full circle. kdavis@franklintonrising.org

Site Supervisor

Kan'ye Davis

Jameiya Williams, Site Director

Jameiya is a Site Supervisor at Franklinton Rising, providing training and instruction as well as supervision for a group of Franklinton Rising Apprentices. Jameiya is a certified carpenter and an interior décor professional. She designs and builds custom furniture for her clients. Mea came to Franklinton Rising because she loves being able to help young individuals learn new skills. She enjoys giving back and helping others realize their potential.
jwilliams@franklintonrising.org

Site Supervisor

Jameiya Williams

Kaden Johnson, Site Supervisor

Kaden works as a trainer, training one to five apprentices, including working on property maintenance as needed. Kaden has also been intimately involved in a church for 6 years including volunteering and working at Youth for Christ. He has also worked as a HVAC installer and continues to pursue a college education. He joined Franklinton Rising because of a love for construction but more importantly the opportunity to have an impact greater than himself.

kjohnson@franklintonrising.org

Site Supervisor

Kaden Johnson

Carl Shye, Bookkeeper

Having served in the accounting field as a CPA and business owner for nearly 40 years, Carl is focused on providing accounting services and advisement to non-profit organizations. A graduate of The Ohio State University and holding a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Carl began his career with Procter & Gamble prior to opening his own full-service accounting firm. Carl resides in Columbus with his family.
cshye@franklintonrising.org

Bookkeeper

Carl Shye

Carla Cole, Administrator

With a background in organizational change management, information technology, human resources, operations and training and development, Carla is pleased to serve at Franklinton Rising, providing administrative support, property management, grant development and compliance and marketing. Most of all, she loves serving the amazing Staff and the outstanding Apprentices involved at Franklinton Rising and the measurable results the team produces in the skills development and the lives of these young adults. Every day is an adventure and that suits Carla just fine! ccole@franklintonrising.org