Justin T. Weller is a writer, founder, and community‑builder whose work bridges storytelling, youth development, media, and place‑based revitalization. He is the founder of Urbana Tomorrow, a family of mission‑driven companies focused on real estate, media, and event spaces, and the founder of the Urbana Youth Center—all rooted in a simple idea: small towns deserve big opportunities.

His leadership in community transformation earned national recognition as a Disney Magic Maker, an honor awarded to only fifty people nationwide out of tens of thousands of nominations. Disney selected Justin for his kindness, generosity, and measurable impact on youth and community wellbeing.

Raised on his family’s farm in Urbana, Justin learned early the value of initiative and service. At fourteen, he launched a beef cattle business, and by high school he co‑founded TrueChat, a media company dedicated to honest, open, and respectful conversations. Over twelve years, he grew TrueChat into a national podcast and radio network, producing syndicated programs and hosting The State of Us, which aired across more than 28 states and parts of Canada. Justin authored multiple articles for the Huffington Post, among other essays and columns. His work in media shaped his voice as a storyteller—one grounded in empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to elevating overlooked perspectives.

Justin studied psychology, political science, and public relations at Xavier University before returning home to pursue community‑centered entrepreneurship full‑time.

In 2019, at age twenty‑four, he ran for Mayor of Urbana as an Independent, offering a vision focused on collaboration, transparency, and long‑term investment in people. He came within roughly 200 votes of winning—an unusually close race for an Independent, first‑time candidate facing down a two-term incumbent—and the campaign strengthened his belief that small communities thrive when residents feel seen, heard, and empowered.

In 2020, Justin founded the Urbana Youth Center, assembling a team of educators with more than 150 years of combined experience to build evidence‑based programming for local students. Today, UYC has served thousands of youths, providing academic support, life‑skills training, and pathways out of poverty.

Alongside his organizational work, Justin is completing his debut novel, Life in Between, a literary fiction project exploring identity, belonging, and the quiet forces that shape who we become. His writing reflects the same values that define his public work: empathy, clarity, and a belief in the power of stories to change lives.

Justin lives in Urbana, Ohio with his husband, Bret, their Great Dane, Diana, and their cat, Delilah. When he’s not writing or leading, he’s collecting rare books, flying as a private pilot, practicing photography, or playing board games with family.